ent000961-004

Crosser suggested that the State Chamber reaffirm its original stand in opposition to a state-wide lottery in Nevada. This stand was taken in resolu- tion form some eighteen months ago by the board of directors. A motion to reaffirm the State Chamber!s original stand in opposition to a state-wide lottery in Nevada was made by Neil Plath and seconded by Wallie Warren. Motion passed. President Plath led a discussion concerning other possible legislation which may be introduced during the 1969 session of the state legislature. Possible legislation for additional taxation dominated the discussion of possible legislation of state-wide concern: Warren said that the matter of taxes will come up in the legislature, probably consideration of a state income tax. He felt that a local-option county sales tax for the support of Washoe County and Clark County schools would also be considered; Plath said that there will undoubt- edly be "agitation to raise taxes of some kind"; Crosser said that he felt that there will be a movement to introduce changes in the state constitution relative to the state courts. Plath, Crosser, and Bob Alkire engaged in a discussion of subjects considered during recently-held meetings which were concerned with possible court reforms in the state (including modernization, possible enabling legislation, etc.). Proposals had included the appointment (and the later election) of supreme court justices, elimination of the justice of the peace system, having district courts and magistrates only, and changing the method of financing the operation of the courts. A general discussion ensued of a proposed specialized school (incorpora- ting colleges of medicine, dentistry, etc. ) that would be established as a joint- project of several Western states. The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 12:45 P. M. A pre-luncheon informal get-together for cocktails was hosted by Ralph W. Crosser. Following lunch, the meeting was reconvened at 1:30 P. M. President Plath discussed the recent I. C. C. ruling which extended passenger train service through Northern Nevada for another year. State Chamber opposition to discontinuance of rail passenger service through Northern Nevada was credited as being one of the reasons behind the I. C. C. decision. John Ryan of Elko was cited by President Plath for his participation (on behalf of the State Chamber) at the hearing conducted by the I. C.C. in Elko on this matter. Plath said that he understood that both railroads involved in this matter would each have to continue running their scheduled passenger trains for one more year, after which time they (the railroads) can refile with the I. C. C. to discontinue running more than one train each way per day. Plath said that he feels that the railroads may eventually consolidate their rail passenger service through Northern Nevada. - 3 -