Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2000 | 9:33 a.m.
Judges are elected in Nevada, but there aren't as many contested races this year since so many incumbents are running unopposed. Still, there are spirited judicial contests for Southern Nevada residents to consider. The Sun's endorsements follow:
SUPREME COURT
In Seat G, Supreme Court Justice Nancy Becker is running for re-election. Her 14 years' experience in District Court and Municipal Court certainly served her well -- she didn't miss a beat in making the transition to Supreme Court justice when she was elected two years ago. Becker's opinions are clear and well-reasoned. She is, without a doubt, one of this state's best jurists. The Sun endorses Becker.
FAMILY COURT
There are three new seats being added to Family Court, bringing the total number of judges to 11. In Department I, Phil Beuth and Cheryl Moss are squaring off. Moss has handled a lot of pro bono work. She would work to establish consistency and build rapport with other judges. She has energy, desire and a strong work ethic, which would serve her well on the bench. The Sun endorses Moss.
It is disturbing, meanwhile, that Beuth has run a television commercial suggesting that because Moss is single, she wouldn't be qualified to be a Family Court judge. What nonsense. We want intelligent people on the bench who will administer justice fairly -- whether they're married, single or divorced.
William Henderson, who is running for Family Court in Department J, says a strong presiding judge is needed, and court rules should be more uniform. He wants to eliminate bureaucratic procedures that slow the legal process, allowing matters to be set for trial sooner. He also would eliminate laborious -- and costly -- agency referrals. Henderson has 15 years' experience and has lectured in family law for the state bar. Henderson's opponent, Lisa Brown, is interested in children's issues and works in the attorney general's office. However, Henderson's knowledge and ideas make him a better candidate for the bench.
In Family Court's Department K race, Beth Wachsman counts common sense as one of her strengths. She has been an arbitrator for fee disputes for the state bar association. She understands business and property valuations, which is a benefit in handling complex divorce property settlements. She says she has had a broad base of cases from small to complex issues. Her opponent, Nicholas Del Vecchio, has some good ideas, but his approaches to cases sometimes are ineffective. Although Family Court critics support more evidentiary hearings for getting at the truth in contentious cases, Del Vecchio says he favors fewer evidentiary hearings. Wachsman is better suited for the Family Court bench.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
In the Las Vegas justice of the peace race for Department 8, Ann Zimmerman is the clear choice. Before joining the Nevada attorney general's office in 1997 as a deputy attorney general to prosecute fraud cases, Zimmerman worked in private practice in Las Vegas from 1991 to 1997, primarily in the areas of family law and criminal defense. Zimmerman is thoughtful and energetic. Her advocacy of night court is something that Justice Court should consider. The Sun endorses Zimmerman. The campaign run by her opponent, George Assad, has been troubling at times. For instance, Assad inappropriately has tried to inject religion into the race.
A vacancy was created in Henderson's Department 2 justice of the peace position when Kent Dawson was nominated by President Clinton to be a federal judge. Matthew Dushoff is enthusiastic and has practiced criminal law, but Stephen George is an excellent candidate to fill this vacancy. A lifelong resident of Clark County, George currently is deputy city attorney with the city of Las Vegas. George would bring a mature and well-reasoned approach to this tough job. The Sun endorses George.
In North Las Vegas' justice of the peace race in Department 2, Natalie Tyrrell is by far the standout candidate. Not only has Tyrrell been active in community activities in North Las Vegas for a long time, she brings a wealth of experience to the post. Tyrrell has been a temporary justice of the peace in North Las Vegas and an alternate judge in North Las Vegas Municipal Court. She definitely would be a steady hand on the bench. The Sun endorses Tyrrell. Tyrrell's opponent is Mike Schaefer, who has had his share of troubles. For instance, earlier this year the State Bar of Nevada filed a petition with the Nevada Supreme Court, asking that Schaefer be disbarred for engaging in misconduct. That matter is still pending.
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