CLARK COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT A

Uncertainty about the impact that a Nevada Supreme Court decision on term limits will have on Clark County's longest-serving commissioner has loaded the District A race with challengers.

The state's high court heard arguments on a term-limits case in mid-July and is expected to issue a decision on the eligibility of Commissioner Bruce Woodbury and other elected leaders who might be subject to the 12-year limit approved by voters in 1996.

In the meantime, two Republicans are preparing to take on Woodbury in the primary while two Democrats compete for a place in the general election. The top vote-getters in the primaries will join Independent American Party candidate Scott Narter on the general election ballot.

Woodbury, 63, an attorney, said haggling over term limits threw his campaign into flux as he waited to see whether he would be eligible to run. In July, the 27-year commission incumbent said he would accept what fate had in store for him.

"We'll leave it to the Supreme Court," Woodbury said.

He argued he was the best person for the job because of his decades of experience and service to the county. His district is a far-flung mix of rural and urban areas, with diverse needs and interests that take years to learn, he said.

"I had constituents pleading with me to run again," Woodbury said. "I think I have a strong track record for accomplishments, not just talking about the problems and complaining as everybody does, but to change things for the better."

Woodbury said he would keep working to improve the area's transportation and flood control. He also wants to ensure that zoning and development are done fairly, with no unreasonable impact on residents.

And crafting a budget that covers a wide array of needs without overburdening taxpayers is key, he said.

Woodbury will run against Brian Scroggins and Duane Christy in the Republican primary.

Scroggins, 45, who has a bachelor's degree in graphic design, ran for secretary of state two years ago. He said he is a friend of Woodbury and would not have entered the race if the incumbent's eligibility wasn't in question.

He wants to keep the district under Republican leadership, he said.

Scroggins said he and Woodbury have made an agreement. If the Supreme Court rules in Woodbury's favor, Scroggins will endorse Woodbury; if Woodbury is compelled to drop out, he will back Scroggins.

Scroggins said he wants to help make the county safe for families and cultivate a business-friendly climate in the midst of the economic downturn. A former Enterprise Town Board member, Scroggins said he believes it's important to listen to these panels about proposed development.

The county's nearly $6 billion budget must be scrutinized carefully so every dollar is used wisely, he said. "Make sure the county is being responsible with the resources they have."

Christy, 46, a high school graduate, said he decided some time ago that he would enter politics when his collection agencies were flourishing.

He said he wants to make health care available to more people. He also has the know-how, he said, to clean up University Medical Center's finances so the hospital isn't so burdensome to taxpayers.

He would strive to expand public transit because that is the long-term solution to traffic problems. Commuter trains should not only run throughout the county but between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, he said, recalling the failed plan to create such a line years ago.

Water should be piped in from other Western states to allay the region's growing shortage, he said. He also thinks desalinization efforts off California's coast would be a way to divert ocean water to Nevada's lakes and rivers.

Christy said he doesn't foresee going beyond one term.

"I don't want to be a professional politician," he said.

The Democratic contest pits Regent Steve Sisolak against Jeffrey White, a metal tradesman who ran for County Commission eight years ago.

Sisolak, 54, filed a legal challenge arguing that term limits disqualify Woodbury. Sisolak said he respects the veteran commissioner and the work he has done, but he thinks Woodbury should respect the wishes of voters who approved the term limits.

"I believe, frankly, in standing up for the will of the people," Sisolak said. "People want fresh blood."

Sisolak, who has a master's degree in business, said he will push for more fiscal responsibility and integrity on the commission. He noted there were lingering memories of past commissioners being sent to prison for corruption.

With traffic clogging the freeways, transportation has become a huge issue, Sisolak said. Mass transit should be improved, and road construction must become more efficient to avoid jamming up traffic.

Sisolak said his experience in business and as a university regent give him knowledge about budgeting.

"You have to make sure the taxpayers' dollars are being spent wisely and are protected," he said. "People need to feel confident."

White, 51, a high school graduate who's taken college courses, said he garnered 28,000 votes in a four-way race with Woodbury in 2000.

Voters, not the courts, should decide whether Woodbury stays a commissioner, White said.

He questioned Sisolak's budget management. Sisolak belongs to a board that raised college fees, White said, arguing that's akin to raising taxes.

The budget still needs tweaking to make sure the money is being spent as effectively as possible with no waste, White said.

White contends that as a rural resident he best represents those who live away from the cities, and as a tradesman, he'll be a voice for labor.

"I'm bringing a fresh perspective to it," White said. "I don't have no political background, and sometimes that's good. I'll have to listen and do a lot of research on a lot of things."

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.