ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 12

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 | 1:33 a.m.

Five-time Assemblywoman Genie Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, faces Republican Brandon Casutt in the race for District 12.

In 2002, Ohrenschall, a 58-year-old attorney and businesswoman, ran unopposed.

The district, which includes the east side of Las Vegas between Sahara Avenue and Charleston Boulevard, has almost twice as many Democrats as Republicans.

Ohrenschall says she is running on her record, which includes serving on legislative committees on natural resources, women and senior citizens. She has authored bills on domestic violence, sponsored legislation to help trailer park residents, campaigned for consumer protections and fought to get resources for District 12.

If re-elected, Ohrenschall says she plans to introduce legislation to prevent a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain and to make self-defense classes available at middle and high schools.

In addition, Ohrenschall said, she hopes to "assure safe neighborhoods and higher quality of life in the historic downtown east side of Las Vegas that comprises much of Assembly District 12."

Ohrenschall is a member of the state Advisory Board on Maternal and Child Health, the Attorney General's Council on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and the Advisory Council for Community Notification of Sex Offenders. She represents Nevada at the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.

Ohrenschall holds an undergraduate degree from George Washington University and a law degree from Georgetown University, both in Washington.

Casutt, a 33-year-old business owner, says his priorities are accessible health care, improving education, fiscal responsibility and alternative sources of energy.

One aspect of fiscal responsibility is creating resources needed for economic growth, he said. "Southern Nevada continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the country," Casutt wrote in a Sun questionnaire. "As our population grows, our future transportation requirements need to be addressed."

Casutt cites his experience operating a business for almost 10 years. In addition, he notes, he is the father of a child with cystic fibrosis. "I have seen many of the problems in our health care system first hand," he wrote. He said the cost of prescription drugs must be cut.

Casutt would also work to direct more educational resources to teachers and programs that affect students. He would also like to involve parents, businesses and the community more in education.

He also wrote that he would work to increase development of new electrical power sources to prevent Nevada from being too dependent on outside power sources.

Casutt is a high school graduate and has taken some college course. He is a licensed pilot.