Editorial: Assembly hopefuls endorsed

Friday, Oct. 20, 2000 | 10:20 a.m.

The Nevada Legislature will have a full plate when it convenes this February, including tax hike plans, health care issues, education funding, deregulation of the electric industry and reapportionment -- and those are just a few. It's critical, then, that our legislators possess the character and intelligence necessary to tackle these tough matters. Today the Sun will endorse the Southern Nevada candidates seeking election to the Assembly. Incumbent Democrats Mark Manendo of District 18 and Harry Mortenson of District 42 are running unopposed. The endorsements for the state Senate candidates will appear in Monday's paper.

In District 1, Democrat Tom Collins deserves re-election. Collins has steadily improved and has done an excellent job. In District 2 the Sun endorses Republican Merle Berman, who has been a solid legislator. In District 3, Democrat John Lee should get another term. Lee has done a commendable job, advocating important consumer protection legislation. In District 4 the Sun endorses Republican Assemblyman Bob Beers, who has effectively chaired a committee that has investigated problems with state agency computer systems.

Republican Barbara Cegavske is running against Democrat Kristen Hansen, who has shown enthusiasm in her bid for public office. But Cegavske, who has represented District 5 well, gets the Sun's nod. In District 6, Democrat Wendell Williams is facing a challenge from fellow Democrat Harvey Munford, a schoolteacher. Munford is thoughtful, but Williams, who chairs the Education Committee, receives the Sun's endorsement for his track record in supporting education's needs. The Sun, in District 7, endorses Democrat Morse Arberry, who has been extraordinarily effective as chairman of the Assembly's most important committee, Ways and Means.

Barbara Buckley, the standout member of the Legislature, receives a hearty endorsement from the Sun. A Democrat from District 8, the assistant majority leader consistently is a trailblazer on critical issues, including health care. In District 9, the Sun endorses Democrat Chris Giunchigliani, a hard-working, tenacious advocate for Southern Nevada. Democrat David Goldwater, who is chairman of the Taxation Committee, has done an adequate job and merits re-election in District 10.

In District 11 the Sun endorses Democrat Doug Bache, a reliable legislator whose performance has improved with each succeeding year. The Sun backs Democratic incumbent Genie Ohrenschall of District 12, who has championed issues critical to her district, including health care matters. In District 13 the Sun strongly supports Republican Dennis Nolan, who is a bright legislator. Nolan looks at issues objectively and can be counted on to cast votes that are absent of pettiness and partisanship. In District 14 the Sun endorses Ellen Koivisto, who has been a stalwart representative for her constituents and a steady presence in the Legislature.

In District 15, Democratic incumbent Kathy McClain has demonstrated her diligence and intelligence. McClain receives a strong endorsement for her work on behalf of seniors, education and neighborhood preservation. In an open seat, District 16, the Sun gives its nod to Democrat John Oceguera, a knowledgeable and energetic candidate who we believe would do an excellent job. In District 17 the Sun endorses longtime Democrat Assemblyman Bob Price, a legislator willing to stand up to powerful special interests, including the gaming industry.

The Sun endorses Democrat Assemblyman Jerry Claborn, who has done a commendable job in representing the residents of District 19. In District 20 the Sun supports the re-election bid of Republican Kathy Von Tobel. Her willingness to challenge conventional wisdom is needed in the Legislature. In District 21, Republican incumbent Sandra Tiffany has done a reasonable job but we strongly disagree with her bid to break up the school district. Tiffany is facing Democrat Larry Bettis, who is a solid candidate. Either candidate would represent this district well.

District 22 is fortunate to have Gene Segerblom as its assemblywoman. The Sun heartily endorses Segerblom, who is an energetic and a common-sense legislator. The Sun supports Democrat Richard Perkins in District 23. Perkins, the majority leader, works hard to forge bipartisan consensus on important issues that affect all areas of the state. The Sun backs Democrat Vonne Chowning, a tireless legislator who does a great job tending to the needs of District 28. The Sun endorses Democrat David Parks, who has been a strong voice for District 41. Parks' energy and conscientiousness are to be admired.