The city of Needles, with a population of 5,700, located on Route 66 on the Colorado River, is considering seceding from California and becoming part of Nevada. The City Council has formed an ad hoc committee to look into the feasibility and benefits. Needles City Councilman Steve Thomas said it's time for a different kind of solution to Needles' problems.
"If you take the last 15 years, two-thirds of the Tri-state area grew, and one-third did not. Needles was the one-third that did not," Mr. Thomas said. "Bullhead, Arizona and Laughlin, Nevada grew in leaps and bounds and little old Needles here did not."
Ben Kieckhefer, press secretary for Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons, said it's not surprising that more people want to become part of Nevada: "A large and significant part of our population growth is from people deciding to leave California and enjoy the many benefits that Nevada has to offer them; whether it's lifestyle, (or) a tax-friendly environment for both business and individuals. We have no income tax and we have no corporate income tax. These are issues that are important to people, and it's not surprising that more people want to take advantage of it."
California state Senator Roy Ashburn agrees. He said: "California is no friend to businesses that produce the jobs and the economic health that the state and the communities within the state depend upon and I don't see that changing anytime soon. It makes some sense, that we do a state boundary adjustment, because Needles is having a very difficult time competing with a more favorable business climate, less regulation, less taxation and a more welcoming attitude towards jobs and business in Arizona and Nevada."
Senator Ashburn said he would be willing to help if residents decide that they truly want to secede. He added that he didn't see why it would be difficult to get federal approval.
Needles Planning Commissioner Georgia Breault doesn't like the idea. "I thought it was the stupidest thing I've ever heard of," she said.
Secession would require approval by Congress, both states and a popular vote. (Source: Needles Desert Star, May 29.)
Cal-Taxletter May 30, 2008
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