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VIPI Mission Statement

by Admin on 4 July, 2012 at 03:25
Posted In: Uncategorized

Great Seal of the Veterans In Politics, International

Great Seal of the Veterans In Politics, International

To educate, organize, and awaken our veterans and their families to select, support and intelligently vote for those candidates whom would help create a better world, to protect ourselves from our own government(s) in a culture of corruption, and to be the political voice for those in other groups who do not have one.

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Apr27

Attorney General compelled to sue Sheriff Gillespie for violating the open meeting law

by Admin on 27 April, 2013 at 11:21
Posted In: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

Attorney General compelled to sue Sheriff Gillespie for violating the open meeting law

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Gillespie asking Metro’s Fiscal Affairs for $26 million dollars in pay increase and benefits

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (April 26, 2013) – Endeavor Media Group, a full-service Las Vegas public relations agency announced today that Nevada’s top veterans organization, VIPI (Veterans In Politics International, Inc.) has requested Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto to file a legal complaint against Sheriff Doug Gillespie for knowingly and willfully violating the open meeting law. Sheriff Gillespie allegedly met with the Metro’s Fiscal Affairs Committee in a “Close Door Session” on April 22, 2013 to discuss receiving additional funding in the amount of $26,000,000 to give current employed officers a pay increase even though over 300 officers already earn more than $100,000 annually (Metro’s Salary): http://transparentnevada.com/salaries/2012/las-vegas-metro-police-department/ .

This is the backroom deal the Sheriff had with the Las Vegas Police Protective Association to get them to come on board and support Assembly Bill 496. According to NRS Chapter 241 – Meetings of State and Local Agencies, written notice of all meetings must be given at least 3 working days before the meeting and this meeting between Sheriff Gillespie and the Metro’s Fiscal Affairs Committee did not meet the exception criteria. VIPI is demanding the minutes and for action by the Nevada’s Attorney General including an investigation and lawsuit filed in District Court. All alleged parties involved may be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Currently Nevada leads the nation in unemployment, foreclosures and homelessness. Another tax increase requested by the Sheriff on the backs of already struggling Nevadans’ to give pay raises to employed officers seems unfair, insensitive and blatantly disrespectful to some. Statistics show that crime increases when Nevadans are unable to financially provide for themselves when taxes are increased and such a request can only mean that Sheriff Gillespie wants to increase job security for himself and officers.

In 2004 the Nevada voters passed an initiative to hire more police officers, this vote was done while former Sheriff Bill Young was in office, over 9 years ago times have changed people are struggling and Sheriff Doug Gillespie has wastefully spent tax payers money only to beg for more. Also Gillespie wasted over $42,000,000 of tax payers’ money on faulty radios that have allegedly contributed to the death of Army Gulf War Veteran Stanley Gibson. To help prevent another tax increase and crime from increasing contact Nevada Attorney General Masto and urge her to launch an investigation into the actions of Sheriff Gillespie and to file a lawsuit in District Court by completing this Open Meeting Law Complaint Form http://ag.nv.gov/Complaints/File_Complaint/.

In addition please contact your Nevada State Senator and asked them to give a “NO” vote on Assembly Bill 496 that will be before the Nevada Senate Committee this week (Nevada State Senators: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Legislator/A/Senate/77th2013/).

Veterans In Politics International, Inc.:
This mission of Veterans In Politics International, Inc. is to educate, organize, and awaken our veterans and their families to select, support and intelligently vote for those candidates whom would help create a better world, to protect ourselves from our own government(s) in a culture of corruption, and to be the political voice for those in other groups who do not have one. For information visit www.veteransinpolitics.com.

Endeavor Media Group:
Endeavor Media Group is a full-service Las Vegas public relations agency. Services include brand development, crisis management, media relations and more. Areas of expertise include arts and entertainment, politics and sports. Since 2011 Endeavor Media Group has connected its clients with customers nationwide through movies, television, radio, publications, blogs, mobile, events, signage and placements. For information visit www.emgnv.com.

