Tarkanian-Forbuss race expected to be tough

Jennifer Knight

Tuesday, May 21, 2002 | 9:50 a.m.

Lois Tarkanian, wife of former University of Nevada, Las Vegas basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, will run for a spot on the Board of Regents against Robert Forbuss, a Las Vegas businessman with deep political ties.

With Tarkanian's name recognition and Forbuss' potentially deep pockets, the District 2 race may come down to prominence versus money -- making it the race to watch.

Steve Forsythe, Tarkanian's political consultant, said the race will be a tough one but said the two candidates differ when it comes to background. Tarkanian, a former Clark County School Board member, is an educator, while Forbuss comes from the business world.

In a race where it costs between $50,000 and $200,000 to run a campaign for regent, Forsythe says this seat could get expensive.

"In terms of the fund-raising, I don't think there's any doubt (Forbuss) will have the ability to raise a lot of money, but at the same time so will Lois."

Of the four regent spots up for election, two being new districts created by county growth, 11 people filed for the unpaid position.

In District 2, Bret Whipple, an unknown, will run against Tarkanian and Forbuss.

In District 3, Regent Thalia Dondero will run against Paul Aizley, a UNLV dean, and Andre Yates, an elementary school teacher and UNLV adjunct faculty member.

Aldo Aguirre, a cultural diversity consultant for the Nevada Board of Education, Jack Lund Schofield, a School Board member, and Donald Edward Fondriasopolous, an unknown, will run in District 5, a newly created area.

Stavros Anthony, a Metro Police captain, Andres Ramirez, a Hispanic activist, and Jeff Knight, an unknown, will run in District 12, another new area.

It was thought that Laura Lopez Hobbs, who was appointed by Gov. Kenny Guinn to fill ailing Regent Tom Wiesner's seat, would put her name in for regent in District 2. But Hobbs said Monday that family and career conflicts kept her from doing so.

Otto Merida, executive director of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, said there was a concerted effort this year to get more Hispanic candidates into regent races.

"We find the Board of Regents one of the most important races," Merida said. "It's one of the key decision-making offices in the higher education arena. We are concerned about access to higher education. We need someone who is sensitive to that. I think that both Aguirre and Ramirez will do well."