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BESTIES “This probably sounds funny to some people, but we’ve known each other since we were about 12 to 14 years old.” different development authorities throughout the state, the NDAs (Nevada Development Authority) and the EDAWNs (Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada), are going to be a part of a model that’s much more accountable. We’re going to use a contracting process. Before, there were allocations out to these various regional development authorities. Now, we’re going to say, “These are the jobs that we expect regional authorities to do and if you’d like to be able to present a proposal, please submit one and we’ll decide who gets those funds.” That office, the Economic Development Office, will decide who gets that funding and make sure it’s very accountable so that we count every dollar. Who’ll make the final call on what businesses get incentive money? The office itself will be making that call with advice from the board with the elected officials at the top and the various private-sector appointments. So that’s the office of Economic Development Director Mike Skaggs as opposed to the Nevada Economic Development Commission? That’s right. And the director of that office will be a gubernatorial appointment. This new board will make three nominations to the governor and the governor will hire that person. That’s something different because right now, economic development | 18 JULY 2011 | has been under the lieutenant governor. What the governor talked about during the campaign was that he wanted to make that a part of the office of the governor and make that a cabinet-level position. That director will be very important to the success of economic development. What’s the timetable for hiring the director? We’re looking at six months or so. The first priority is putting that board together. That was done July 1. We’re looking at the various appointments that need to be made and that group will put together the job description, find nominees and provide three names for the governor to consider. The current Economic Development Commission will continue to operate through June 30, 2012. The reason for that is that they approve tax abatements to companies. What we don’t want to do is have economic development stop while we’re reorganizing. The legislation says the new board includes the elected official or a designee. Do you expect the elected officials to be hands-on or will they hand this off to their staffs? I’m not sure what the other elected officials will do, but I know the governor plans to chair that and be present. It’s the priority for his administration and I know he really wants to be a part of it. So I can tell you he’ll be there and he’s always very well prepared. Will meetings be in Las Vegas, Carson City or in both locations with a videoconference? I imagine they could be held in both Las Vegas and Carson City or in either place. Is Governor Sandoval planning any undisclosed strategies for reapportionment? At this time, I don’t think we are. I know the governor has said he wasn’t going to be calling a special session. When the Legislature was in session, they brought up and passed a couple of bills, but they didn’t hear all the bills that were presented. They just introduced a couple that won and were passed out the same day. I know it’s just residing with the courts. Now for something completely different. Some people may not know your passion for triathlons. Any upcoming triathlons on your calendar you care to share with the world? I’m not sure. Last year, I was fortunate enough to do a couple of them, but I’m going to be out of town for the one I like, Donner Lake up near Lake Tahoe. Maybe I’ll get to do the one at Pyramid (Lake). The most adventurous triathlon I ever did was the Escape from Alcatraz. You jump off boats adjacent to Alcatraz Island and swim into the (San Francisco) marina area. Then, you ride over the hills to the Golden Gate and part of the run is on the beach. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 27 CATHLEEN ALLISON / ASSOCIATED PRESS