Editorial: Assembly candidates endorsed

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002 | 8:59 a.m.

Today the Sun endorses Assembly candidates who are running in Districts 1 through 20 in Clark County. Democratic Assemblywomen Chris Giunchigliani (District 9) and Genie Ohrenschall (District 12) don't have opponents and automatically will be elected. On Friday the Sun will wrap up its remaining Assembly endorsements for candidates from Clark County and will also offer its recommendations in state Senate races.

In District 1, Assemblyman Tom Collins, a Democrat, is seeking his fourth term. Collins has an excellent command of the issues and he has been a first-rate representative for his district. The Sun endorses Tom Collins. Republican Garn Mabey defeated the incumbent in the primary, Merle Berman, who represented District 2. We disagree strongly with his view that the state shouldn't continue to support funding the state's legal fight against the Yucca Mountain Project. But Mabey only has token opposition and, aside from his stand on the Yucca Mountain legal fight, he appears to understand the key issues facing the state. The Sun recommends Garn Mabey.

Peggy Pierce, the Democratic candidate in District 3, is correct in drawing attention to Nevada's need to improve its services. She would support mass transit, increased education funding, and better health care. The Sun endorses Peggy Pierce. Assemblyman Bob Beers, a Republican, is running for his third term from District 4. Beers is intelligent and has been a solid representative for his constituents. We believe Bob Beers deserves another term.

Dr. John Ellerton, chief of staff at University Medical Center and the Democratic candidate for District 5, believes the medical malpractice law that passed may need adjustment to ensure that patients receive good care. Ellerton also says education funding should be increased according to the state's need and not necessarily by trying to match a national average. The Sun endorses John Ellerton. Assemblyman Wendell Williams, a Democrat and chairman of the Education Committee, wants another term representing District 6. He has done a respectable job in Carson City. The Sun recommends Wendell Williams.

Nine-term Assemblyman Morse Arberry, a Democrat and chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, represents District 7. Arberry, as chairman of the money committee, has one of the most demanding posts in the Assembly. But he has handled that job adroitly and served his constituents well, too. The Sun endorses Morse Arberry. Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, a Democrat from District 8, is an outstanding legislator. Not only does she come up with innovative policy solutions to tough problems, but she also has a remarkable ability to build consensus on issues that usually get bogged down in partisanship -- health care to name but one. The Sun endorses Barbara Buckley.

Assemblyman David Goldwater, a Democrat who represents District 10, had a productive session during the 2001 Legislature. He authored legislation that provides financial help for low-income people who have difficulty paying their power bills. We believe David Goldwater should be re-elected. In District 11, the Democratic candidate, Bob McCleary, is well versed on the state's need for improved services and supports a substantial increase in education funding. The Sun recommends Bob McCleary.

Mike Slater, director of the Las Vegas Interfaith Council for Worker Justice, is the Democratic candidate for District 13. He has established a solid record of public service in his current position. Public education is a priority for Slater and he supports substantial, but incremental, increases in state funding. The Sun endorses Mike Slater.

In District 14, Democratic Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto has championed health care issues. She worked to get funding to treat breast and cervical cancers for women with low incomes or no insurance, and she has supported better care for the disabled. The Sun endorses Ellen Koivisto. Democratic Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, who represents District 15, has been a steadfast supporter of more assistance for education and has been diligent in addressing issues that affect seniors. We believe Kathy McClain deserves another term.

First elected two years ago, Democrat John Oceguera has established himself as an effective and responsive representative for District 16. He supports increased attention to education and other state services. The Sun endorses John Oceguera. The Democratic candidate for District 17 is Kelvin Atkinson, who defeated 14-term Assemblyman Bob Price by waging an energetic primary. In his position as neighborhood liaison for County Commission District G, Atkinson knows well the people and issues of his district. Education is his No. 1 priority. The Sun endorses Kelvin Atkinson.

In District 18, Democrat Mark Manendo is running for his fifth term. He has served his district well in supporting important services to Nevadans. He supports lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers to 0.08 and would create a no-call list and fine telemarketers who violate it. The Sun endorses Mark Manendo. The Democratic candidate for District 19, Jerry Claborn, has served two terms and has been a strong voice for senior citizens. The Sun recommends Jerry Claborn.

Gene Segerblom, who previously served four terms in the Legislature, is the Democratic candidate in District 20. Her outstanding record in the Legislature gives her the edge over Boulder City Councilman and Republican candidate Joe Hardy. The Sun endorses Gene Segerblom.