Up Close and Personal

By: Rana Goodman - Political Editor

So many to choose from. Do we look and say eenie-meenie-miney moe?

Do you take the time to research and study each candidate or did you actually believe what you heard them say on TV?

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I used to pay close attention when I liked a candidate; many times hanging on every word.

Unfortunately once they were elected, I found those words to be nothing but hollow promises.

Each election year, as I have grown older, I try to observe more about what incumbents have done and if I can, find out why they have done it. When I find myself disapproving (which is often) I try very hard to learn all I can about their upcoming opponent.

Working as a non-paid lobbyist for the last two legislative sessions, and now, being involved with The Vegas Voice, I have the edge of being able to get “up close and personal” with politicians I want to know more about. I must tell you, it has been a sobering experience.

In some cases, it broke my heart, when I realized that two men I really thought were “stand up guys” were very “tarnished.” That was a benefit to watching the legislature in action; although many days, it can be like watching paint dry.

I read a lot of biographies, spoke in person to quite a few candidates that were my choice for several offices and hoped their answers were the truth (and nothing but). I remembered something my mother always swore by most of the time (Judge Judy too, smile).

Mom would never carry on a conversation unless the person would look her straight in the eye. She said, “If they won’t look you in the eye, it’s not the truth.”

I’m searching for politicians running for our state offices that are going there really intending to represent “the people” - not looking for power, not looking for perks or a ladder up the chain of higher offices.

Now I hear you readers (especially Publisher Dan) scoffing out there, but I have met a few and without doubt, will not only vote for them, but will recommend my friends do too.

One happens to have served as a state senator since 2002, but is now “term limited.” Now running for Secretary of State, I have spoken with Senator Barbara Cegavski numerous times and she is one of the most down to earth, real women I have known. Her heart is filled for her family and caring for Nevada.

On the flip side, is Senator Michael Roberson, who used to be all charm and grace.

Once he reached Carson City however, he sold his Henderson voters out to the construction industry. He pushed a bill last session against reasonable claims for construction defects; capping them at a ridiculously low rate.

Prior to the day of the vote, the Senator was reminded about the millions of dollars in plumbing and construction defects that needed to be replaced all over the valley in Del Webb and Pulte homes. In many cases, rebar was missing from foundations, causing tile to crack and needing replacement of the entire floor.

Thousands of people had to relocate while their home floors were replaced. You can imagine what this cost the construction companies.

The Sawyer Building, where Las Vegas residents (who cannot travel to Carson City) can go to hear the legislative hearings in session were ready and willing to testify via teleconference. The day Roberson’s bill was being heard, the room was packed to capacity.

Senator Tick Segerblom, Chair of the Committee hearing, refused to let one person from Las Vegas speak, in spite of the fact that over an hour went by, while individuals, mostly from the construction industry testified in Carson City.

At one point, while looking at the TV monitor, the Senator spotted a man I know sitting at the speaker’s table. Segerblom asked: “Does the man in Las Vegas wish to be heard?” The man said “Yes.”

Senator Segerblom replied: “Sorry, we are out of time.” The entire room from Las Vegas - many in construction hard hats, as well as seniors and regular residents walked out. 

No, they won’t have my vote again.