Editorial: Kenny Guinn for governor

Sunday, Oct. 25, 1998 | 9:33 a.m.

He was an exceptional superintendent of the Clark County School District, and he helped bring sanity and responsibility back to UNLV as its president in a difficult time. He also has substantial business experience as president of Southwest Gas and PriMerit Savings Bank and has been a leader in civic affairs.

Each time he took on a difficult job and succeeded, he furthered our belief that one day, if he chose to run, he would make a fine governor for Nevada. Nothing to date, even a disappointing campaign that has failed to tell the voters of Nevada about the real Kenny Guinn, has changed our minds. He is the right man for this state.

We have also watched Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones ever since she first moved here to help promote and run her family's food business. We delighted, as did everyone else, in her exciting and spunky television commercials promoting Thriftimart and later, after her marriage to Fletcher Jones Jr., when she helped bring new life to the new and used car industry.

Throughout her significant business experience Jones never forgot her role as mother and community leader. It is a responsibility she cherishes most while giving of herself and her time to the public service she so enjoys. She is the right woman for this state.

While there don't appear to be significant differences in philosophy to distinguish one from the other, there is clearly a difference in style. Because we believe each would be an excellent governor of Nevada, the question is: How do we choose between the two and on what basis do we recommend one over the other to the voters?

We believe strongly in Jan Jones' ability to run this state. However, considering that the proliferation of gaming outside Nevada and the worldwide economic crisis might harm our tourist-based economy, Guinn's more experienced and steady hand is the one the state should have at the helm for the next four years. Guinn has proved his mettle under fire in public service and we're confident he has the grit to get the state through any tough economic times.

It's a close call, but in the end, Kenny Guinn receives our endorsement.