Nevada officials say board member might have to resign again

LAS VEGAS - A Nevada Board of Education member who resigned last week over ethical concerns may have to resign again following the September primary, state elections officials said.

John Hawk resigned from the board Wednesday after the group approved a charter for a school co-founded by Hawk and his wife. In resigning, Hawk cited a Nevada Ethics Commission opinion that said he could not remain on the board if the group approved the charter.

On Friday, state officials said ballots for the September primary have already been printed with Hawk's name on it. If one voter checks his name off, Hawk - who is running unopposed - would be re-elected.

"You can't take Hawk off the ballot, so he will be elected again because he's the only one," said Deputy Secretary of State Ronda Moore. "That's what happens when no one runs against you, even when you don't want the job."

Hawk said Friday he would need more information before saying whether he would have to resign again.

"If it is too late for me to take my name off the ballot, I can do nothing at this point but apologize for such a bizarre incidence," Hawk said.

Hawk's term is set to expire in January. Under state statute, Gov. Kenny Guinn would appoint Hawk's replacement, who would serve until the next election in 2006.

Hawk is scheduled to appear before a state ethics panel in August. He could be penalized up to $90,000 if the panel finds he violated state law and the commission's opinion.

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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com