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PR Contact:
Endeavor Media Group
Sasha Harris, sasha.harris@emgnv.com

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Apr22

Judge Mark Stevens receives an endorsement from Veterans In Politics International, Inc.

by Admin on 22 April, 2013 at 00:24
Posted In: Uncategorized

RELEASE
For immediate release

Judge Mark Stevens receives an endorsement from Veterans In Politics International, Inc.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (April 21, 2013) – Endeavor Media Group, a full-service Las Vegas public relations agency announced today Chief Judge Mark Stevens received an endorsement from the state’s top veterans advocacy organization, VIPI (Veterans In Politics International, Inc.). Too often incumbent elected officials and candidates vie for veteran’s votes by making promises and not fulfilling them once elected into office. Judge Mark Stevens is a diamond in the rough because he did not make promises during his campaign prior to serving his first term in 2007. As a matter of fact he said nothing and let his actions do the talking. He heard the veterans’ outcry and humbly answered without any motives.

“During a time period when Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding cities lacked a formal and functional court for veterans to recognize and address their unique needs, Judge Stevens volunteered and created a system that is dedicated to serving veterans,” said VIPI President Steve Sanson. “Lawmakers and others were divided and often cited reasons of why a Veterans Court had not been implemented such as funding and Judge Stevens just made it happen regardless of hardships including funding and legalities.”

Stevens, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Captain, Company Commander & Judge Advocate Defense Attorney (JAG) 1988-1994, was the first person whom took the initiative to establish the first fully functioning Veterans Court for Southern Nevada. Veterans Court has helped many returning service members to turn their life around to be productive members of our community and has proven to be a worthy program that has been an asset to the City of Henderson.

“My mission is to ensure that the men and women who serve our country are treated fairly in the legal system,” said Judge Mark Stevens.

About Judge Mark Stevens
Judge Mark Stevens serves as city of Henderson Municipal Court Judge, Department 1, taking office April 17, 2007. He was named Chief Judge in January 2012. Judge Stevens presides over criminal arraignments and trials, as well as traffic arraignments and trials. In June 2011, Judge Stevens initiated the Veterans Treatment Court program in the City of Henderson. This program assists military veterans charged with misdemeanor crimes while struggling to readjust to civilian life. For information visit www.votemarkstevens.com.

Please support Judge Mark Stevens
The Veterans In Politics International is asking everyone to support Judge Mark Stevens by filling out the “Authorization of Endorsement” attached document and forward it to the following email: davidwins@cox.net. Keeping Judge Stevens on the bench is an important factor for our legal system and Veterans Court.

Watch Judge Mark Stevens Video Interview:
Witness for yourself by watching Judge Mark Stevens interview with the Veterans In Politics International by observing this YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSvPzEadsyw

About Veterans In Politics International, Inc.
This mission of Veterans In Politics International, Inc. is to educate, organize, and awaken our veterans and their families to select, support and intelligently vote for those candidates whom would help create a better world, to protect ourselves from our own government(s) in a culture of corruption, and to be the political voice for those in other groups who do not have one. For information visit www.veteransinpolitics.com.

About Endeavor Media Group:
Endeavor Media Group is a full-service Las Vegas public relations agency. Services include brand development, crisis management, media relations and more. Areas of expertise include arts and entertainment, politics and sports. Since 2011 Endeavor Media Group has connected its clients with customers nationwide through movies, television, radio, publications, blogs, mobile, events, signage and placements. For information visit www.emgnv.com.
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PR Contact:
Endeavor Media Group 702.257.8850
Sasha Harris, sasha.harris@emgnv.com

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Apr16

Nevada Legislatures turns its back on Disabled Veteran Issues

by Admin on 16 April, 2013 at 12:01
Posted In: Uncategorized

For Immediate Release:
Steve Sanson President Veterans In Politics International 702 283 8088
Karen Steelmon Auxiliary Director Veterans In Politics International 702 238 5134

Nevada Legislatures turns its back on Disabled Veteran Issues

Las Vegas, Nevada

Veterans In Politics International (VIPI) fully supported Assembly Bill 271. This bill would have brought Nevada Law into compliance with Federal Law and ensure our Veterans’ rights are followed by State Courts. Title 38 U.S. Code, Section 5301(a), makes VA disability benefits immune “from taxation, claims of creditors, attachment, levy and seizure.” Further, while the 1982 Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) allows courts to distribute “disposable” military retired pay as marital property or as alimony or child support, the law also excludes disability compensation from the definition of “net disposable income” that can be divided under the USFSPA.

