Chat with Chic, September 9, 1985

A Report from Washington September 9, 1985 Chat with Chic by U.S. SENATOR CHIC HECHT There is no better way to determine what's on the minds of Nevadans than to ask them, face-to-face. It's refreshing to hear the people speak out on the numerous issues. They are responsible for making my third annual "Chat with Chic" tour of the state another huge success. Accompanied by nine members of my Washington and Nevada staffs, we travelled in two vans more than 1600 miles, visiting with constituents in 18 communities during late August and early September when Congress was in its traditional recess. During the nine-day tour which took us from Las Vegas to Jackpot on the Idaho border and through middle Nevada to the Carson City/Reno area, one thing emerged loud and clear: Nevadans are exceptionally well informed on state, national and international issues. They also keep track on how those of us in Congress cast our votes. Rural Nevadans expressed great interest in a lot of issues running the gamut from the controversial South African situation and the impact of imports on domestic industries (especially on mining and agriculture) to Nevada issues including nuclear energy, wilder-ness, and the Bureau of Land Management's handling of the numerous range fires which have blackened much of our state this year. One rancher in Battle Mountain told us, for example, that meals for a fire-fighting crew in Northern Nevada were catered and flown in from Las Vegas at a cost of $45,000 to taxpayers. I fully intend to find out more about this. Although some portions of our state remain economically depressed, there is a strong M o r e . . . . CHAT WITH CHIC September 9, 1985 Page two sense of optimism among Nevadans. They believe strongly that many answers lie, not in Washington, but in the American private enterprise system. Jane Cottonwood's ribbon factory in Beatty is a good example. She and her hard-working employees have but together a business with world-wide connections and without government assistance. Allan Young, President of the Nevada Mining Association summed it up pretty well during a luncheon meeting in Tonopah when we were discussing mineral imports: "Senator, we can compete and we're not asking for help. Just don't hurt us too much in Washington." In Virginia City there is a thriving business going on, in the restoration of old buildings. Enterprising people are taking advantage of current law which provides a tax credit of up to 25 percent for rehabilitation of certified historical structures. This provides jobs for local citizens while placing properties back on the tax rolls. It's a good program. People of Nevada rightfully are concerned about a number of congressional issues. They know the budget deficit should be brought under control, and it should be done through spending cuts and not tax increases. Hopefully, many other members of Congress spent the August recess listening to their constituents. It's a healthy exercise that has been known to prevent that fatal Capitol Hill ailment known as Potomac Fever! If the politicians in Washington would heed the good common sense of the people back home, we could take some meaningful steps to balance the budget. I would like to express my thanks to all of you who took time from busy schedules to share your views with us. My staff and I are always impressed with the courtesy, warmth and hospitality we encounter throughout Nevada. We look forward to our fourth annual "Chat with Chic" tour next summer.