Assembly District 29

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004 | 3:01 a.m.

Republican Josh Griffin vacated the Assembly District 29 seat after just one term, and he leaves behind a district that is virtually evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.

The crowded Republican primary lost one candidate when Anne DiMartini's residency was successfully challenged.

Recent registration numbers give Republicans a 212-voter advantage, with 8,761 Democrats and 8,973 Republicans.

Republican candidates include:

Anthony Bandiero, 28, a teacher and former lobbyist.

Bandiero is backed by Sen. Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas.

He promises to make government more efficient and fight unnecessary tax increases, work with the Southern Nevada Water Authority on water supply issues and help make schools a "positive, educational, challenging and life-rewarding experience."

Jon Petrick, 31, a physician and business owner.

Petrick appears in commercials for the Las Vegas Pain Relief Center, which he owns.

Petrick wants to increase teacher salaries while cutting the bureaucracy of the school district, putting more money into the classroom and giving families more education choices.

He would enact spending caps on state government and supports voting on education funding first. He supports tort reform and would support legislation to give Nevadans more say in choosing their doctor and to allow more competition among drug companies.

Michael R. Smith, 28, a real estate investor.

Smith lost to Griffin in the 2002 Republican primary, but said he was encouraged to run again after Griffin decided not to run.

He holds a bachelor's degree in microbiology and said he wants to help bring an understanding of science to the legislative floor. A fatheer of two, he said that a legislator with a family can voice families' concerns about keeping neighborhoods safe, holding schools accountable and ensuring a fiscally sound future for children and grandchildren.

Scott Ervin did not return the Sun's questionnaire.

Democratic candidates include:

Susan Gerhardt, 46, a retired Metro corrections officer.

Gerhardt continued her family tradition of serving in public safety and said she would work to help children failing in school, partly because she has seen the consequences of students who fail in school while a corrections officer.

She also would make it easier for families, especially seniors, to navigate the health care system and obtain quality care.

Mohammed High, 50, a small-business owner.

High, a licensed pilot, supports funding education first in the state budget. He also wants to recruit qualified teachers and improve the No Child Left Behind Act.

He wants to fight prescription drug costs by allowing more competition for drug companies. He said he would work for "peace and prosperity for all" by listening to the concerns of the public.