Simons says running for the Assembly is an extension of her desire to make a difference

Jeanne Simons says she's running for the Assembly District 40 seat representing Carson City because she wants to make things better.

"I want to make a difference," she said. "I want to do something for our children, make sure seniors have the ability to live independently."

Simons is no stranger to the legislative process. She has lobbied for five sessions for educational reform including options such as charter schools. She has also lobbied for small business interests, trying to get government out of the businessman's hair.

Her interest in public policy started with education because of problems in getting the right kind of help for one of her own children.

"Everyone, I think, is just one cause away from political involvement," she said. "My cause was Ryan."

She started by attending school board meetings, calling for change including more parental control and involvement. She had to move her activism to the Legislature when she realized a lot of the problem was at the state level.

"I'm a pretty strong supporter of local government that is closest to the people," said Simons, a Republican. "Local control. And I think moms and dads know their children better than anyone else. They should have control."

Her son is now an adult, on the way to becoming a chef in New York. But her desire to change things has just grown.

"In the Legislature, there were too many times when I sat back there and thought, 'Gosh, I wouldn't vote that way.'"

She said the way to fix that problem is to go get one of those 42 votes in the Assembly for herself by running.

"It's been a blast," she said. "This has been one of the greatest adventures of my entire life and I love it."

And she says running was a natural step for her after years of involvement in the GOP including as chairwoman of Nevada Republican Women.

"Some people want to be something. Some people want to do something. That's me. I want to do something."

Another thing she wants to do something about is health care access. As a licensed practical nurse, she says it's an issue she knows something about.

"It breaks my heart how many people don't have life insurance, don't understand the importance of preventive medicine and can't afford insurance," she said. "If I'm elected I'll work for affordable insurance."

Other issues, she said, are also important. One she plans to very carefully examine this next session is electric deregulation, which was put on hold by Gov. Kenny Guinn just last month.

"Last session, it looked like there was bipartisan support for deregulation," she said. "Now we're rethinking it."

She said she'll reserve judgment until she listens to all the arguments.

"I learned a long time ago it's important not to spout off about things you don't know," she said.