2012 Voter Guide: Nevada Assembly District 10

Voters in Assembly District 10 will choose between starkly different positions on how to deal with tight budgets.

Incumbent Joseph Hogan, seeking his fifth term, said Gov. Brian Sandoval's proposed budgets contain cuts that are "rather extreme" in some instances. While Hogan acknowledges that shortfalls probably will face the next Legislature, he would close them differently.

"My primary focus is doing everything I can as a member of the Ways and Means Committee to protect the needs of health care and the education system," he said.

Instead, he advocates paring back large projects and trying to boost government efficiency through avenues such as better procurement practices.

As for the district itself, which lies in the southwest quarter of the intersection of U.S. Highway 95 and Interstate 15, bounded roughly by Sahara Avenue on the south and Jones Boulevard on the west, Hogan will continue to support redevelopment efforts in nearby areas.

First-time candidate Tim Farrell would push to reform the state's regulatory structure to make it more palatable for business. Attracting new companies and encouraging others already here to expand would go a long way toward solving the state's budget woes that came with the recession as well as ease the ongoing problems with residential real estate.

To expand the tax base, he would consider decriminalizing marijuana but has not taken an official position.

"With the stroke of a pen, we could create a new industry that other states don't have," he said.

In addition, he would like to shake up the education system, beginning by rating teachers on performance.

As of mid-September, he was sending letters to people in the district to solicit ideas for specific proposals. "I can't be an expert on everything, so that's what I will rely on the residents for," he said.

While local school district policies are difficult to control from Carson City, so are the policies of Southern Nevada Water Authority that have drawn Hogan's concern. He worries about the expense of possible environmental damage that may result from the authority buying up watershed land in Northern Nevada to supply the needs of Las Vegas.

In April, Hogan was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He has contested the charge, saying he drank only a small amount of wine at a political fundraiser. He has retained an attorney, but the matter had yet to be resolved.

Contact reporter Tim O'Reiley at toreiley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290.