Democrats host rural caucus

The Douglas County Democratic Central Committee hosted the Rural Nevada Democratic Caucus on May 20 at the Carson Valley Inn. Democrats from Douglas, Storey, Churchill, Nye and Humboldt counties and Carson City were addressed by three candidates running in the 2006 election.

Kim Wallin, a native Nevadan from Clark County, who is running for State Controller, spoke to the group about her commitment to bringing "leadership and integrity to the office."

She referred to the current Comptroller, Republican Kathy Augustine, who was impeached in 2004 by the Nevada legislature for using her office equipment and staff to assist her campaign for re-election in 2002.

Wallin, a certified management accountant as well as certified financial manager and CPA, pledged to "develop a code of ethics and professional conduct for the entire office" as well as to "utilize the best practices in management accounting to save the state money while providing the highest level of service."

Cathylee James from Storey County is running for State Assembly District 38, a seat she also ran for in 2004. She is a writer, former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer and Storey County School Board Trustee.

James stated she decided to seek this seat becauses she believes "elected officials have a responsibility to aggressively pursue solutions to our problems."

JoEtta Brown, a Gardnerville resident, is seeking to represent Assembly District 39, the seat currently held by Lynn Hettrick who has decided to step down.

Brown said she is a fiscal conservative and, if elected, will "oppose any new taxes." She would also vote to maintain the current property tax cap.

The other issues which she believes are important include promoting affordable, quality healthcare; revitalizing education to prepare students to succeed in a global job market; ensuring safe and secure communities; protecting and improving the beauty and quality of life in the district.

Information, www.douglasdems.com or 783-1903.