The Nevada “Power Rangers”: Billy Vassiliadis

Cross posted at www.nevadaobserver.com

Since it has not been long since the first debate between Jim Gibbons and Dina Titus, I thought it only fitting to mention one of Dina’s protégés. Billy Vassiliadis is one of the small group of four king makers and ear whisperers known as the “Power Rangers.” Billy V. as he is know in the legislative halls of Carson City controls the largest advertising agency in Nevada called R&R Partners, Inc. since he bought it from fellow “Power Ranger” Sig Rogich in 1992. His advertising company did not have much trouble becoming the largest and most powerful advertising agency in Nevada since R&R Partners, Inc. has an uncontested contract with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). According to the Las Vegas Sun, “R&R Partners Inc. was given a $67.4 million budget from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for the fiscal year that ended June 30 [2005].” Billy V. is adept at wielding influence and stellar at raising money for the Power Ranger war chest.
Some people again may be reading this and saying “so what?” The reason all citizens with a desire for fair and transparent government should always be concerned with the centralization of power. In Nevada, power is centralized much more than most people realize. Four is a very small number of people to control this state.
Billy Vassiliadis’ rise occurred when Rogich became more directly involved in Republican politics and Billy V. was quickly promoted within R&R Partners, Inc. to become its president in the late 80’s. Billy V. is behind the LVCVA phrase, “Whatever Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.” There was a flurry of controversy when it was realized that Billy’s advertising slogan was remarkably close to the motto used by Alcoholics Anonymous, “Whatever Happens Here, Stays Here.”
At UNLV, Dina Titus was one of Billy V.’s instructors and speaks fondly of Billy V. Titus, now a gubernatorial candidate, said of Vassiliadis, “He was brash and bold. He was energetic and wanted to get involved. I'm not surprised where he is today.” Billy must have learned his “go along to get along” approach to the increasing size of government from the liberal Titus. The thing is that when Billy V. goes along he is adept at making the State Legislature get along. Billy has spent his life left of center on the political spectrum but does not hesitate to cross party lines when the “Power Ranger” plan can be supported by a Republican. Such was the case when Billy V. became instrumental in getting Kenny Guinn elected as governor. Another thing we see about all the “Power Rangers” is that regardless of which side of the political spectrum they claim to be, the overriding use of their powers is to increase taxes, spending and the growth of state government power and influence over everyone’s daily life.
During Nevada legislative sessions the four “Power Rangers” can be seen conversing multiple times a day as they “huddle up” as if before an NFL football play then disperse to various legislators to influence the vote for the overall “Power Ranger” plan. Did you vote for any of these lobbyists? I know I didn’t. One saving grace for the state of Nevada is that our legislative sessions only convene for four months every other year. If we had a full time legislative law factory like Dina Titus wishes for much more damage would have already been done to the individual rights of life, liberty and property.
Dina Titus speaks constantly on the campaign trail about how Nevada is “on the bottom of all the good lists and on the top of all the bad lists.” Doesn’t she realize that we are the fastest growing state in the Union right now precisely because we are not yet burdened with the cradle to grave social entitlements that most states have had for decades. If the Titus plan wants to curtail growth in Nevada, instituting higher taxes and bigger government would accomplish that in a hurry. Turning Nevada into California will stem the tide of people coming into this state by making it less attractive to productive people as a place to live. Since it seems that the goals of Dina Titus are more closely aligned with the philosophy of the “Power Rangers” than the apparent goals of Jim Gibbons, don’t be surprised if Titus pulls out a surprise victory as governor.