Former city DA running for judge

Former Carson City District Attorney Noel Waters is running for the seat of First Judicial District Court, Department 2.

The seat is up for election after sitting judge Bill Maddox decided not to seek another term.

"I've been encouraged to run for district judge from many friends, legal colleagues and supporters in Carson City and Virginia City, who say I have the temperament needed to judge fairly," he said. "My legal skills have been tested by over 20 years in public service to Carson City, I understand the demands of the job, and I look forward to the campaign."

Waters, 59, served as Carson City district attorney from 1985-2006.

He decided to enter private practice in January 2007 and joined Lionel Sawyer & Collins, one of Nevada's largest civil law firms. He serves as the firm's principal representative in the Carson City offices, practicing mainly in general business law matters and civil litigation.

During his tenure as district attorney, Waters developed an annual budget of more than $2.3 million and supervised a staff of 25 employees, including 11 lawyers. He also maintained an active personal caseload of major felony cases and served as prosecutor in hundreds of bench trials.

In 2006, he received the William J. Raggio Award, the annual Prosecutor of the Year recognition given by the Nevada District Attorney's Association and Nevada Council of Prosecuting Attorneys.

Between 1998-2006, he served as the small-county legal representative on the State of Nevada Committee on Domestic Violence, working to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and improve court accountability for offenders.

Waters is a 1966 graduate of Carson High School. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

He attended law school at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law where he graduated in 1981. He is divorced, with four grown children: Kristin, Ian, Scott and Sarah.

"I appreciate the many opportunities and rewards this community has given my family and me," he said. I promise to work hard and do my utmost to be a fair and effective judge for the people of Carson City and Storey counties if I am elected," he said.