Currently, in the Great State of Nevada, divorce lawyers are demanding judges ignore Federal Law in obtaining awards of alimony for able bodied spouses through a Veteran’s military disability service connected benefits during Family Court divorce proceedings. In many cases, this leaves the Veteran in dire financial circumstances, some penniless and homeless.

The Veterans Administration provides disability benefits to help make our Veterans whole. These benefits are for the pain and suffering these Veterans have to live with for the rest of their lives. Some of these veterans are 100% disabled and unemployable. Awarding alimony based on these disability benefits to able body spouses is not only against Federal law, but inhumane.

Assemblyman Jim Wheeler sponsored AB271 and he needed seven votes for this bill to be voted out of the Judiciary Committee. Assemblyman Wheeler had seven votes. Unfortunately, the Chairman of this Committee, Jason Frierson (D), chose to deny the Committee the opportunity to bring the bill up for a vote. It is our understanding from credible sources that Assemblyman Frierson did not want this bill to be heard, or for the committee to record the votes of those opposing this bill, even though the seven (7) votes were there to forward the bill out of committee. Instead Assemblyman Frierson refused to bring the bill up for a vote and it died in committee.

VIPI has it on credible sources that the committee members opposing this Veteran bill are Lesley E. Cohen (D), Olivia Diaz (D), Marilyn Dondero Loop (D), Ellen Spiegel (D).

If there is any Special Class of Citizens in this country it is your United States Military Veteran.
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Apr09

Veterans In Politics and Canyon Springs High present 1st annual ‘Meet Your Clark County District Court Judges’

by Admin on 9 April, 2013 at 23:58
Posted In: Uncategorized

Endeavor Media Group
c/o: Andre’ Haynes, Principal
Phone: 702.305-0973
E-Mail: andre.haynes@emgnv.com
Website: emgnv.com

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Veterans In Politics and Canyon Springs High present 1st annual ‘Meet Your Clark County District Court Judges’

Las Vegas, Nevada Veterans In Politics International, Inc. and Canyon Springs High School and the Leadership and Law Preparatory Academy proudly present the 1st annual ‘Meet & Greet Your Clark County District Court Judges’ on Saturday – August 17, 2013 from 9am-1pm PT at Canyon Springs High School. Canyon Springs High School is located at 350 East Alexander Road, North Las Vegas, Nevada 89032. The purpose of this event is to promote voter education about the Clark County 2014 General Election and is crucial in training our future leaders, improving access to justice, and promoting transparency of our judicial system.

Students from Canyon Springs High School will be presented with the opportunity to participate in the ‘Shadow a Judge for a Day Program’. This program enables students to spend a day with a judge and develop a better understanding of how courtrooms function. Participating judges represent Dpt. s including civil, criminal, and family. Students are encouraged to share their experiences at the event. Moderators will give each Judge an opportunity to introduce themselves and share their background.

This spectacular event will be moderated by two outstanding leaders in our community: Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson and Clark County Public Defender Phil Kohn.

Judges:

The Eighth Judicial District Court is served by 52 elected judges. There are 32 civil/criminal judicial departments and 20 family/juvenile judicial departments.

35 District Court Judge has confirmed their attendance. 24 civil/criminal judicial departments and 11 family/juvenile judicial departments for the “First Annual Meet and Greet your Clark County District Court Judge.

