EDITOR:
Mr. Hettrick, deputy chief of staff to Gov. Gibbons, in announcing his decision to run for the position of Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer said one area he may be able to help with is lobbying before the 2011 Legislature on behalf of the counties.
James Baushke, a former county commissioner and Robin Reedy, chief of staff to Gov. Gibbons and co-worker of Mr. Hettrick have both written as to Mr. Hettrick's professional experiences and capabilities along with citing his lobbying expertise.
I definitely agree with them and feel Mr. Hettrick's experience as an assemblyman for 14 years, including serving as Republican minority leader and co-speaker during his tenure, give him an outstanding knowledge of the Legislature's policies and procedures.
My concerns are:
1) I don't believe Nevada statutes require a lobbyist to be a county clerk or that a county clerk has to be a lobbyist for other counties.
2) I don't believe the title of county clerk will greatly increase Mr. Hettrick's already high profile with members of the Legislature.
3) Mr. Thran, the current county clerk, was appointed from a group of nine participants seeking to fill the vacancy due to the retiring of the former clerk. He was selected as being the most qualified due to his experience within the clerk's office and I have not heard of any problems with his performance.
Based on the above, I wonder why Mr. Hettrick wishes to oust Mr. Thran, a fellow Republican, from the position of Douglas County Clerk.
Unfortunately, Mr. Hettrick, having been a strong advocate of those opposed to growth controls, will probably be receiving major support from special interest groups within the Republican Party in his quest to oust Mr. Thran.
Sanford E. Deyo
Minden
