Reno Gazette Journal March 28, 2021 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/03/26/its-time-open-nevada-business-sam-kumar/7005519002/ Last week marked the one-year anniversary of Governor Sisolak’s 30-day shutdown to flatten the curve. As we know, this was followed by a series of stay-at-home orders, park closures, mask mandates and a host of other restrictions through executive orders. Today, a year later, many businesses are still […]
Author: samkumar
Washoe County School District should focus on education, not politics
Reno Gazette Journal March 7, 2021 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/03/04/washoe-county-school-district-should-focus-education-not-politics-sam-kumar/6922076002/ In February, Washoe County School District (WCSD) passed an “Equity Action Plan” that calls for an “equity champion” in each school and “brave spaces” for students. This plan also includes mandatory “equity training” courses for teachers. In doing so, WCSD has inserted itself into a political battlefield in […]
Three Critical Structural Improvements for Nevada
Reno Gazette Journal February 14, 2021 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/02/11/three-critical-structural-improvements-nevada-sam-kumar/6713152002/ The Nevada Legislature is in its biennial session and the focus is on preparing and approving the budget for the next two years. While that is a constitutionally mandated part of the legislature and the Governor’s duties, there are significant long-term issues that Nevada should also plan to […]
Nevada legislative session: Let’s get ready to rumble
Reno Gazette Journal January 31, 2021 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/01/28/nevada-legislative-session-lets-get-ready-rumble-sam-kumar/4286091001/ Nevada’s 120-day Biennial Legislative Session is set to convene on February 1st. As with any Legislative Session, there is an associated backdrop. While there will be plenty of time for us to discuss policy between now and May 31st (when the legislature is scheduled to adjourn sine die), […]
California: Decline of the Golden State
Reno Gazette Journal January 17, 2021 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/01/14/california-decline-golden-state-sam-kumar/4157391001/ Just before Christmas, the U.S Census Bureau released the July 1, 2020 estimates of total and voting age population. For the first time since 1900, California will see an annual population decline, as the state’s population will drop by an estimated 70,000 people. Based on this estimate, for […]
Christmas hope from our nation’s history
Reno Gazette Journal December 20, 2020 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2020/12/17/christmas-hope-our-nations-history-sam-kumar/3934950001/ Christmas is nearly upon us. While this is normally a time of joy and celebration, for many families, this Christmas is also a time for sorrow as we look around the table only to realize that we have lost someone over the past year. Nearly three million American […]
Nevada’s post-election legislative landscape
Reno Gazette Journal December 6, 2020 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2020/12/01/review-2020-legislative-races-sam-kumar/3784115001/ Canvassing of votes from November 3rd election is complete and counties are in the process of certifying the results. While the focus has been at the federal level, there are some impactful results in races for the state legislature that are worth reviewing. To provide a little context […]
Sweet Home Nevada
Reno Gazette Journal November 1, 2020 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2020/11/01/nevada-36th-star-constellation-sam-kumar/6112781002/ Saturday, October 31 marks Nevada’s 156th birthday. On that day in 1864, Nevada became the 36th state of the Union. Last year, my Nevada Day column highlighted the reasons behind the formation of the state and some of the things that make the Sagebrush State unique. This includes […]
Recommendations for the 2020 general election ballot
Reno Gazette Journal October 18, 2020 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/columnists/2020/10/15/sam-kumar-recommendations-2020-general-election-ballot/3667552001/ Election day (November 3) is just over two weeks out. Mail-in ballots are already in your mailbox. This column provides recommendations for the non-partisan offices and the ballot questions with a brief explanation where space permits. University of Nevada Regent District 10: Kevin Melcher. Kevin’s brings prior experience […]
RNC and DNC: A tale of two conventions
Reno Gazette Journal September 6, 2020 https://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/voices/2020/09/03/tale-two-conventions-sam-kumar/5710897002/ The National Conventions of the two major parties are an integral part of the Presidential election cycle and a treat to watch. While this year’s conventions missed the usual pomp and circumstance due to COVID precautions, it was still worth watching. The DNC was almost entirely virtual, with […]