ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 16

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 | 1:26 a.m.

Democratic incumbent John Oceguera, a firefighter, is seeking a third term representing Assembly District 16. He is running against Republican Bob Spretnak, an attorney whose clients include workers struggling to maintain their jobs amid claims of discrimination.

Spretnak and Oceguera were unopposed in the primary.

Oceguera, 36, a captain in the North Las Vegas Fire Department, was first elected in 2000. He has served on the commerce and labor, constitutional amendments, transportation and judiciary committees. He was vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the last session. Also during the 2003 session, he was named assistant majority leader.

He has a bachelor of science degree in fire administration from Cogswell College, a master's in public administration from UNLV and a law degree from UNLV's Boyd Law School.

Oceguera's platform includes supporting legislation calling for the recruitment, training and retainment of competent teachers and the reduction of class sizes.

He also supports the training of Nevadans in protecting their lives and property as influenced by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Spretnak, 44, has owned and managed a small law firm at Eastern Avenue and Windmill Lane for four years.

He has represented people who have experienced workplace discrimination, been forced to work overtime for no compensation or have suffered from sexual harassment. Spretnak also has represented small businesses and their owners in contract matters and employment issues.

Spretnak got his law degree from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in industrial labor relations from Cornell University.

He was chairman of the State Bar of Nevada's Continuing Legal Education committee and was a court-appointed arbitrator for District Court. He also served as president of his homeowners association, where he worked to keep association fees low, oversight unobtrusive and conserve water.

Spretnak's platform includes fiscal responsibility that includes lowering taxes, conserving water, maintaining a favorable business climate to bring in more good jobs and improving educational performance.

Assembly District 16 has about 2,100 more Democrats than Republicans. The district is generally bounded by Maryland Parkway and Eastern, Tropicana and Serene avenues.