Editorial: Choices in state’s upper house

Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006 | 9:18 a.m.

We offer the following endorsements in the contested races for Clark County seats in the state Senate:

In District 2, Democrat Maggie Carlton has been a strong and consistent voice of reason since being elected in 1998. An example is her opposition to amending the state Constitution to add taxation and spending restraints. She says the Legislature needs to retain its flexibility, given Nevada's nonstop growth. The Sun endorses Maggie Carlton.

Democrat Joyce Woodhouse, who retired from the Clark County School District after 40 years as a teacher and principal, understands Nevada's need for educational improvement. Her District 5 opponent, incumbent Republican Sandra Tiffany, has incessantly stuck to one theme during her years in office - that of breaking up the Clark County School District into several smaller districts. This would be a costly and disruptive blow to education. Woodhouse brings a more realistic approach, which is to properly invest in education so that the district's goals for academic improvement can be met. Woodhouse is a centrist who understands how to balance both the need for prudent government spending and the need for improved state services. The Sun endorses Joyce Woodhouse.

Chanda Cook, a Democrat and a 20-year resident of District 8, is running against incumbent Republican Barbara Cegavske. Cook supports placing education as Nevada's top priority, and would bring many thoughtful ideas to the Legislature, such as a greater integration of colleges and universities with K-12. Cegavske is a hardworking legislator but is too dogmatic in our view. She says if education is to receive more funding, then educators must show her a plan for improving academic achievement. But in the fall of 2002, educators within Nevada's 17 school districts brought forth a detailed plan called iNVest, and during the 2003 Legislature Cegavske voted against new taxes for education anyway. Cook's more progressive ideas toward education would serve Nevada well. The Sun endorses Chanda Cook.

Republican Dennis Nolan, representing District 9, is the Senate's assistant majority leader. His 15 years of experience as a paramedic allow him to bring firsthand knowledge to the debate over health care issues. The Sun endorses Dennis Nolan.

In District 12, Republican Warren Hardy has for years been a strong advocate for Southern Nevada. He is worthy of another term. The Sun endorses Warren Hardy.

Unopposed are Democrats Terry Care and Bob Coffin, who represent Districts 7 and 10 respectively.