Assembly District 40 includes all of Carson City and portions of southern Washoe County. There are two candidates in this Primary race.
1. Give a brief summation of your professional and political background.
In part, I paid for my college education by working as a lathe-milling machine operator. After college I worked as an outside sales operation manager before owning my present business State Agent and Transfer Syndicate, Inc. in Carson City. Work is also a great teacher. I’ve been a registered Republican all of my adult life and have worked with our local elected officials, and have chaired/served on many issue-oriented committees as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
In 2003, I was heavily involved in working closely with then-State Senator Mark Amodei in fighting the gross receipts tax. Since that time I have fought other efforts to institute such a tax. Now I am fighting the Margins Tax.
2. Define your district – geographic boundaries, demographic makeup, and political balance.
The Geographic Boundaries consist of: all of Carson City. The east side of Washoe Valley following the old portion of 395 north up to 341 and then it jogs up to Western Skies Drive up to Wrangler Parkway terminating at South Meadows Parkway to the north
Ages: under 5 – 5.8%; 5-17-15.3%; 18-39-25.1%; 40-59-30.5%; 60-74-15.6%; 74 and over-7.7% 45.3% are Republicans; 32.5% are Democrats; 15.4% are Non-Partisans; 6.7% are minor parties.
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?
With the threat of the Margins Tax and other proposals which could specifically hurt the people of AD 40, I felt it was time for an active businessman and native son to step up to represent AD 40 rather than a retired public employee. My plan, if elected, is to gain seniority for greater and greater influence over the years.
4. What makes you more qualified to serve in this position than your opponent?
I’m a third generation Nevadan and know this district. Whether it’s business, education, government or community service, I’ve been involved most of my life. I understand the concerns and needs of the district. From the Chamber of Commerce to the Board of Equalization to Western Nevada College Foundation to the Brewery Arts Center, I’ve given my time and service. I know this district’s story inside and out. From all my experience in working with civic committees, I know how to interface with my colleagues to reach solutions.
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: Very conservative on fiscal issues while somewhat of a libertarian on social issues.
6. What do you see as the three most important issues related to your district?
a. Fighting the Margins Tax which would devastate the retailers, manufacturers and all businesses in AD 40 and the entire state.
b. Enhancing Nevada and AD 40’s business climate.
c. Fighting any legislation introduced to move our historical capital from Carson City to Las Vegas.
7. As a legislator, you are allowed to present a specific number of bills during the legislative session. Do you have any specific bills in mind?
I will seek to hear from the constituents in AD 40 before settling on any specific legislation. Even then, it would have to fill a necessary need. In general, I believe in smaller government and that means fewer laws, not more. I am a small-government Republican.
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 would have opposed it. The sunsets need to happen.
9. How would you address improving the performance of Nevada’s public schools.
Actually, I am considering a proposal that I believe would improve Nevada’s public schools. At this point, I do not have enough of the details to elaborate. Yes, it does involve reducing managerial costs.
10. To what degree should the State support Charter Schools and those students opting to attend a school outside their district? Do you support universal school vouchers, providing the money goes to the student/parent and not to any particular school?
I believe in Charter schools and many of them are outstanding. I support choice in schools, provided the taxpayer isn’t burdened with transportation issues. In general, I believe in universal school vouchers but the “devil is in the details.”
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 am opposed.
12. What is your position in regards to increasing Nevada’s minimum wage?
I am opposed. Nevada’s minimum wage is already a dollar higher than the federal minimum wage and is increased automatically depending upon a complicated cost of living formula and/or an increase in the federal minimum wage.
13. Do you believe the gaming and mining industries pay ‘their fair share’ in contributing to the state’s economy? Explain.
Yes I do. Mining is an industry that fluctuates and they pay a high percentage now. Higher taxes may cause the smaller mining companies to close and layoff employees. Gaming is no longer a captive industry here. They have the entire world in which to open casinos.
14. With annual approval by Congress required, the Federal government pays state and local governments for the public lands (exempt from local taxation) within their jurisdiction (P.I.L.T.). Approximately 87-percent of Nevada is owned by Federal entities. Define your position in regards to states taking control of (Federal government relinquishing ownership to) all or a portion of these lands.
I am in favor of states receiving their land from the federal government, provided it would not cost the taxpayers more than the potential gain. Rep. Mark Amodei, our congressional representative, is an expert on this subject. I trust his proposals in the House of Representatives.
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?
Actually, there was another ballot question in 2000 (BQ 9) in which the public was asked if they wanted to legalize medical marijuana. The Question passed by 65% statewide, and over 61% of the voters in AD 40 (at that time) voted for legalizing medical marijuana. Therefore, with appropriate safeguards, I believe we should enact what the voters approved. I do not support the legalization of all marijuana.
16. It appears that millions of acres of Nevada lands are destined to have the sage grouse (among other species) listed as a protected species. What is your position in regards to this issue? Explain.
It has been shown through various studies that the listing of the sage grouse and other species as protected, would devastate our economy. I will oppose any such action if it comes before the Legislature.
17. Define your position on fracking and other means of oil exploration in Nevada. Do you support coal fired plants?
While fracking remains a controversial issue, I believe in greater oil exploration opportunities in Nevada. Presently, coal is the cheapest and most plentiful source of fuel but it’s clear that as a nation and state we are transitioning for the next two decades to natural gas as our major and cleanest form of energy.
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?
So far, the Fund has proved successful in bringing good businesses to Nevada and lowering our rate of unemployment. It’s hard to argue with success. It’s important that new businesses can find the trained employees they need. I think a program with the community colleges wherein they train the employees needed … for a fee, which could be offset with a lower pay for 90 days, might be one way to encourage new 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?
I am a member of the NRA, own guns and have a CCW permit. I support the Second Amendment, but when it comes to guns on campuses, I think that we need to hear from the stakeholders / responsible parties i.e. School presidents, upper administration, school boards and the Board of regents. Ultimately they are responsible for their campuses.
My major concern is the lack of training, as it exists today. I think better and more extensive training is needed.
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.
