Guinn says he can handle any criticism for long-term planning

CARSON CITY - Gov. Kenny Guinn says he's ready for any criticism that his administration is moving too slowly on major initiatives such as a possible overhaul of Nevada's tax structure.

"I'm well prepared to take whatever comes my way," Guinn said Monday when asked about his plan to wait on the proposal until the 2001 Legislature.

Some Democratic lawmakers have termed the Republican governor's $3.2 billion spending plan a status-quo document that doesn't account for the state's rapid growth in all areas and actually cuts some services.

But Guinn has said a looming revenue shortfall that could hit $140 million left him no other choice for now.

Guinn, speaking to a Nevada newspaper editors' meeting organized by The Associated Press, added that an "intelligent analysis" is needed before big tax changes are made.

He said the long-term approach will help in developing convincing data for whatever changes are proposed.

When the time comes, Guinn added that "everything will be on the table." That would include property taxes which are a key source of revenue for local - not state - government.

The state gets three-quarters of its revenues from sales and casino-related taxes. That's a result of a 1981 shift away from state-level reliance on property taxes.

"I think history will show us it was the wrong thing to do," Guinn said of the tax shift. "I was against it in 1981 and I may have been the only Republican who was against it."

On other subjects, Guinn said he hopes for a legislative focus on policy issues. That would be a change from the typical approach of many lawmakers to go through a microscopic examination of administration projects and spending plans.

The governor also is hoping for more flexibility in implementing programs approved by legislators.

Guinn also said that if Nevada's economy improves in the next several months and the predicted revenue shortfall eases, any extra money won't go for "pork" spending.

He said he's already promised to use any extra revenue to restore cuts, especially in services. Pay hikes for state employees also were left out of the budget Guinn recently presented to the Legislature, but he has said that's another possibility if revenues permit.

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