LAS VEGAS -- Just two days into Brian Sandoval's term as governor and there is already frustration and near-rebellion by some of his biggest supporters. This all comes as the Agriculture Department's director resigned under fire and budget cuts loom large.
Agriculture Director Tony Lesperance agreed to step down on February 1, 2011 just as the governor wanted. But many fear those cuts could eliminate the department altogether.
The department keeps tabs on the farms and ranches across the state, keeping them within regulation. But recent budget documents show that despite the change in the cabinet, cuts are coming, maybe even rolling the department into another agency.
Many on the statewide video conference openly challenged Governor Sandoval's decision- making. Others fear angering him or as one put it, coming across as a bunch of rubes. Most just want answers about the future, starting with the handling of Lesperance's job.
"Governor Sandoval's the governor. He's not the emperor. I think we would like to have an explanation as to why he doesn't have any confidence in Tony," said former Agriculture Commissioner Jim Johnson.
The meeting took an odd turn when they called one of the governor's staffers on speaker phone to get more answers. A few board members openly worried about being hostile with Sandoval, saying that would bring an end to the department even more quickly.
8 News NOW asked for more clarification from the governor's staff about what will be next for the department and the commission. No response so far. The budget will be released soon and we'll know more then.
