Vegas Voice 9-17 web

There’s a new “sheriff in town” - figuratively
speaking. His name is Kevin Schiller, Clark County’s
new Assistant County Manager.
Publisher Dan and I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Schiller
recently to talk over my “issues” regarding the public guardian. It’s no
secret that Clark County Public Guardian Karen Kelly’s methodology of
dealing with seniors facing guardianship is vastly different than what we
think is proper and appropriate.
I’m pleased to report that Mr. Schiller, (who recently moved here from
Washoe County where he worked on guardianship issues) “gets it.” He
has already worked with many of the same people who joined us on this
crusade nearly three years ago.
With the new guardianship reform laws going into effect, (in October
and January) we will be starting our Vegas Voice seminars again to bring
everyone updated paperwork and information. Mr. Schiller requested to
be part of our seminars so that he can meet seniors interested in county
programs.
AND in the very near future, Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske
will have the new forms available for guardianship nomination. The
revised forms have been updated from what was suggested when the law
was first passed in 2015. On January 1st, your guardianship preference can
be filed with the Secretary of State. Of course, we will have all information
and new guardianship forms at our seminars.
AND we will also be working with Homa Woodrum, a fabulous attorney
who was recently hired by the Nevada Department of Health and Human
Services, Aging and Disability Services Division. Her official title is “Attorney
for the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with a Physical Disability,
an Intellectual Disability or a Related Condition.”
The short title is “Chief Advocacy Attorney” and we have total confidence
in her abilities and dedication. Homa and her office will be providing
guidance, assistance and training for our guardianship volunteer advocate
program. Now that the laws have changed giving volunteers “standing”,
we are confident our non-profit group can really make a big difference for
many of our fellow seniors.
AND the Nevada Supreme Court is now forming a permanent
Guardianship Commission (and despite my Dan saying, no!) I opened
my big mouth and volunteered to serve. Notwithstanding Dan’s wishes, we
will let you know what happens.
AND finally, at the end of this
month, Dan and I have been invited
to attend the North American Mature
Publishers Association (NAMPA - the
trade group for senior publications)
conference in Chicago. We will be
giving a presentation “Guardianship
Problems Facing Seniors” to
publishers/editors from around the
country. This invitation will give us the
chance to get much needed national
coverage on such an important topic.
Guardianship Update
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
Chief Advocacy Attorney
Homa Woodrum
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