Kenny Guinn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenny Guinn
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| 27th Governor of Nevada | |
| In office January 4, 1999 – January 1, 2007 |
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| Lieutenant | Lorraine Hunt |
| Preceded by | Bob Miller |
| Succeeded by | Jim Gibbons |
| Acting President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
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| In office 1994–1995 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Maxson |
| Succeeded by | Carol Harter |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kenneth Carroll Guinn
August 24, 1936 Garland, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | July 22, 2010 (aged 73) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Resting place | Exeter District Cemetery Exeter, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic |
| Spouse |
Dema Guinn
(m. 1956) |
| Education | California State University, Fresno (BA, MA) Utah State University (EdD) |
| Signature |  |
Kenny Guinn (born August 24, 1936 – died July 22, 2010) was an important American leader. He was a businessman, a school administrator, and a politician. Kenny Guinn served as the 27th Governor of Nevada from 1999 to 2007. Before that, he was the temporary president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) from 1994 to 1995. He started as a Democrat but later joined the Republican Party before he ran for governor.
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Early Life and Education
Kenny Guinn was born in Garland, Arkansas. He grew up in Exeter, California. He married his wife, Dema, in Reno on July 7, 1956. They had two sons named Jeff and Steve.
He studied physical education at California State University, Fresno. He earned his first degree there in 1957. In 1970, Guinn received his doctorate degree from Utah State University in Logan.
Governor of Nevada
Kenny Guinn was first elected governor in 1998. He won against Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones. Guinn became the first Republican to be elected governor of Nevada since 1978.
When he ran for re-election in 2002, he won by a lot. He defeated state Senator Joe Neal. In 2005, Time magazine called him one of the five best governors in the U.S.
Guinn's Approach as Governor
As Governor, Kenny Guinn was known as a moderate Republican. This means he often found middle ground, rather than sticking to one political side. He focused on what was best for Nevada.
During his first term, Guinn used money from a national tobacco settlement. He created the Millennium Scholarship program. This program helps Nevada high school graduates with good grades go to a Nevada university. He also started a program called Senior RX. This program helped senior citizens in Nevada with their prescription medicine costs.
Guinn knew a lot about the state's budget. He believed Nevada's tax system was not strong enough. Nevada does not have an income tax. It relies heavily on money from gaming (casinos) and sales tax.
Changes to Nevada's Tax System
In 2003, Guinn suggested a plan to change Nevada's tax system. Many business groups and Republicans did not like this idea. They were against raising taxes.
After a lot of debate, some parts of his plan were approved. Guinn had predicted that the state would face money problems if the tax system wasn't changed. This proved true when the 2008 recession hit. Money from gaming and construction went down, causing a big budget problem for Nevada.
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End of Governorship
In 2006, Guinn did not support Jim Gibbons, who was the Republican candidate to replace him as governor. They had disagreed about Guinn's tax plan. Guinn said he hoped a Republican would become governor. Gibbons won the election.
Guinn's second term as governor ended on January 1, 2007. He could not run again because of term limits in Nevada's Constitution. His official painting hangs in the state capitol building in Carson City, Nevada.
After leaving office, Guinn joined the board of directors for MGM Resorts International. This is a large company that owns many hotels and casinos.
Death
Kenny Guinn passed away on July 22, 2010, at 73 years old. He died from injuries after falling from the roof of his Las Vegas home. He may also have had a heart attack. He was pronounced dead at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas.
Guinn is buried at the Exeter District Cemetery in Exeter, California.
See also
In Spanish: Kenny Guinn para niños
