ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 19
For 12 years, the voters of Assembly District 19 had sent Assemblyman Jerry D. Claborn to represent them in Carson City.
But with term limits preventing the veteran legislator from running again, voters will go the polls to pick a new lawmaker from the district where Democrats make up more than half the registered voters.
Claborn has thrown his support behind fellow Democrat Steven Brooks, who narrowly emerged from the five-person primary race.
Brooks, who calls himself a fiscal conservative, said the state could ease the budget shortfall by focusing on getting its share of federal grants for green energy projects.
"We're a major contender," he said. "There's no other place you can find this much wind, solar and geothermal in the world."
Building the state's green energy industry would also help the overall economic health of a state that is too dependent on a few major industries.
"Let's face it, in this recession we're learning that this state can no longer rely on tourism and gaming," he said.
With another large state budget shortfall looming, Brooks said finding additional revenue and ensuring efficient spending are key. He said he doesn't know if more taxes will be required, adding that he's wary of burdening Nevadans any more than they already are.
He said the education budget must remain intact while school districts put more teachers in classrooms and cut the number of administrators. He said he doesn't want to see more cuts to the education budget to help fix the overall money problems in the state.
"Taking money away from it isn't going to make it any better," he said. "You have to continue to fund education."
Republican Jerry H. Wang, who could not be reached, proposes fixing property taxes to the sale price of the home with no future increases, according to his campaign website.
He also would create heavy penalties for graffiti vandals and believes government must run like a business.
James S. Rhodes, the Independent American Party candidate, could not be reached.
Contact reporter Brian Haynes at bhaynes@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0281.
2010 GENERAL ELECTION VOTER GUIDE
ASSEMBLY DUTIES
The duties of Assembly members include passing legislation, reviewing, amending and approving the state budget submitted by the governor, and reviewing the performance of state agencies. They serve two-year terms. Candidates who prevail in this year's election will be paid $8,760 for the first 60 days of the 120-day regular legislative session. They also will receive $161 a day for living expenses and reimbursement for housing, travel and other expenses.
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