Guinn seeks revamp of law on appointment

Thursday, Feb. 25, 1999 | 4:37 a.m.

Pete Ernaut, chief of staff for Gov. Kenny Guinn, says he has requested a bill to change the position's requirements so Dale Erquiaga can run the Department of Museums, Library and Arts.

Erquiaga, 35, a former deputy secretary of state, is supposed to take over March 15. But he doesn't meet a legal requirement that the director have an advanced degree in the humanities, history, library science or a related field. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Until the Legislature acts on the bill request, Erquiaga will serve as acting director of the department.

Erquiaga said he was aware of the degree requirement and pointed it out to the current director, Joan Kerschner, who approached him several weeks ago about the job.

Kerschner is taking a job as director of the Henderson library system.

Erquiaga worked closely with Kerschner during his six years as deputy secretary of state. During that period, he served as chairman of the state records committee and drafted changes in the state public records law.

Ernaut said Erquiaga's secretary of state service allows him to meet another qualification, that the director have four years of experience administering a public agency in the field of museums, libraries, arts or a related agency.