LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Nevada Legislature started its 83rd regular session Monday the way they always start: with calls for bipartisanship, working together for the common good and making Nevada better.
How long that will last is an open question.
But before the thorny issues vexing the state come before lawmakers for debate, there was the ceremony of the first day: Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Doug Herndon administered the lengthy oath of office. (This was a formality, since members of the Legislature are considered elected officials starting the day after the November election.)
Lawmakers signed their oaths of office, introduced their families and guests, unanimously elected Assemblyman Steve Yeager, D-Clark County, as speaker, and made hopeful remarks about what kind of a session they hoped it would be.
Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, D-Clark County:
Assembly Minority Leader Gregory Hafen II, R-Nye County:
Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, D-Clark County:
Senate Minority Leader Dr. Robin Titus, R-Lyon County:
Several members in their remarks made reference to problems faced by people trying to get to the capital for opening day. State lawmakers, and even the governor, had flights canceled or turned around mid-flight because of high winds at the Reno-Tahoe airport, the closest major airfield to Carson City.
Indeed, a Channel 13 crew was on a flight Sunday that was about 20 minutes from landing when it was forced to turn back to Las Vegas because of the winds. A rebooked flight scheduled on Monday was canceled, as were others that day.
Under the state constitution, the Legislature must conduct its business in Carson City.
Before the session, Channel 13 interviewed Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, and Yeager, in their offices in Las Vegas. We specifically asked them if they felt an obligation to work with members of the opposite party to pass compromise legislation.
"I think when you raise your hand and are sworn in for the position you ran for, there's an obligation for the public good," Lombardo said. "Unfortunately, in politics, I think it's become more of a Hollywood endeavor and a celebrity endeavor and recognition versus doing what's important as an elected official."
"I always think there's a way forward and a way to collaborate," Yeager said. "We run as Democrats, we run as Republicans, but once we get up to the session, we're Nevadans. We're there to try and find solutions, right? I think it is a two-way street, though. The governor says he wants to work together. We want to work together, too."
Do you have a question about politics, elections or the Nevada Legislature? Email Steve using the Ask Steve linkon our website and he will endeavor to answer via email, on air or online.

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