Assembly District 2 covers northwest Las Vegas. There are two candidates in this primary race: incument Assemblyman John Hambrick and Mark Slotta. Mr. Slotta listed no contact information on his filing papers.
1. Give a brief summation of your professional and political background.
I am a retired Federal law enforcement manager. Please refer to my web site: www.hambrick4assembly.com I started my political career with the Clark County Republican Party (CCRP) in 2000. I volunteered to do mailings, calling and other needed tasks. In time I was elected as the Chairman of the CCRP. I first ran for the Assembly in 2008. I have represented Assembly District 2 for three terms and am running for a fourth term.
2. Define your district – geographic boundaries, demographic makeup, and political balance.
Assembly District 2 is in the Northwest portion of Las Vegas. The Northern boundary is Summerlin Parkway, the Eastern boundary is basically Town Center Dr. to RTE 215, and the Western Boundary are the Red Rock and Vistas portion of Summerlin. There are approximately 72% white, less than 10% black, approximately 11% Asian and 10% Latino. There are approximately 35% Democrat 5% IAP, 18% Non-Partisan and 40% Republican.
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?
I am very proud of my efforts to fight human trafficking. Nevada now has laws that punish those who prey on our youngsters and assist victims of this terrible scourge.
4. What makes you more qualified to serve in this position than your opponent?
My three terms in the legislature, my experience with the Nevada Juvenile Justice Commission, my membership on the Supreme Court’s Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform and my experience as Chairman of the CCRP.
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 conservative Republican. In my first term I was considered the most conservative member of the Assembly from Clark County.
6. What do you see as the three most important issues related to your district?
Jobs, education and the margins tax.
7. What do you see as the top three legislative priorities?
Construction defect laws; taxes and the size of state government; and the retirement system.
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?
I voted against the continued sunset provision each time it came to the Assembly for a vote.
9. Describe how you would address improving the performance of Nevada’s public schools.
I believe in merit pay, vouchers and charter schools.
10. To what degree should the State support Charter Schools and those students opting to attend a school outside their district?
The per pupil funding should transfer with each student that attends a charter school. Charter schools should be assured housing and procurement benefits.
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 believe the practice is Constitutionally questionable. There will be a reckoning in the future.
12. Describe your position in regards to Nevada’s Right to Work law and unionization of State employees.
I believe in Nevada’s status as a right to work state.
13. What is your position in regards to increasing Nevada’s minimum wage?
Generally, I do not support an increase; however, I would need time to read and get some expert opinions from both sides of the issue.
14. Do you believe the gaming and mining industries pay ‘their fair share’ in contributing to the state’s economy? Explain.
Gaming is the constant target of progressive groups that want to increase their taxes along with ours. Mining faces similar pressure. Both gaming and mining have suffered during the economic downturn. Now is not the time to increase their taxes; however, the entire tax structure of the state needs to be reviewed and updated.
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 voted against the medical marijuana issue and will continue to oppose it.
16. What is your view of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Nevada?
I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. We have yet to get a handle on the estimated costs to Nevada before and after the Feds enter the picture.
17. Define you position on fracking and other means of oil exploration in Nevada. Do you support coal fired plants?
I need more data on fracking and the possible side effects. Fracking has increased our oil and natural gas production, which in turn has reduced the demand on foreign oil. Yes I support coal fired plants. The “new” plants are far friendlier to the environment.
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?
I have not yet reached a decision on this issue. The Governor needed to do something to increase new businesses to come to Nevada. Is this the best answer, I do not know. I would like to wait and see that happens in the next several months to see if the effort is paying off.
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 I support campus carry within NSHE. I want more time to study the CCW issue on secondary school campuses. It will be a hard sell for me.
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.