Nevada Appeal Candidate Guide: State Assembly District 40

The State Assembly District 40 seat is a two-year term. Voters are asked to vote for one candidate. Assembly District 40 includes Carson City and the southernmost part of Washoe County. The winner of this race will represent the Republican Party on the November ballot against Democrat Rich Dunn, who is unopposed in the primary.

Philip K. Davies

Party affiliation: Republican

Residence: Carson City

Occupation: Walmart office associate

Age: 27

Contact: ccprecinct401@gmail.com; pkd2012.com

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking.

As a two-term member of the CCRCC executive board, and serving two terms as a NRCC committeeman, I've had some time to study and contribute to the general philosophy of the Republicans of Nevada. This initially was confirmed in my eyes, through serving on the state and county platform committees in 2010. This gave me an opportunity to help condense the ideas of thousands of Nevadans into two concise documents describing the party's principles. Albeit at times daunting, majority acceptance within a group that doesn't quite see eye to eye, is sometimes able to be achieved.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

The major issues, I'll be focusing on protection of the individual's rights. I have many concerns over what is happening on a state and federal level, in regards to freedom and privacy. I feel it is now our state legislature's duty to protect the rights of the people.

Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?

I've always been fascinated by the idea of liberty. Many of us are raised to accept that it exists without question, yet it seems I awaken every day to some new infringement. I recall a time when it was absurd to mention the possibility of random checkpoints and warrantless cellphone tracking; these days, the absurdities are in the headlines. I want a government that values my rights and my privacy.

I will never advocate the sacrifice of liberty for security.

It is time for the freedom lovers to get involved. It is my mission, if elected, to submit BDRs designed to restore our rights, and cause legislators to act in accordance to Liberty vs. Tyranny, not Left vs. Right, and my every vote will be cast based on The Principles of The Constitution.

Any candidate basing their campaign on this premise deserves our support.

Peter L. Livermore

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Retired businessman

Age: 71

Contact: 775-882-5056; pete4assembly.com

Education: United States Marine Corp, 1958 to 1962.

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking.

I've worked and lived in Carson City over 50 years. As the owner of a successful business here (35 years), I've helped the City and area to grow and develop. I helped to start many of the recreational actives available today and served on numerous civic and governmental bodies (three terms as a Carson City supervisor). I was a major supporter of Carson City's open-space ballot question and have continued to support a healthy environment for the people of AD 40. My lengthy history and familiarity with the people of the region have helped me to help them.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

As the Assemblyman for AD 40, I was one of the few freshmen to get bills passed which helped the people of my district. This was done by working with all legislators, regardless of party affiliation. I served on the Government Affairs Committee, Taxation Committee, Health & Human Services Committee as well as the Natural Resources Committee. I remain a supporter of open government and access to public records. Even more important is my institutional memory. I am familiar with the projects that have been tried and failed over the years, and why. I am open to new ideas, but opposed to repeating mistakes of the past. The most important issues are in the coming session will be the economy, jobs and education. Taxes will also be a major discussion topic. I do not support new taxes, but will support the Governor in restoring pay to state employees.

Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?

Because of my past experience, knowledge of the district, its challenges and people, I feel I am the best candidate to serve the people of AD 40. As a supervisor and as an assemblyman, I have been readily accessible to the people and will remain so. As a former longtime business owner, I am particularly sensitive to the needs of those running businesses today -- especially considering the trying times we've been facing. I understand that small businesses are the engine that drives our economy and the creation of needed jobs. Also, having served on a local government body gives me the experience of how the local government serves its citizens.