Laxalt in Fernley speech says Nevada has become more like California

Tax rates, regulations and the need to keep Nevada from becoming like California were some of the issues Attorney General and candidate for governor Adam Laxalt discussed as he campaigned Tuesday night in Fernley.

Laxalt is looking to succeed Gov. Brian Sandoval, who has reached his term limit.

“I’m concerned we’re heading in the wrong direction,” Laxalt told about 50 people who gathered in city hall for the event, hosted by the Fernley Republican Women and the Fernley Chamber of Commerce. “A consistent theme I hear is we are turning into California. Does anyone want to turn into California?”

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A resounding “no” was yelled back to him by the crowd.

Among those in attendance at Tuesday’s speech were Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, Sen. James Settelmeyer (R-Minden), Lyon County Commissioner Ken Gray, School Board member Kimber LA Crabtree, Mayor Roy Edgington and Fernley City Council member Stan Lau.

During his speech Laxalt said he is against higher taxes, increased regulations and having sanctuary cities in Nevada. There are currently no designated sanctuary cities in the state.

“I’m concerned about these things too, to make sure we don’t become California,” he said. “We’ve fought against sanctuary cities. The goal is to get dangerous people off the streets and out of our state for good.”

He also said the state needs “more school choice,” including education savings accounts.

“Where you sleep at night, your zip code, should not determine the type of education your children receive,” he said.

Laxalt touted the Office of Military Legal Assistance and elder abuse criminal unit he created as attorney general. The military legal assistance office has helped 3,000 veterans since it was created, he said.

“We believe here in the state, Washington doesn’t know what’s best for us,” he said. “I’m ready to fight for Nevada’s exceptionalism. Are you guys ready to fight with me?”

Laxalt also fielded questions from the audience, which ranged from ways to get Fernley a larger share of the state’s consolidated tax to would he consider building a wall between California and Nevada. He was also thanked for his stance on sanctuary cities.