Some Problems We Face

Our Nevada Legislature will face many difficult problems in the 2005 session. We must pass legislation that will limit the exorbitant increases in the assessed value of our homes. Drastic tax increases could force seniors on fixed incomes and first-time homebuyers out of their homes. I am currently working on legislation that will hold annual property-tax increases to the inflation rate of the previous year or 6%, whichever is lower.

We must address the inadequacies of our educational system. Expenditures per student need to be much closer to the national average. Our children deserve to have textbooks.

The cost of prescription drugs is spiraling beyond affordability for our senior citizens—yet these exact same drugs cost considerably less in Canada, Mexico and other foreign countries. We must convince our U.S. Congressional delegation to change this outrageous situation. 

We are facing water problems in Southern Nevada—our uncontrolled growth has pushed us beyond our legal, Colorado River water allotment. Growth has prompted local authorities to increase the cost of our water to compel us to use less—not for reasons of conservation—but the water you save is being diverted to new construction (condominiums, apartments, etc.) to satisfy intense growth. This is not good planning. Growth is good so long as it does not diminish the quality of life of our citizens. If growth pollutes our air, causes gridlock on our streets and highways, and prices us out of our water, it is not good growth.

Assemblyman Mortenson has frequently complained to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of DOE’s incomplete and inaccurate science. The NRC has the power to deny DOE’s Site Application for Yucca Mountain if they feel the science is erroneous or incomplete.

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Nevada residents enjoy comparatively low taxation, and I am dedicated to keeping it that way. Even with the Modified Business Tax (tax on business payrolls) the legislature passed last session, businesses in Nevada enjoy the lowest taxation of any surrounding contiguous state. While I would like to keep business taxes low, I am more dedicated to keeping personal taxes low. Should it be necessary to raise business taxes, I will fight to provide exemptions for our small businesspeople. 

Governor Kenny Guinn confers with (then) Senator Jon Porter, Assemblyman Harry Mortenson, and Helen Mortenson. My wife and I have frequently discussed with the governor the necessity of maintaining and upgrading the quality of our state parks.

Finding Solutions

Solutions will be tough, but I believe that, with your support, I can contribute to successful solutions that will not compromise our quality of life. When faced with powerful special interests whose benefits run counter to the best interests of our citizens, I have consistently backed the well-being of the citizens and will continue to do so. I hope you will support and vote to re-elect me to the Nevada State Legislature, representing you in Assembly District 42. In turn, I pledge to represent and support your best interests.

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(Mortenson is vice-chairman of the Interim Legislative Committee on High-level Radioactive Waste. Mortenson is also a nuclear physicist.).

Scuttling Yucca Mountain

As the Department of Energy has continued to study Yucca Mountain, it has become ever more evident that Yucca has gross deficiencies in its natural barriers. As a consequence, DOE’s “science” also has shown gross deficiencies. The General Accounting Office criticized the DOE for 293 unresolved errors, omissions, and other technical issues in DOE’s studies. Nevada challenged the soundness of DOE’s safety standards for Yucca Mountain in Federal Court and won an initial decision in the summer of 2004. If subsequent appeals uphold the initial court decision, then Yucca Mountain could be significantly or permanently delayed.

Negotiating for Benefits

Why haven’t we been negotiating for benefits in the event that we lose the Yucca Mountain battle? Many people ask this question. The answer lies in judicial precedence. If a judge becomes aware that we are negotiating for benefits of acceptance, while we are fighting against acceptance of Yucca Mountain in court—that judge may deny our case on the principal of tacit acceptance. It is legal roulette to fight against acceptance while you negotiate for acceptance. Many court cases have been lost on the principal of tacit acceptance.