EDITOR:
Being a candidate for Assembly District 39 has been a rewarding experience, and I would like to share my views and those from voters I have talked with throughout Douglas County.
The 2011 Legislative Session begins in February with 120 days for legislators to handle the issues of the state of Nevada. As of this month there are already over 600 bill draft requests that must be addressed in 2011. Legislators, in accordance with the Nevada Constitution, must also balance the budget. There is an estimated shortfall of $3 billion. To better anticipate future budget fluctuations, I support long-term financial planning. I would establish priorities and scrutinize expenditures and investments to make sure tax dollars are being used wisely. The 2011 legislative session is extremely important, we need a representative who has critical thinking skills and the ability to work with others to bring consensus. I am that representative.
It saddens me to witness firsthand the distress that large numbers of families and businesses are experiencing in Nevada. The foreclosure rate for Nevada is the highest in the nation and must be addressed in a meaningful way, through programs that restore faith in our housing industry. Approximately 97 percent of all businesses in the United States are small businesses. Now is the time to encourage entrepreneurship and a broader base of successful businesses that provide jobs. I will support opportunities for Nevada to become the leader in renewable energy through research and development, which creates new jobs. I would work to improve our schools so fewer students drop out and more students graduate from high school prepared to enter college, or a vocational school. Our students must be prepared to compete in the global market. We must empower our teachers to challenge their students with advanced curriculum in mathematics, science, and the arts. I support full-day kindergarten because it will give the very young a head start. Every student should have the opportunity for a quality education and be proud of the school they attend.
I'm retired from 30 years in banking, where I started as a teller and climbed the corporate ladder through hard work to become vice president/corporate offices. During that time I had the responsibility for projects in affordable housing, creating a community-based bank, and assisting small businesses and redevelopment. I currently serve as vice-chair of the Douglas County Planning Commission, on the Board of the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans, and on the Advisory Board of Western Nevada College. Over the years I've volunteered for abused children, seniors, and I was a past governor for Soroptimist International.
I am the candidate who will make the right decisions for Nevada and I ask for your vote. If you ever have questions or comments please contact me at any time: (775) 224-1133 or joetbro@aol.com. Working together we can turn things around for the state of Nevada.
Jo Etta Brown, candidate
Assembly District 39
Gardnerville
