Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1998 | 10:09 a.m.
Unlike some other state legislatures, the Nevada Legislature meets just once every two years. In recent times these legislative sessions have lasted about six months. But there is an initiative (Question 5) on November's ballot which, if passed, will shorten the legislative session to just 120 days.
This means that legislators won't be able to goof off for a few months until they get down to business sometime in May, possibly July. In turn this compressed time will mean that it's even more important to elect candidates who understand the need to do the people's business thoroughly and expeditiously.
In today's edition the Sun will endorse candidates in Assembly Districts 1-18. Those candidates who are running unopposed are Assemblywoman Barbara Cegavske (District 5), Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley (District 8) and Assemblyman David Goldwater (District 10). The endorsements for the other Assembly candidates and those running for state Senate will be published on Thursday.
In District 1, Assemblyman Tom Collins faces Republican Jeff Knight. Collins, a Democrat, has been a steady presence in Carson City, representing his constituents well. The two-term incumbent should be re-elected.
Assemblywoman Merle Berman is being challenged in District 2 by two candidates: Democrat Lynette McDonald and Independent American Lucille Lusk. McDonald is one of the brightest newcomers on the political scene. The director of marketing and communications at UNLV, McDonald is energetic and bright. She surely would be a refreshing presence in Carson City. McDonald is the best candidate in the race and receives our endorsement.
In District 3, Assemblyman John Lee, a Democrat, squares off against Republican Nathan Taylor and Libertarian Lewis Roesberry. During his freshman year in the 1997 Legislature, Lee was a solid legislator, shepherding through legislation that would crack down on abuses by swimming pool contractors. Although Gov. Bob Miller vetoed the legislation, regulations were ultimately adopted that accomplished the same thing Lee set out to do. Lee isn't afraid to stand up to powerful interests and politicians. He deserves to be re-elected.
Assemblywoman Deanna Braunlin opted not to run for re-election, creating an open seat in District 4. Vince Triggs, a Democrat who once was a state assemblyman, is running against Republican Bob Beers, who had an especially nasty primary race. The state Ethics Commission ultimately imposed sanctions on Beers for deceptive advertising, a decision this paper's editorial page opposed. While we still believe Beers got a raw deal from the Ethics Commission, it is clear that Triggs is the best candidate in this district. Triggs, the executive director of the Nevada Association for the Handicapped, has the experience and common-sense approach to governing that the Legislature could use.
Assemblyman Wendell Williams, a Democrat who was the chairman of the Education Committee during the 1997 session, is running against Republican Arlene Southard in District 6. Williams has been an excellent legislator. In the next session he plans to introduce legislation that would set higher standards for child care centers. Williams deserves to be re-elected.
Meanwhile in District 7, Assemblyman Morse Arberry, a Democrat, faces Republican Craig Moore. As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Arberry plays a pivotal role in deciding how the state's budget gets divvied up and whether Clark County gets its fair share. Arberry has done an admirable job in looking out for the interests of Clark County and in so doing it also must be mentioned that he has been fair in making sure that all of Nevada, including rural areas, gets the funding it needs. Arberry should be re-elected.
In District 9, Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani is confronting Republican Mark Scarborough. Giunchigliani, a Democrat, was instrumental in getting a genuine debate started on how to deal with growth in the Las Vegas Valley. Sometimes her aggressive style doesn't sit well with the power brokers, but the fact is she is very effective and makes sure that important issues don't get put on the back burner. Giunchigliani deserves to be elected to a fifth term.
Assemblyman Doug Bache, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Bryan Henchik in District 11. Bache did a commendable job and had the unenviable task of chairing the committee that oversaw the legislation that would deregulate the electric power industry. For those looking for a change, Henchik is a good candidate who deserves a close look. But Bache, a schoolteacher, has been steady and should be re-elected.
In District 12, Assemblywoman Genie Ohrenschall, a Democrat, faces Republican Brian Clark and an independent candidate, Ed Flores. Ohrenschall, who owns a small business, has been dependable as a state legislator. She embodies the ideal of a citizen-legislator and deserves to be re-elected.
Assemblyman Dennis Nolan, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Bill Newman in District 13. Nolan is articulate, intelligent and has been a bright legislator. He also understands that to be effective in the legislative process it's important not to be seen as a single-issue candidate because legislators deal with statewide issues. A steady and common-sense legislator, Nolan should be re-elected.
Freshman Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto, a Democrat, squares off against Republican Mike Plaisted in District 14. Koivisto sponsored legislation to boost penalties for crimes committed on school property, including on buses and at bus stops. She also backed raising educational standards and increasing school accountability. Koivisto should be returned to Carson City.
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