Education activist will run for Evans' Assembly seat

An education activist and former state PTA president has announced she will run for the Assembly District 30 seat being vacated by Jan Evans.

Evans is battling cancer and withdrew after 12 years in the Assembly to concentrate on regaining her health.

Debbie Smith, a Democrat, chaired the Council to Establish Academic Standards and has lived in the Sparks district for the past 17 years. She is a longtime friend and supporter of Evans and said she wants to "carry on the legacy of her commitment to Nevada's families and retirees."

"Quality education and health care, opportunities for senior citizens to live independently, safe neighborhoods and schools, economic security - these are the concerns we all face in our everyday lives and these will be my priorities as a legislator," said Smith.