ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 7
Fix Nevada's economy.
Do not raise taxes.
Embrace economic development in North Las Vegas.
The two candidates vying for the Assembly District 7 seat are both on the same page as far as their priorities if elected Nov. 4.
But Republican Geraldine Lewis all but calls her opponent, incumbent Morse Arberry Jr., a foreigner to the district.
"That's why I'm running. We don't have representation over here, or, if we did, we really didn't know much about what he was doing,'' she said. "He doesn't allow us in. We haven't seen him for years. We have no contact with him.''
Because of Arberry's absence, Lewis said, North Las Vegas has missed out on opportunities. If the city has gained anything, it is because of the City Council, she said.
"We need hands-on representation, where you can meet with the representative and have a back-and-forth,'' Lewis said. "We have not had that in this community.''
Arberry, an assemblyman since 1985, said he has the experience to earn another term.
He said the district needs more businesses to create more jobs and revenue.
Arberry, president of a mortgage company, said he has asked his research group to look at what is taking place in other states to determine how to bring in more businesses.
"We need to look at what might not be working there but could work here,'' he said. "Also, we're looking at what is working in a state or city that could work in this district. My researchers are getting this data ready for me so that I can propose legislation to get things moving. ... We can't say gaming is our savior anymore.''
On increasing taxes, Arberry said the timing just isn't right.
Should the need arise to lay off state workers, neither candidate would favor giving pink slips to teachers.
"That, to me, is not going to solve the budget crisis. Teachers are like a stimulus package,'' Arberry said. "They are contributing to the economy. They are keeping us alive. If we lay them off, people are going to be afraid, and they are going to hold onto their money.''
Lewis kept her answer simple: "We need to take care of our teachers because they are taking care of our children.''
Contact reporter Annette Wells at awells @reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.
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-JOURNALNOT PICTUREDGeraldine LewisParty: RepublicanAge: 58Occupation: Retired
