ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 10
Tackling the budget crisis appears to be the focus of both candidates in the Assembly District 10 race.
How they go about it is where incumbent Joe Hogan and his challenger, Mitch Hostmeyer, have slightly different approaches, with both projecting across-the-board cutbacks.
Hostmeyer, in his first attempt for a public office, said that if he is elected, he will try to balance the state budget through cost savings and reductions.
Hogan, who has served two consecutive terms in the Assembly, said he will work within the means of available funding.
"It's going to be very, very difficult and will occupy most of my time," said Hogan, a member of the Ways and Means Committee.
"The only way to do it is through the process. We allocate the funds to each agency and each program. If they add up to more than the revenue," then cuts would be made, he said.
From Hostmeyer's perspective, a lot of the reductions will be across the board "because we're talking such a deficit," he said. "We'll look at special projects and see if there are any that can be put off on hold until we get into a better position."
Neither candidate favors tax increases.
"I think we're paying plenty as it is," Hostmeyer said. "Small businesses are strapped enough with tax increases after 2003 when we had the big one," he said.
In the face of having to spread cutbacks among departments across the board, Hogan said he will try to protect health care from severe cuts "because some of the areas of health care are so compelling."
"Even highways, as important as they are, we'll probably have to defer new building projects," Hogan said.
He said he would try to avoid layoffs of state employees but would consider such action "if that's the absolute last resort."
Hostmeyer said that if he's elected, some state workers might be laid off "but not teachers. I worked for the school district, and they don't have enough as it is. Possibly administrative and support staff, but not teachers."
Contact reporter Keith Rogers at krogers@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0308.
ASSEMBLY DUTIES
The duties of Assembly members include passing state laws, approving the state budget and reviewing the performance of state agencies. They serve two-year terms. Candidates who prevail in this year's election will be paid $8,760 for the first 60 days of the 120-day regular legislative session. They also will receive $155 a day for living expenses and reimbursement for certain other expenses.
REVIEW-JOURNAL
