by Pauline Lee, Keystone Corporation
Keystone Corporation hosted its first gubernatorial candidates forum at its 2022 Annual Breakfast on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the Orleans Hotel. Keystone invited 5 candidates to the Forum based on the results of a membership survey which was sent to each of its active members. The candidates invited to the Forum were Sheriff Joe Lombardo, North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee, former U.S. Senator and Nevada Secretary of State Dean Hellery, entrepeneur and businessman Guy Nohra and attorney Joey Gilbert. Las Vegas Councilwoman Michele Fiore was invited initially to be a speaker as a gubernatorial candidate but when she filed for the State Treasurer position, Joey Gilbert was invited by the Keystone Board to serve as a speaker.
Chairman John Gibson welcomed 300 guests to Keystone’s Annual Breakfast. His remarks were followed by Board member Kevin Kean who gave the invocation and lead the pledge of allegiance. Board member John Tsarpalas introduced State Senator Minority Leader James Settelmeyer, who talked about the payroll tax lawsuit and the Democratic legislators attempt to raise taxes in violation of the State Constitution and the State Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the extension of the payroll tax and increase in the DMV fees. Senator Settelmeyer then presented John Tsarpalas and Dan Tuntland with a check for $18,000 which represents a 50% reimbursement on the attorneys’ fees paid for by Keystone Corporation in support of the lawsuit.
Treasurer Dan Tuntland then moderated the Forum with the five gubernatorial candidates, directing them to keep in mind their experience and background in answering the questions related to four topics, all of which are referenced as part of Keystone’s mission: (i) low taxes, (ii) job creation, (iii) responsible regulation and (iv) diversification of the economy.
Each of the candidates were asked similar questions and their answers were diverse and reflected topics of concern to each of them.
The forum lasted approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, at which time the candidates met the guests after the forum concluded.
Net proceeds from the Annual Breakfast will be used by Keystone as part of its efforts to support pro-business candidates in the 2022 general election.