VICTOR JOECKS: Ford’s plans would rise prices

Aaron Ford is described as resembling a doctor whose attraction program for a diligent individual with a broken limb is causing further harm. In fewer than 100 days, Nevada voters will decide whether to re‑elect Governor Joe Lombardo or replace him with Ford, the state’s current attorney general. Ford’s campaign centers on affordability. He posted on X Thursday: “Nevadans can’t spend groceries, gas, and rent.” Politically, focusing on cost of living serves as a strategic move for Ford, diverting attention from his unpopular stances. He backs soft‑on‑crime policies, advocates for protecting immigrants convicted of crimes who are in the country illegally, and supports allowing boys to participate in girls’ sports. When questioned about Lombardo’s initiative to protect girls’ sports, Ford said he does not personally “support trans athletes competing in sports other than the sex assigned at birth.” Yet, as attorney general in 2023, Ford led Nevada to join an amicus brief that sought to help biological boys “participate in their school’s girls’ sports teams.” Critics call this position unfashionable, noting it explains Ford’s apparent flip‑flop. Ford aims to sidestep these topics and his ties to lobbyist‑funded junkets by emphasizing rising costs and blaming Lombardo, while acknowledging that lower prices are universally desired. However, recognizing a problem does not guarantee viable solutions. Many of Ford’s policy proposals would likely increase prices. Union‑related measures feature prominently in his platform. He seeks to repeal Nevada’s right‑to‑work law, favors granting “graduate pupil workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain,” and backs “Project Labor Agreements” on energy projects. These initiatives would raise labor costs, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers, shifting the market toward government‑selected winners and losers rather than protecting free competition. Energy expenses, especially gasoline prices, remain a major worry. Aftermath from the Iran conflict has driven up fuel costs at the pump. Nevada’s governor lacks authority over President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, a matter decided at the national level. The state obtains roughly 88 percent of its gasoline from California. Governor Lombardo has opposed Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies that have pushed prices higher, establishing a Fuel Resiliency Committee to explore ways to bring additional supply into Nevada. Ford has campaigned alongside Newsom, who previously championed a 2035 ban on the sale of new gasoline‑powered vehicles. When asked whether Ford supports such a ban, his office did not respond. On spending, Ford proposes expansive new investments in health care, housing, and education. This includes a pledge to “increase Nevada’s education funding to guarantee that Nevada’s per‑pupil education funding meets or exceeds the national average.” Achieving that goal would, realistically, require substantial tax increases. Months ago, a query to Ford’s office about whether he would veto any tax hike went unanswered. In contrast, Lombardo has pledged to oppose new taxes. Many of Ford’s ideas have already been tested in Newsom’s California. To gauge their effects, one can look to Californians who have relocated to Nevada to escape the high cost of living there.