Civil/Criminal Division Judges

Dept. Judge

I Kenneth C. Cory
II Valorie J. Vega
IV Kerry Earley
V Carolyn Ellsworth
VI Elissa Cadish
VIII Douglas E. Smith
XII Michelle Leavitt
XIII Mark R. Denton
XIV Adriana Escobar
XV Abbi Silver
XVI Timothy Williams
XVII Michael Villani
XVIII David Barker
XX Jerome T. Tao
XXI Valerie Adair
XXII Susan Johnson
XXIII Stefany A. Miley
XXVI Gloria J. Sturman
XXVII Nancy L. Allf

XXVIII Ronald J. Israel
XXIX Susan W. Scann
XXX Jerry A. Wiese
XXXI Joanna S. Kishner
XXXII Rob Bare

Family Division Judges

Dept. Judge

G Cynthia Dianne Steel
H T. Arthur Ritchie, Jr.
I Cheryl B. Moss
J Kenneth E. Pollock
K Cynthia N. Giuliani
L Jennifer Elliott
M Bill Potter
O Frank P. Sullivan

Q Bryce C. Duckworth
R Bill Henderson
S Vincent Ochoa

Additional Judges will be announced as their participation is confirmed. The Moderator and Judge lineups are subject to change without notice.

Veterans In Politics International

This mission of Veterans In Politics International, Inc. is to educate, organize, and awaken our veterans and their families to select, support and intelligently vote for those candidates whom would help create a better world, to protect ourselves from our own government(s) in a culture of corruption, and to be the political voice for those in other groups who do not have one.

For Judge registration in the ‘Shadow a Judge for a Day’ program or event participation contact Steve Sanson, President of Veterans In Politics International by calling (702) 283-8088 or send an e-mail to veteransinpoliti@cs.com.

Canyon Springs High School and the Leadership and Law Preparatory Academy

The mission of Canyon Springs High School and the Leadership and Law Preparatory Academy is to prepare students for success beyond graduation. This will be realized by providing a varied learning environment that prepares students to lead, participate, and contribute in a rapidly changing global society.

For student registration in the ‘Shadow a Judge for a Day’ program contact Nancy West, Magnet Theme Coordinator by calling (702) 799-1870.

Endeavor Media Group

Endeavor Media Group (EMG) is an independent and full service public relations agency that focuses on arts and entertainment, politics and sports. Headquarters are based in Las Vegas, Nevada and a satellite office is maintained in Los Angeles. Since 2011 EMG has connected its clients with their target markets nationwide through movies, television, radio, publications, blogs, mobile, events, signage and placements.

For sponsorships, media interviews, and to host this event at your school call 702.305-0973 or send an e-mail to andre.haynes@emgnv.com. Follow online at emgnv.com, facebook.com/emgnv, andtwitter.com/emgnv.

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Endeavor Media Group
c/o: Andre’ Haynes, Principal
Phone: 702.305-0973
E-Mail: andre.haynes@emgnv.com
Website: emgnv.com

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Apr04

Backroom deals between the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Las Vegas Police Protective Association

by Admin on 4 April, 2013 at 09:12
Posted In: Uncategorized

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Steve Sanson President Veterans In Politics International, Inc. 702 283 8088
Karen Steelmon Auxiliary Director Veterans In Politics International, Inc. 702 238 5134

Backroom deals between the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Las Vegas Police Protective Association

Carson City, Nevada I had the honor and privilege to be before the Legislative Committee on Taxation in opposition of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Sheriff Doug Gillespie for Assembly Bill 496 the ‘More Cops Initiative Bill’ to increase sales and property tax.

The Sheriff however had his resolution past and he came before the Nevada Legislative Committee yesterday with a show of force. Gillespie had the police Chiefs from several municipalities supporting this bill. I was not surprised by this show of support however I was surprised by the support of Chris Collins who is the President of the Police Protective Association (PPA). Officer Collins stated that all of his 4500 cops support this bill; I wanted to know if this was from a hand vote or ballot. Interesting that he speaks for the ‘cops’ with no real statistics around the ‘real’ level of support around this bill.

However, we were surprised when we saw the President of the Police Protective Association all of a sudden testify in support of this bill when all along he was against it until 4/2/13. The reason we were surprised is that the PPA have been lobbying against this bill ever since the bill was written; now they support it? After further investigation into the matter we found out from independent sources that the Police Protective Association and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department so happen to be in the middle of a contract negotiation. Could you say backroom deal?

