Former Nevada Taxpayers Association president dies

By Jonah Dylan Las Vegas Review-Journal

2 years ago

Carole Vilardo, president of the Nevada Taxpayers Association, seen in 2010. (Las Vegas Review ... — Carole Vilardo, president of the Nevada Taxpayers Association, seen in 2010. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Lobbyist Carole Vilardo talks with Nevada Assembly Speaker John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, late Monday night, June 6, 2011, at the Legislature in Carson City, Nev. as lawmakers approach the final hours of the Legislative session. (AP Photo/Cathleen Allison)

Carole Vilardo of the Nevada Taxpayers Association, seen at the KLAS Channel 8 studio in Las Vegas in 2011. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Carole Vilardo, president of the Nevada Taxpayers Association, seen in 2007. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Lobbyist Carole Vilardo, right, speaks with Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, in the Senate Chambers on Saturday, May 31, 2009 at the Nevada Legislature. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Lobbyist Carole Vilardo speaks with Senators Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, left, and Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, at the Nevada Legislature in Carson City, Nev., on Friday, May 22, 2009. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Carole Vilardo, seen in 1989. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Carole Vilardo, seen in an undated photo. (Las Vegas News Bureau)

Carole Vilardo, seen in 1983. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Carole Vilardo, the former president of the Nevada Taxpayers Association, died Sunday in Las Vegas at the age of 80, the group said.

Vilardo started with the NTA in 1986, overseeing the Southern Nevada office and lobbying at the Legislature. She was named acting executive director in 1988 and president in 1989, a position she held until her retirement in 2016.

An NTA news release remembered her as “a taxpayer advocate icon.”

“She was a careful, creative, and critical thinker who read broadly and thought deeply. With Carole’s passing, she leaves behind a legacy that will long serve as a benchmark for all Nevadans,” NTA President Cindy Creighton said in the release. “It was an absolute privilege to be her friend, be inspired by her vision and guidance, and to listen to her incredible stories and history lessons.”

Throughout her career, Vilardo served on several state and local committees and held the position of public member on two studies of Nevada’s tax system.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak shared his condolences on Twitter.

“Kathy & I are keeping Carole’s family & friends in our prayers as they mourn her passing,” he wrote. “Carole’s impact on Nevada will be felt for generations.”

Kathy & I are keeping Carole’s family & friends in our prayers as they mourn her passing. Carole’s impact on Nevada will be felt for generations. Six years ago, Jane Ann Morrison wrote “Carole Vilardo is simply irreplaceable.” That’s true. https://t.co/suj3Qrex5U

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) December 6, 2021

The Vegas Chamber also weighed in.

“RIP Carole Vilardo,” the organization wrote on Twitter. “Through her many years with @NevadaTaxpayers, she guided NV leaders on the fundamentals of good tax policy. She was a trusted voice & served the very best interests of our state. The Vegas Chamber valued our relationship with Carole & will miss her.”

RIP Carole Vilardo. Through her many years with @NevadaTaxpayers, she guided NV leaders on the fundamentals of good tax policy. She was a trusted voice & served the very best interests of our state. The Vegas Chamber valued our relationship with Carole & will miss her.

— Vegas Chamber (@lvchamber) December 6, 2021

Sisolak also shared a Review-Journal story from 2016, written just after Vilardo’s retirement, that examines her legacy and impact on Las Vegas and the Silver State.

A viewing for Vilardo will be held from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at the Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway in Henderson. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at the mortuary.

Contact Jonah Dylan at jdylan@reviewjournal.com. Follow @TheJonahDylan on Twitter.