Assembly District 29 includes Green Valley and portions of Henderson. There are two Republican candidates in this GOP primary race – Stephen Silberkraus did not respond to this interview.
1. Give a brief summation of your professional and political background.
I am a new comer to politics, as I have never held an elected position.
I have been in real estate since I moved to Las Vegas in 2003. I started an HOA management/real estate/property management company in 2006. In 2013 I added the name RE/MAX to my company. The company I have created is a wonderful small business. I employ 4-6 people at any given time.
2. Define your district – geographic boundaries, demographic makeup, and political balance.
Assembly District 29 goes from Green Valley to parts of downtown Henderson. It is made up of almost equal party demographics for Republicans and Democrats. It also has large Independent and Libertarian party affiliations.
3. If this is your first time running for office (or this position), why are you running for this position? If you are an incumbent, what have been your top accomplishments as a legislator?
This is my second time to run for office. I ran unsuccessfully for Assembly District 14 in 2012. I have since moved and am running in my new district. I am running so the conservatives can have a voice. There are many voters that want less government and less taxes. I will be their voice.
4. What makes you more qualified to serve in this position than your opponent?
As a successful small business owner, I understand budgeting, employment, economy and what it takes to keep a business going. I have also been part of my community for years (not just during election cycles). I belong to several Veterans organizations (I am married to a retired Army soldier), business organizations, car clubs and support several youth sport teams.
5. There is a well-publicized, on-going philosophical split among many in the Republican Party. Describe your political philosophy in relation to this ‘moderate’ conservative versus ‘tea party’ conservative divide.
I am a Libertarian leaning Republican. Government needs to be involved in the needs and not the wants of the citizens.
6. What do you see as the three most important issues related to your district?
• Jobs
• Taxes
• School reform.
7. What do you see as the top three legislative priorities?
• Budget
• Economy
• Schools
• Jobs
8. What is your position in regards to the taxes imposed in 2009 that were to ‘sunset’ in 2011, but were re-approved by the 2011 and 2013 legislature?
Temporary taxes are just that. Temporary. They are not meant to have the option to keep extending them. I would not vote to extend the “sunset” taxes.
9. Describe how you would address improving the performance of Nevada’s public schools.
School choice/vouchers; Make it easier to fire bad teachers and to make it easier to reward excellent teachers; Get commitments from the parents to be involved.
10. To what degree should the State support Charter Schools and those students opting to attend a school outside their district?
It should be supported.
11. The State Legislature has found innovative ways to circumvent the state law banning the passing down of unfunded mandates to local governing entities. What is your position in regards to using such actions to fund state needs?
I’m not a fan.
12. Describe your position in regards to Nevada’s Right to Work law and unionization of State employees.
I LOVE the Right to Work law. And I believe State employees should not be able to unionize.
13. What is your position in regards to increasing Nevada’s minimum wage?
Not a fan. I personally have never paid a minimum wage salary in my company and I never will. It’s all about the skill set the employee brings to the table. As a teenager, I worked several fast food jobs for less than minimum wage and for minimum wage. Looking back, it was worth the pay and what I learned from those jobs is priceless to me today.
14. Do you believe the gaming and mining industries pay ‘their fair share’ in contributing to the state’s economy? Explain.
My opinion on mining is not relevant, as the State Constitution says it can’t be changed. I’m also fine with what gaming pays. I do think that all business should be paying the same fees/rates.
15. In 1979 Nevada passed a bill legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. It was repealed eight years later (1987). What is your position in regards to Nevada once again legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes? Legalizing the sale of marijuana, period?
I am not a fan of this drug or what it does to people. That being said, I don’t think the government should ban any natural substance, no matter how many of your brain cells it kills. Just treat it like alcohol. It will be a major source of tax revenue for the state.
16. What is your view of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Nevada?
I don’t think it went well. I don’t think NV should have gotten involved in this. How are we going to pay for it?? It’s not free. I logged on to the website, as I was just curious what the website did. I really got mad that it required so much personal information just to tell me I didn’t qualify for a subsidy. I didn’t realize I was asking it to check to see if I qualified for a subsidy. I just wanted to see what the plans would cost. I think it used my income as a base to give me the final pricing. It was very, very expensive. Very.
17. Define you position on fracking and other means of oil exploration in Nevada. Do you support coal fired plants?
I am not very educated on this one. It concerns me how much water is needed and we are in a desert. Honestly, I have a lot to learn on this issue before I can answer that question.
18. In efforts to bring new businesses to Nevada, the Catalyst Fund was established. This is funded by state tax dollars. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development receives and then votes on applications from businesses and, through local governmental entities, subsidizes those selected. What is your position in regards to the Catalyst Fund? Do you have other ideas to encourage new businesses to locate in Nevada?
I am so offended by the Catalyst Fund. The government makes me pay taxes just so they can give it to other businesses?? This is so wrong! This is not the only example that can be had on this one. CDAC at the County level gives away millions of tax dollars annually to certain businesses.
19. Do you support “campus carry” legislation allowing licensed CCW permit holders over the age of 21 to carry their weapons on Nevada college and university campuses? Would you extend the same right to secondary school campuses?
Yes. As a society we are telling the bad guys where we do not allow guns. Of course that is where they will go first!
20. If there is any issue that you are concerned about that has not been addressed in this interview, this is your opportunity to address it:
Things that make me go hmmm: where does our money go, why isn’t there much over sight on the money and why are the voters/citizens so apathetic? This is their government. As I walk my district and talk to voters, I get the sense that many have given up and just accept government as it is.
These interviews are posted on Nevada News & Views (www.nevadanewsandviews.com) and/or NewsDesk by Nancy Dallas (www.ndbynd.com). Reposting of any interview by interested parties must include the disclaimer the interview was originally posted in the above publications. Only those Republican races with a Primary contest are being addressed. Questions or comments may be directed to Nancy Dallas at nancy@nancydallas.com or 775-847-0129.
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