Guinn decrees term limits for state boards

CARSON CITY - The Nevada Constitution limits the governor and other state elected officials to two terms, and Gov. Kenny Guinn is extending that policy to major state boards and commissions.

After a person has served eight to 10 years on a board, it's time to give somebody else a chance, Guinn says.

''There are a lot of commissions we're looking at,'' says Guinn. ''And there is a variety of people who have never had a chance to serve who would like to serve.''

The Nevada Gaming Commission and the state Athletic Commission, two of the most sought-after appointments by citizens, are examples of boards that have members appointed by the governor.

Carrying out the policy isn't easy, as shown by the case of Dr. James Nave, who served on the Nevada Athletic Commission for 11 years. He's a longtime personal friend of Guinn's. But to give somebody else a chance, Guinn named Amy Ayoub of Las Vegas to succeed Nave.

''We all know people who serve in these public positions, even if they are appointed by another governor,'' Guinn said. ''It's not that they are not doing a good job.

''It's just opening it up to ... allow some turnover so other people can get the opportunity.''

''Generally speaking, when people know that's what it is when they go in there (two terms), you don't have to wait until they can no longer do the job or maybe there is a problem after 15 or 20 years,'' he said.

Most of these jobs receive little pay. For instance, members of the Athletic Commission get $80 a day for each meeting.

Former Gov. Bob Miller, early in his administration, said he would start the policy. But later on, the governor reappointed some people to third or even fourth terms.

The policy probably won't apply to minor boards and commissions, which Guinn acknowledges ''are very tough to fill.''