Sandoval signs orders on ethics, business regulations

The ink wasn't even dry on his certificate of election before Gov. Brian Sandoval repeated his campaign pledge not to raise any fees or taxes.

"These are tough times with difficult choices ahead but I feel the worst thing that can happen in our state is raising taxes," he said.

Sandoval said he plans to work cooperatively with all stakeholders to find solutions to Nevada's economic troubles. He said he has already met with university system Chancellor Dan Klaich and the superintendents of all 17 school districts. He was to meet with the mayors of Nevada's five largest cities before the end of Monday.

He said they understand that there just isn't enough money to continue doing business the way the state has been.

Sandoval also signed executive orders mandating a review of all state regulations and setting ethical standards for his administrators.

Saying it will send a message to businesses that Nevada is a good place to come, he ordered a freeze on new regulations until the end of this year and a review of all state regulations to find and remove the archaic, ineffective and redundant rules that impede and discourage businesses.

He said states that overtax and overregulate businesses are losing them.

"That's why businesses are leaving California," he said.

"I want to send a message right away," he said, that Nevada will "have a regulatory environment they can understand."

The second order bars public officials from accepting gifts or other compensation that might be designed to influence that person in making public decisions.

Those barred from accepting gifts include his senior staff, cabinet and all division heads.

The third document he signed shortly after taking the oath of office is a proclamation encouraging all Nevada families to dedicate time every day reading with their children.

He also called on the state Department of Education, school districts, charter and private schools to develop a common assessment tool that will gauge reading proficiency of second graders before the end of this school year to help his administration and lawmakers see what changes are needed to reform education in Nevada.