The Sheriff was instrumental in explaining to the legislatures that the safety of our citizens are in danger and they need 510 more officers to keep them company or else. Can you say fear tactic. Not long ago the North Las Vegas Police Union displayed signs saying: “We can’t guarantee your safety anymore”! Sound familiar?

The Sheriff is sitting on a surplus of $136 million dollars from the last tax initiative, the Sheriff is attempting to put fear into the hearts of the legislature by saying how crime is on a rise and officers are defenseless because they are outnumbered.

Why is he attempting to increase taxes on a struggling economy when he has the money to support more cops?

VIPI (Veterans in Politics International) argued against AB 496 due to the following reasons:

1) The Collective Bargaining Contract NRS 288 and 289 needs to be revisited. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has 8 police officers on the Executive Board: Chris Collins (President), Mark Chaparian, Thomas Reid, Mike Ramirez, Scott Nicholas, Kirk Hooten, Daryyl Clodt, and Rory Neslund. These Board Members are paid with tax payers dollars as a Police Officer yet they do not do any Police duties and they cost the tax payers $1.2 million annually in salary alone. These officers loyalty are with the union they serve. They should be paid from union dues not from the backs of the tax payers, while turning their backs on the tax payers.

2) Sheriff Gillespie moved out of Las Vegas City Hall several years ago and has moved the police headquarters to Martin Luther King Blvd. and Alta. This building had to be retrofitted to fit the security needs for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department spending hundreds of thousand s of tax payers’ dollars. The Sheriff signed a 30 year lease and an option to buy in 10 years. The tax payers are paying rent on this building at a cost of one million dollars per month.

3) The Sheriff has several community centers around the valley. One center is located in the Boulevard Mall; it is retrofitted to fit Metro’s needs, plus signage, and utilities. No police officers are stationed there and it is manned with volunteers passing out pamphlets. We are not sure what the cost is, yet I can guess that the tax payers have and are still paying for this location in some fashion.

4) The Sheriff signed off on a high tech communication system in 2010 called Desert Sky since it’s implantation into the department it has had ongoing problems. It is one of the causes blamed for the untimely death of Army Gulf War Veteran Stanley Gibson. This communication system has cost the tax payers $42 million dollars. Now the Sheriff is searching for more money to purchase another communication system. While he claims this unreliable system will still be used, but it will only be used as a giant pager.

5) There are over 300 police officers making well over $100,000 per year: http://transparentnevada.com/salaries/las-vegas-metro-police-department/

6) When a police officer is forced to resign because they broke the law or/and departmental policies in any other cities they would lose their pensions. Sheriff Gillespie has rewarded bad cops by given them their full pensions, retirements, and in some cases keeping them employed. Again costing tax payers.

7) The Sheriff has dozens of police officers on paid administrative leave. Some officers were on paid leave for almost two years, there has to be a cap on this as of yet there is none! We should not continue to pay for police officers to stay home.

8) The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Fiscal Affairs Committee has paid out a yearly average of $4.5 million dollars; because of civil law suits by other police officers and the public at large due to numerous offenses ranging from discrimination to wrongful death made by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officers. This has been caused by the Sheriffs lack of training and the ‘shoot first asked questions later’, policies.

The Veterans In Politics International is not against more police officers patrolling our streets however we are against a leader who has proven time and time again that he is not fiscally responsible with tax payer’s money. If this legislature keeps giving him money he will forever keep knocking on the doors of tax payers asking for more.

These are just 8 ways out of many Sheriff Doug Gillespie has cost tax payers. There are hundreds of wasteful decisions he has made in his two terms as Sheriff.

In closing this Sheriff went before the Clark County Board of County Commission and the Las Vegas City Council for these bodies to support his resolution to bring before the legislature. The County Commission has a 5-2 vote and the City Council has a 6-1 vote. Sheriff Gillespie did not receive the unanimous vote he was looking for and we were unaware of the agenda items so we did not have the opportunity to testify before those two bodies.

A forensic audit is needed by an out of state independent firm; before any money is given to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department while Doug Gillespie as Sheriff!

An Interview with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Douglas Gillespie on January 28, 2012:

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www.veteransinpolitics.org

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