ASSEMBLY DISTRICT No. 41
When Assembly District 41 candidate Paul Aizley hits the streets campaigning, all potential voters want to know is why he's walking around in the heat.
His answer: "If we don't fix this state's budget, we will remain at the bottom of every category and list in the country."
If elected, Aizley, one of three Democrats vying for the party's nod, says Nevada's budget is priority No. 1.
Then, he said, lawmakers can take a ook at education, the environment and health care.
Aizley, 71, believes he's done more campaigning in the district than the other candidates and might have the upper hand. Having the backing of incumbent David Parks and assemblywoman Barbara Buckley probably provides a little boost as well.
Parks is seeking a state Senate seat.
But Fellow Democrats Paul Femia and Charles White believe they are qualified for the seat.
White, 70, says his military background coupled with his marketing experience are his strongest assets.
"I'm fourth generation military in my family. ... I'm dedicated,'' he said. "I have a lot of people around me who inspire me.''
White admits he doesn't have a political background but says education and crime are major issues in his district as well as Nevada. He said he's tired of hearing that Nevada graduation rates rank near the bottom. And he would like to see fewer of those who do graduate turning to gaming jobs instead of a college or university.
"All they want is to become a dealer, a valet or a cocktail waitress,'' he said. "We need to do something to inspire these children to seek education.''
Femia, who is from New York and has a secondary education degree from Buffalo State College, says he's better suited than the other candidates when it comes to fixing the state's education system. The 63-year-old taught in the city of Buffalo's public school system.
"There's an old saying: Cuts in education never help,'' Femia said. "If elected, I'd be very cognizant of the fact that cuts have to be done very carefully or not at all.''
Like Aizley, Femia said fixing the state's budget would be first on his agenda. Then he would turn to education, traffic issues and health care.
Also running for the seat is Republican Tim Rowland and Kenneth Rex, an independent.
Contact reporter Annette Wells at awells@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.
VOTERS GUIDEASSEMBLY 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
