Guinn names commissioner in Douglas County

MINDEN - Certified financial planner David Brady was named to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday by Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Brady, 49, said he learned of the appointment Tuesday morning. Guinn had the applications for the position for a week before making a decision. He interviewed Brady on Friday.

Guinn cited Brady's experience on the school board and in business as the reason for his choice.

"David Brady has broad-based experience in a number of important areas that I feel will serve him well as a member of the Douglas County commission," Guinn said. "As a former school board member and president of that board, David knows how to deal with complex issues that affect the lives of all the residents of Douglas County. He will make an outstanding county commissioner."

The 20-year Douglas County resident will be replacing commissioner Jacques Etchegoyhen, who resigned.

"I'm excited and anxious knowing there is a lot of work ahead," Brady said. "I welcome the opportunity to continue to serve this community. I am grateful to Gov. Guinn for the appointment."

Brady served on the Douglas County School Board for nine years before resigning after he moved out of his district last year. He will face re-election in 2006.

"I'm looking forward to helping to shape the future of this county," he said. "All of the applicants feel that growth management is a critical issue going forward. I ask the question, 'What is Douglas County's 2020 vision?' What do we want this county to look like in 2020. Then we should start with that end in mind and work backward so that when we get there, we don't have any regrets."

Brady said he believes this is a critical time in Douglas County for many issues.

"I think we need to look at the issue surrounding growth and redevelopment and incorporation in Indian Hills and in Minden," he said. "I know Lloyd (Higuera) said we need to look 20 years ahead. But I think the critical time will be in the next 5-10 years."

Brady has been managing principal at Brady & Associates in Minden since May 1998. His background in financial planning in the state dates back 20 years. Brady's community service has included Douglas County School Board of Trustees, 1995-2004, and Douglas County Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, 1998-2004. He has also served as a reserve deputy sheriff with Douglas County since 1999.

Brady, of Minden, received his master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern California in 1981 and his bachelor of science degree in public affairs from the University of Southern California in 1977.

Brady is married and has five children.

Minden Town Board member Ross Chichester was the first to apply for the position and the first to congratulate Brady on winning his seat.

"Dave's a great guy, an absolutely wonderful man," Chichester said. "I wish him absolutely the best and hope that he will do the best for Douglas County and he will. It was a hard choice for the governor."