AP Photo/Cathleen Allison
Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, right, speaks to a group of students and human services advocates outside the Legislature on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, in Carson City, Nev. The group has been camping outside the Legislature to show support for a Democrat tax package that would help ease cuts to state education.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 | 11:54 a.m.
Protesters J.T. Creedon, left, and Tyler Egeland set up a tent Monday, May 16, 2011, at the Legislature in Carson City, Nev. About 60 people are expected to participate in a three-day event organized by advocates who support a Democratic tax package.
Gov. Brian Sandoval brought doughnuts and coffee to his critics in “Sandoville” this morning, demonstrating how formidable he is in advocating for his budget.
Sandoval visited the group of about 20 students and activists who have camped next to the Legislative Building this week, calling their temporary community “Sandoville” to protest the governor’s steadfast opposition to raising taxes.
Sandoval fielded sometimes-pointed questions from the Sandovillites for over 15 minutes and defended his budget. Then the students asked to pose for a photograph with him.
“A recovering economy is the best thing for the state,” Sandoval told students, in response to a plea to compromise on taxes. Not raising taxes will lead to an economic recovery, which will mean more funding for things like schools and social services.
“We’re not here because we have nothing to do,” said one student. “This is serious business. We have jobs, we pay taxes, we vote.”
“You’re optimistic. We’re not optimistic,” said another student.
Sandoval, in both media interviews and private meetings with opponents, has shown an ability to stay on-message and defuse opponents’ anger with his kind, earnest demeanor.
Hot coffee to those camping in chilly Carson City didn’t hurt either.
“It was nice of him to bring us doughnuts and coffee. It was really sweet,” said Bob Fulkerson, executive director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada. “But we’re looking for something more than doughnuts, coffee and a photo-op.”
Kyle George, president of the Student Alliance and a student at UNLV, said “it was a good gesture” by Sandoval.
“He acknowledged the sacrifice. But there’s no real progress in talks,” George said.
Sandoval met with student leaders at a 1,000-person rally earlier in the session to protest budget cuts.
As Sandoval posed for photographs Wednesday, Fulkerson tried to gather attention around Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce, D-Las Vegas, a liberal advocate for increased government funding.
“I have someone here with solutions for every-day Nevadans,” he said.
As Sandoval left the picnic area with his senior staff, Fulkerson started a chant “Wake up Sandoval, wake up.”
Later, talking to another activist, Fulkerson said: “I think we let him off the hook.”
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