Labor: Make all contracts public

Unions say details of all government pacts should be revealed

CARSON CITY — Labor groups said Friday if lawmakers want to require local governments to publicize proposed union contracts before ratifying them, the mandate should be extended to all contracts.

Senate Bill 158, which has already been approved by the Senate, was heard by the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee. It would require local governments to reveal details and background materials on contracts with public employee bargaining groups three days before a vote.

State Sen. Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, said the bill is “truly an effort to bring transparency to collective bargaining” and inform the public “what you bargained for and what you settled for.”

The measure was supported by local governments, business groups and the Las Vegas-based conservative think tank Nevada Policy Research Institute.

“The public has a right to see the bill before taxpayers are paying it,” said NPRI’s Victor Joecks.

Union representatives agreed with the idea behind the bill but said it doesn’t go far enough.

“We’re actually in support of the concept of the bill,” said

“We’re actually in support of the concept of the bill. ... If the public has the right to know, we agree. Let’s do it. But let’s do it for everybody.” RUSTY MCALLISTER PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS OF NEVADA

Another bill redefines fiscal emergencies

where it’s a win-win for both parties involved.”

He counts himself fortunate to have had parents who encouraged his musical pursuits even when he began adding instruments. He took plenty of lessons and eventually attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

These days, Gimbel might be having more fun than anyone onstage.

“It is an absolute kick,” he says. “I enjoy it immensely. I feel so fortunate my parents encouraged me to keep learning instruments. It’s not like they were being completely altruistic. The more time I spent practicing on the instruments, the less time I spent being picked up.”

In that regard, Gimbel might say he played his way out of trouble. Looking back, he realizes how important it was to channel that energy into something positive and creative.

Sandy Valley Principal Christopher Lounsbery appreciates the attention his hard-working students are receiving.

“What a great opportunity for the kids,” Lounsbery said. “… It’s a very unique school, and our kids deserve every experience that larger comprehensive high schools get in town.”

Lounsbery says the choir’s success will be celebrated by the community.

“People have come together for a number of things,” he says. “This is one more positive thing that the community can look to.”

The honor is especially gratifying for music teacher Auer, who has worked with some of her aspiring singers at the K-12 school since they were in the early grades.

“They’re definitely excited,” Auer said not long before taking the stage with her students and a few Sandy Valley alumni to help round out the 21-person group. “We’ve been practicing, of course, at school and outside of school. The community is definitely excited about it, too.”

Not everyone can make a living at music, or tour 100 dates a year with Foreigner as Gimbel does.

But, then again, if it can happen to a group of high school kids from rural Nevada, even for an evening, anything is possible.

No matter what the future brings to the Sandy Valley High choir’s members, they always will be able to say they hit the big time for at least one night. John L. Smith’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Email him at Smith@ reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. Follow him on Twitter @jlnevadasmith