Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony is looking to the stars to bolster the state's economy, envisioning space tourism as the next significant industry for the Silver State. With its favorable business environment and ample open land, Anthony believes Nevada is poised to become a hub for this emerging sector, potentially drawing in entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk.
Anthony, who has served alongside Governor Joe Lombardo since 2022, highlighted Nevada's transformation into a premier destination for professional sports and entertainment. He noted that just a decade ago, the state lacked major sporting events, but now hosts professional hockey, football, and is set to welcome baseball, basketball, Formula 1, and NASCAR. This growth, he stated, demonstrates the state's capacity for innovation and its appeal to private sector ventures.
"The thing about Las Vegas is anything can happen here," Anthony said in a recent interview. "One thing that is of interest is space tourism. I think that might be a future here in Nevada because we have a lot of open land where… somebody like Elon Musk can shoot rockets up into outer space, hang out up there for a while, have some drinks. Hang out with friends."
He views space tourism as a unique adventure that could offer unparalleled experiences, such as viewing the Earth from orbit. Anthony emphasized that while the state fosters an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, the development of such industries rests with the private sector. He expressed strong support for entrepreneurs to pioneer new ventures and for the state to provide necessary backing.
Anthony's career in law enforcement for nearly three decades and his prior service on the Las Vegas City Council and the state's higher education system have informed his approach to public service. He believes his background has equipped him with problem-solving skills that translate to his role as an elected official, focusing on improving citizens' quality of life without imposing undue burdens like high taxes or excessive regulations.
"My job is to go out there and talk to people and find out what the state can do, what a county could do, what a city could do to make their lives better: helping folks live the American dream and not causing problems like higher taxes, higher regulations, getting in their way, those sorts of things," Anthony explained.
The Lombardo/Anthony ticket, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has also focused on economic policies beneficial to Nevada. Anthony mentioned Trump's recent visit to discuss the elimination of taxes on tips, a policy he believes will be an electoral advantage.
Anthony's political philosophy is rooted in the values of hard work, self-reliance, and fiscal responsibility, instilled by his immigrant parents from Cyprus. He stated, "Number two: you don't ask the government for anything. You want them to protect you, you want to have roads. But you don't ask them for welfare, you don't ask them for unemployment checks, you don't ask them for food stamps." He believes in supporting Nevadans while encouraging them to be self-sufficient.
Nevada has become a significant hub for entertainment and sports, with ongoing developments in professional sports leagues and major entertainment events. The lieutenant governor's vision for space tourism aligns with this trajectory, aiming to further diversify and expand the state's economic landscape.