By: Rana Goodman

It would be an understatement to say that this has been a disappointing legislative session for the state of Nevada. That is not just my opinion, the newspaper columnist in Nevada has been writing about it each and every day. Yesterday, although it was mixed with a touch of good spirited humor at the end of the hearing, Assemblyman James Ohrenschall mediation bill drew a most unbelievable question from Senator Justin Jones.

Consider the fact that the presentation for this bill explains that many homeowners want mandatory mediation to attempt to settle homeowner/association disputes because the cost of arbitration is so high. (90% of arbitrators are attorneys). The problem is that most fear going to arbitration because of the cost.

By: Rana Goodman

As I have written before, your reaction to our editorials on AB 201 was overwhelming with, to date, almost 2,500 petitions coming in and effectively killing the bill. However, a few moments ago Dan Roberts received a phone call from a reader that I really wish I had intercepted. This gentleman wanted to be removed from our mailing list because of the article about AB201. You see, he wants to see an increase in our taxes. Maybe he is unaware of the amount of people who are still not ale to find work, those who are hardly able to hold on to their homes and make their payments. I just will never understand some people who seem to lack the empathy for others.

I have been working with seniors long enough to know that many, many times the choice has to be made these days between medicine, food, or a mortgage payment so raising taxes at a time like this for some of the elderly would be devastating. Have an opinion by all means, voice your opinion, absolutely, but why would anyone believe that their way is the only avenue to take? I know, I'm far too logical.

By: Rana Goodman

First came that sneaky AB201 (Assembly bill) and with the help of more than 2,000 of you, it died in committee, then very quietly we found out that the city of Henderson want to do a little house keeping and clean up their charter. In doing so, oh by the way, the 3% tax cap language will be removed and the words "appropriate rate" will take it's place.

Not one to be demure about things that rub me the wrong way, when this news was pointed out to me I wrote it up, posted it on my community blog in Sun City Anthem, added it to my FaceBook page and e-blasted it all over my community. Within several hours a fellow lobbyist who works for the city of Henderson called me from Carson City and wanted to talk about the bill. Of course my first question was section 23 and I asked  "let's talk about "appropriate, appropriate to whom"? He admitted that many people had mentioned that phrase and they would be willing to insert an amendment that reads: