Robin Williamson to run for Nevada Assembly

Robin Williamson, who has served on the Carson City Board of Supervisors for the past 11 years, announced Thursday she will run for the Nevada Assembly in District 40.

The incumbent, Bonnie Parnell, has announced she will not run for re-election.

"I really respect Bonnie and all the work she's done," Williamson said. "When I heard she wasn't going to run again, I thought about it long and hard and decided it would be a good thing to try to transition up to the Assembly."

Williamson's term on the board of supervisors will expire next year. She has served three terms, actively involved in downtown redevelopment as chairwoman of the Redevelopment Authority and the Nevada Association of Counties.

Williamson, a Democrat, said that her priorities will include jobs and turning around the economy, education and improving governmental efficiency and accountability.

"During my service on the board of supervisors, I have worked hard to revitalize our downtown area and to bring new businesses and jobs to Carson City," Williamson said. "In these very troubled economic times, I believe it is essential that we take immediate steps to help create jobs and turn our economy around and look at ways we can diversify our economy for the future of our state."

Williamson, who will serve as the 2010 president of the Nevada Association of Counties, said there needs to be better communication and coordination between state and local government to improve government efficiency and accountability.

"With current budget shortfalls, it becomes even more important that we find ways to ensure that every service - whether state or local - is provided in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible," she said.

Williamson said that education must also continue to be a top priority. She served as both a member and officer of PTA when her three daughters were in school, and currently serves as a member of the Western Nevada College Foundation. She also co-chairs the Athletic Development Committee, which supports the baseball and softball programs at WNC. Along with her husband Phil, she coached their daughters' soccer teams, and she was one of the founders of the Carson High School Soccer Booster Club.

District 40 includes most of Carson City and part of Washoe Valley. The primary election for 2010 will be June 8. The general election will be Nov. 2.

Note: This article has been corrected since it originally appeared Jan. 1, 2010. Williamson did not serve on the Regional Transportation Commission.