2012 PRIMARY ELECTION: CLARK COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT C

Two Republican challengers will square off in the June 12 primary election for a chance to represent the Summerlin area as a Clark County commissioner.

Gary Hosea and Craig Lake are vying to get their names on the November general election ballot for the District C seat, an area with 4,000 more Democrats than Republicans. Both candidates have unsuccessfully run for other seats.

Hosea is making his second run for the commission, having lost the District B race to Democratic incumbent Tom Collins in 2008. He also ran for the Las Vegas City Council Ward 4 seat in 2009.

Hosea said he will push for a countywide business license to encourage small-business growth. Now, businesses get a license for the unincorporated areas of the county and separate licenses from each city. He also would request a complete audit of county government finances to cut spending. County officials are projecting a $30 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2013.

Hosea, a member of the Service Employees International Union, said he wants to improve education although commissioners do not have authority over the public schools system.

"Commissioners have a positive impact on the educational experience in Clark County," Hosea said. "One of those impacts is Tule Springs. They want to create this national monument and dinosaur park. Another one is preserving Red Rock. Commissioners should actively get out of the office and into the classrooms."

Lake is the youngest candidate in the race. He founded Rise & Shine Lighting, a small lighting company, in 2003. He lost a 1st Congressional District race to Democratic incumbent Shelley Berkley in 2010.

If elected, Lake said his top priorities would be to make the county "a business-friendly environment," and eliminate wasteful spending while ensuring essential county services are still provided.

"How do we continue to provide the necessary services yet save money?" he said. "If you don't, you'll get to a point where a lot of services won't be available anymore."

Lake added that his youthfulness gives him an edge over his competitor.

"I have a very vested stake in where this community is going," Lake said. "For good and bad, I'm a full product of this community. School systems, parks, hospitals, I've lived and breathed it my whole life."

The winner will face Democratic incumbent Larry Brown, who is seeking a second term, and Independent American Party challenger Brad Lee Barnhill in the Nov. 6 general election.

Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.