Admirably, voters, challenged with high fuel and food prices, still funded Prop. 11. This measure is just the first step in restoring public safety. Replacing the antiquated jail, rebalancing several soft-on-crime laws passed in 2020 — thus rebuilding crucial sheriff staffing — must also be priorities.
Another thumbs-up goes for county council races, charting a new course for Clark County’s governance. With 10 mainly new and younger candidates contesting three seats, if we recall high school math, voters slashed the possible combinations from 84 to 20. Combinations of personalities and philosophies create important dynamics on the council.
In District 1, Glen Yung will face Hector Hinojosa; in District 2, Michelle Belkot will oppose Chartisha Roberts; and in District 5, Don Benton narrowly leads Rick Torres to face Sue Marshall.
In the sheriff’s race, a field of three experienced candidates has been narrowed to Rey Reynolds and John Horch. The winner will need fortitude, persuasive powers and political acumen to revive staffing, address crime and work productively with council members, staff and legislators. For full disclosure, I have elsewhere endorsed John Horch as having that rare combination of skills.
The most obvious election no-brainer was 24-year incumbent Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey, a trusted known factor to most voters, supported by over 70 percent of them in his race against newcomer Brett Simpson.
Kimsey, an almost certain winner in November, will have the responsibility to review concerns of the local GOP’s Election Integrity Committee regarding ballot security. No system is perfect and consistent vigilance is prudent.
In the “what were the voters thinking” category, too many passed up a chance to vote for Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Tiffany Smiley, initially polling at 32 percent. Her unifying message makes a compelling case for replacing incumbent Patty Murray.
Finally, a hat tip to Citizen Crain. In July, Carolyn Crain successfully challenged John Ley’s eligibility to run for Position 2 in the 18th Legislative District. Ley is a prominent resident of District 17. Without Crain’s efforts, Ley may have edged out legitimate 18th District resident Greg Cheney in the primary. Instead, Cheney will oppose Duncan Camacho.
