Giunchigliani files for fifth term

Thursday, May 11, 2000 | 11:20 a.m.

Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, filed Wednesday for a fifth term representing District 9.

Giunchigliani is chairwoman of the Elections and Ethics Committee and has been a leader in senior and education issues, health and regional planning.

Much of her work in the last legislative session centered on protection of neighborhoods. She authored the regional planning act, successfully pushed for property owner protection under the eminent domain law and ensured that group homes could exist in neighborhoods but could not become densely concentrated.

An issue Giunchigliani is expected to face, if re-elected to a two-year term, is legislative reapportionment, which she says would go through her committee.

"If Southern Nevada can get its fair share of legislative seats, we will be able to address growth, health, senior and education issues effectively during the next decade," she said.

Giunchigliani, 45, is a middle school special education teacher. She and her husband have lived in Las Vegas for 13 years.

Tarkanian has served three terms in her district, which covers the same northwest region as County Commission Lance Malone's District C. She said her experience in government and her familiarity with the Las Vegas Valley will help her serve as a commissioner.

"When I look at the changes in our community over the years I've lived here, I see a dynamic community," she said. "But when it comes to the way government has anticipated problems and sought community solutions, I know we can do better."

Tarkanian, who has a doctorate in education, has taught the deaf and is an advocate of education reform. She has been named Mother of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year.

Tarkanian is the wife of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian. They have four children and seven grandchildren.

Pike attended Brigham Young University and received his law degree from Pepperdine University. He currently is working at his private law practice.

Pike, 44, also is serving as a Justice of the Peace pro-tempore and is a member of the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Latin Chamber of Commerce.