State Assembly district 38

Tom Grady

Age: 66

Hometown: Yerington

Occupation: Assemblyman District 38

Family: Married to Pat (for 41 years); 3 adult children Tina, Tim, and Tami; seven grandchildren

Political background: Republican, Yerington City Council and Yerington Mayor for approximately 13 years; executive director Nevada League of Cities for 10 years and two terms as assemblyman for District 38

If elected, would you support going beyond the spending cap, approved by the Legislature in 1979 - which the Legislature is permitted to do by statute - or would you hold to the spending cap? If you would hold the spending cap, where would you cut? What programs, services or expenses do you believe the state can reduce?

We must do everything possible to retain the spending caps. I do not believe we need to cut-we need to prioritize. A new governor will present a new budget in February to the Legislature. We must wait for this budget.

Historically, the budget changes little (-10 percent) from the governor's request. The Senate Finance Committee/Assembly Ways & Means Committee will review the budget, send a recommeded bill to both houses for final action. Hopefully after careful consideration two-thirds or more of the 63 legislators will pass a balanced budget for the people of Nevada in a timely manner.

The state is looking at more than $3 billion in needs for transportation improvements, most of it in southern Nevada. How should the state fund those projects or should it?

Gov. Guinn's appointed "Blue Ribbon" Transportation Task Force is finalizing its study. We have needs in every county of this state. Many counties are supplementing their road funds with general-fund dollars.

At the request of Lyon County Commissioners, I will sponsor a bill to form a new GID countywide for roads. We trust this will give additional funding directed only for roads. If it is successful, maybe others will follow this direction.

What sets me apart from my opponent:

Stability, experience, understanding Nevada issues, and ability to work with all legisators.

My years of experience on water issues, finance, local government, legisative matters and the ability to work with others without compromising my beliefs is important for District 38.

Contact information:

Teleophone: (775) 463-2612

(775) 771-5199

E-mail: grady.tnp@gte.net

Cathylee James

Age: 49

Hometown: Virginia City

Occupation: Director, Comstock Wild Horse and Mining Museum

Family: Son Skyler, 14; daughter Daisey, 11

Political background: Democrat, Storey County School Board 2000-04; board member, Virginia City Chamber of Commerce

If elected, would you support going beyond the spending cap, approved by the Legislature in 1979 - which the Legislature is permitted to do by statute - or would you hold to the spending cap? If you would hold the spending cap, where would you cut? What programs, services or expenses do you believe the state can reduce?

I believe there should be no difficulty staying within the cap. The focus instead should be on greater accountability in all state spending, paired with a firm setting of priorities.

By working toward increasing government efficiency and making sure we get the most out of available federal dollars to which we are entitled, we will be able to direct more of the state's resources toward specific priorities - roads, schools, water issues and public safety.

The state is looking at more than $3 billion in needs for transportation improvements, most of it in Southern Nevada. How should the state fund those projects or should it?

The key here is that most of it is in Southern Nevada. The formula for allocating funds toward transportation needs is largely based on population, and this allows Clark County to receive the largest percentage of state funding for roads.

In fact, the dilemma is not that the lion's share of roads must be built in Southern Nevada, but that the roads that are just as essential in Northern Nevada, and particularly in rural Nevada, are not underwritten by a formulaic population base.

The quandary for Northern Nevadans is how to build roads without the tax base enjoyed by its southern neighbors, and without resorting to a rise in the gas tax.

With its larger tax base, Clark County is actually in a better position to take responsibility for a larger share of its own transportation needs. Dedicating a greater portion of existing revenues to help fund critical transportation needs in northern and rural Nevada would be a prudent investment in the future of the state.

Additionally, the development of renewable energies would enhance the rural economy and lead to a more stable tax base.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

Simply, I believe Nevada would benefit most from elected officials who listen, then work to improve our lives.

We need a vision for our state, and tireless efforts on the part of everyone to get us there, that omits partisan bickering, excuses, and business as usual.

I believe in an educated and well-trained workforce that is compensated fairly and thus able to support families and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

I believe in a strong and vital public education, progress toward securing health care for all Nevadans, accountability in tax dollars, support for the care and honor of our veterans, and the establishment of renewable energy industries in our state.

And the way to accomplish all of this is by approaching the issues with common sense as well as creativity, factoring in all the elements concerned, reaching out to all involved through community meetings, and using all the resources available.

Assembly District 38 needs an engaged ear to listen to its needs and its concerns, and a determined voice to speak out for it at the Legislature. At present, in this large rural district that is growing exponentially, there is no such voice. I can fill the void.

Contact information:

Telephone: (775) 847-7234

E-mail: cj@cathylee.org

Web site: www.cathyleejames.com