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”<br />
Thank You<br />
”<br />
Nevada State Senator, Becky Harris<br />
6<br />
FOR<br />
CARING<br />
ABOUT<br />
AND<br />
PROTECTING<br />
NEVADA’S<br />
SENIORS,<br />
AND REFORMING THE<br />
GUARDIANSHIP LAWS!<br />
July 20<strong>17</strong><br />
The Fat Lady Sings!<br />
By: Dan Roberts / Publisher<br />
“<br />
Hey Rana, you hear that? It’s the fat lady singing.”<br />
The opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings is one of my favorite<br />
clichés. Pertaining to our <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> guardianship reform efforts, it may<br />
not be “over” but even if the Diva is not singing her final solo - she sure is rehearsing loudly.<br />
It’s now one-month shy of 3 years that political editor (and my Ladylove) first approached<br />
yours truly to discuss guardianship. As I previously opined, I had no knowledge (or interest) in<br />
this subject.<br />
When I finally “gave in” (looking back on it, I probably never had a choice anyway) Rana and<br />
I had no idea that this would become the main focus in our lives. From our lack of understanding<br />
the scope and depth of this scandal to the final legislative passage of our <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> reform bills,<br />
it’s been an incredible journey.<br />
To sum up the result - protections (and increased criminal penalties) are now in place that<br />
will guarantee that you, your loved ones, friends and neighbors will never be “taken.”<br />
One new law (SB360) provides for a “Ward’s Bill of Rights” (including assistance from<br />
“a person of natural affection” and/or “an advocate for the ward”) while another (SB 229)<br />
establishes an official “Guardianship Nomination Form” with Secretary of State lockbox<br />
protections.<br />
The <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> will have (a lot) more information and details in future editions. We’ll also be<br />
doing our traveling seminars across the valley come the fall/winter months and will provide all<br />
the paperwork that will ensure that you will never be a guardianship victim.<br />
As you can expect, many “thank yous” are in order. First and foremost, Senator Becky<br />
Harris was as determined and dedicated to guardianship reform as was my Rana. I cannot<br />
begin to tell you how many late night (and early morning) telephone calls, texts and emails<br />
transpired between them during the recent legislative session.<br />
Harris’ actions were not of a politician, but as a committed public servant. The Nevada senior<br />
community owes a huge, unconditional and ever-lasting thank you to Senator Harris for her<br />
non-stop efforts in cleaning up the guardianship debacle.<br />
Supreme Court Justice James Hardesty, despite criticism from reform advocates (including<br />
this publisher) was outstanding. As the Chairman of the Nevada Guardianship Commission,<br />
he not only made sure that its recommendations were placed in Continued on next page<br />
Former private guardian April Parks in handcuffs<br />
Supreme Court Justice James Hardesty with Rana<br />
7
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