CLARK COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT B

A challenger has come out swinging hard at the four-year incumbent in what could be a bruising contest for the District B seat of the Clark County Commission.

The Democratic primary will pit Commissioner Tom Collins, 58, against Brent Howard, 51, an accountant who has run three times for state Assembly, including once against Collins.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Gary Hosea and Libertarian Debra Payne-Dedmon in the general election.

Howard has created a Web site that slams Collins' personal and professional conduct. Some of the attacks are leveled at Collins' voting record, while others dredge up decades-old personal history gleaned from news reports. Why has Howard gotten so personal?

"There's a lot of problems with Tom," Howard said. "He's not a real Democrat. He's against women's rights. He's against gay rights."

Democrats should be for open thought, fairness and equality, Howard said.

Collins dismissed Howard's Web site and sniping as half-truths cooked up by "a very unhappy and sad person."

"Being mad at me is not how you serve the public," Collins said. "I think I've done a very valiant job in serving the community."

Collins said he has worked to clean up crime-ridden neighborhoods as well as build athletic fields, senior centers and fire stations. The legislative connections he formed while in the Assembly gave him pull with lawmakers when asking for state funding, Collins said.

An avowed National Rifle Association member, Collins labels himself a Nevada Democrat, meaning more conservative than the Washington, D.C., variety. He is the owner of Collins Power Services, a power line installation company that works closely with Nevada Power and the building industry.

His priorities are improving roads, hiring more police and firefighters and ensuring that private development doesn't infringe on Nellis Air Force Base, he said.

Howard describes himself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. He criticized Collins' union ties, saying the push for more staffing and higher wages in government has increased taxpayers' burden.

"I would cut wasteful spending, improve productivity," Howard said. "I would spotlight what individual people think is wrong with government."

Collins said he'd be glad to debate an opponent on the issues but would like to avoid exchanging barbs with rivals.

"When people can't talk about the issues, they talk about the person," Collins said.

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