HENDERSON JUSTICE OF PEACE 3

A veteran prosecutor and a Family Court hearing master are facing off for the newly created Department 3 in Henderson Justice Court.

Both Sandy Allred-DiGiacomo and David Gibson Sr. say their judicial experience, history in the community and plans to rejuvenate the position are their best qualifiers.

Allred-DiGiacomo spent the past nine years as a criminal prosecutor in the Clark County district attorney's office in addition to practicing immigration, civil litigation and family law. She said that experience gives her a solid handle on overseeing the court.

"I want to keep the community safe and to increase the efficiency of the position," she said. "The old ways won't carry use into the future. It needs to be revamped."

Allred-DiGiacomo said a justice of the peace is the first judge many defendants will see, and that she has to know how to approach any situation.

"They do evictions, temporary protection orders, small claims court and civil cases -- I have been doing this for nine years," she said. "I have always had the desire to be a judge. This is perfect timing."

Gibson said his campaign has picked up steam and he's just trying to get his name known. The name will at least sound familiar to voters as his brother is Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson.

The Family Court hearing master wants people to understand the position he is seeking and how it applies to them.

"It's the threshold court where people come face to face with justice. I know how to communicate that," he said.

Gibson said this is because of his more than 26 years as a practicing attorney and experience as a father, grandfather, businessman and lifelong Henderson resident.

"This is an opportunity for me to give back," he said. "I have my finger on the pulse of what is happening to help the people of Henderson."

Gibson has served as a public defender before spending the past three years presiding over child abuse and neglect cases in Family Court.

He previously ran for justice of the peace in 1986, losing a close contest.

Contact reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.