The Fat Lady Sings!

By: Dan Roberts - Publisher
 
“Hey Rana, you hear that? It’s the fat lady singing.”
 
The opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings is one of my favorite clichés. Pertaining to our Vegas Voice guardianship reform efforts, it may not be “over” but even if the Diva is not singing her final solo - she sure is rehearsing loudly.
 
It’s now one-month shy of 3 years that political editor (and my Ladylove) first approached yours truly to discuss guardianship. As I previously opined, I had no knowledge (or interest) in this subject.

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When I finally “gave in” (looking back on it, I probably never had a choice anyway) Rana and I had no idea that this would become the main focus in our lives. From our lack of understanding the scope and depth of this scandal to the final legislative passage of our Vegas Voice reform bills, it’s been an incredible journey.
 
To sum up the result - protections (and increased criminal penalties) are now in place that will guarantee that you, your loved ones, friends and neighbors will never be “taken.”
 
One new law (SB360) provides for a “Ward’s Bill of Rights” (including assistance from “a person of natural affection” and/or “an advocate for the ward”) while another (SB 229) establishes an official “Guardianship Nomination Form” with Secretary of State lockbox protections.
 
The Vegas Voice will have (a lot) more information and details in future editions. We’ll also be doing our traveling seminars across the valley come the fall/winter months and will provide all the paperwork that will ensure that you will never be a guardianship victim.
 
As you can expect, many “thank yous” are in order. First and foremost, Senator Becky Harris was as determined and dedicated to guardianship reform as was my Rana. I cannot begin to tell you how many late night (and early morning) telephone calls, texts and emails transpired between them during the recent legislative session.
 
Harris’ actions were not of a politician, but as a committed public servant. The Nevada senior community owes a huge, unconditional and ever-lasting thank you to Senator Harris for her non-stop efforts in cleaning up the guardianship debacle.
 
Supreme Court Justice James Hardesty, despite criticism from reform advocates (including this publisher) was outstanding. As the Chairman of the Nevada Guardianship Commission, he not only made sure that its recommendations were placed in the reform bills, but was there testifying and advocating for them before the legislature.
That’s just one reason why he’s called “Your honor.” Thank you, Justice Hardesty.
 
Our Vegas Voice family, including Sandy Lewis, Bill Caserta, Barbara Grostick and my partner Ray Sarbacker were there every day and assisting in every way. If you ever wanted to know the meaning of “unsung heroes” just look at them.
 
Last, but always first, to my PILL (partner in love & life). I cannot adequately express my admiration, respect and sheer joy in what Rana accomplished. (Of course, I’ll take credit for putting up with her for the last 35 months, but will save that tale for another time).
 
No one was more outraged than our political editor by this scandal and more dedicated, determined and obsessed to not only expose and clean-up the private guardianship gulag, but to achieve permanent solutions.
 
All I (and everyone else) can, and should say, is simply: “Congratulations Rana. You did it!
 
Cue the fat lady…