2020 Mesquite, NV - Meet the Candidates

MEET THE CANDIDATES 2020 MESQUITE, NV

CHAMBER PREMIUM MEMBERS ELITE PLUS

ELITE

EXECUTIVE

PARTNERSHIP

MESQUITE MAYORAL CANDIDATES

ALLAN LITMAN ROBERT SWEETIN

ALLAN LITMAN

MAYORAL CANDIDATE – INCUMBENT

Allan Litman was born and raised in Duluth, Minn. Litman graduated from the University of Minnesota, majoring in history and political science. He entered the U.S. Army in 1965, serving in Vietnam from 19661967, where he was decorated with a Bronze Star for Valor and an Air Medal for flying in numerous combat flights with the First Calvary (Airmobile).

After leaving the Army, Litman taught public school in Los Angeles, Cali., for several years, and Simi Valley, Cali., for fifteen years, where he taught and directed special education programs. He also developed drivertraining programs for the deaf and hard of hearing and physically disabled high school students. Litman was an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University, teaching in the Graduates School of Education and Psychology while he earned his graduate degrees in School Administration and Institutional Management.

In 1984, Litman left education and founded an automobile service company before retiring and moving to Hawaii in 1994. After a brief retirement, he opened a small practice in Child Family Psychotherapy as well as providing autism consulting for the State of Hawaii.

In 2004, Litman moved to Mesquite. He taught psychology at the College of Southern Nevada for five years after that, before being elevated to the Mesquite City Council. In 2014 Litman was appointed Mayor and was elected Mayor two years later.

While a resident of Mesquite, Litman co-founded the Mesquite Veterans Center, was a founding member of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, served as president of Dollars for Scholars and assisted the Exchange Club on Veterans issues. He directed the Veterans Day Parade for fourteen years, conducted the Memorial Day Service, and served on the advisory board of the Southern Nevada Symphony.

Litman is a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, a life member of the Disabled Veterans of America, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and an eleven-year member of the Mesquite Elks Lodge.

ROBERT SWEETIN MAYORAL CANDIDATE

My wife and I are both born and raised Nevadans. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and my law degree from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. I have worked for the judicial, legislative and executive branches of government in California, Washington D.C. and Nevada.

I moved to Mesquite with my family seven years ago to become Deputy City Attorney and we have been proud to call Mesquite home since. My wife, Courtney, is the Small Business Development Advisor for Mesquite and serves on the board of Mesquite Region Economic Development. Our two children attend Virgin Valley and JL Bowler Elementary Schools and we have served on the School Organizational Teams for each of these schools.

In 2015 I was appointed City Attorney. In my tenure, I have prosecuted thousands of criminal cases and managed all civil litigation for the city. I drafted, then shepherded the Mesquite City Charter through the legislative process, resulting in the state of Nevada granting its first city charter in over 30 years. My department created the Victim Advocacy Program through grant funding which now employs three victim advocates who serve the Virgin Valley. Through successful partnerships with state agencies and generous community donors we also established the first local domestic abuse shelter.

I decided to run for mayor after the council’s strategic planning session in January. I realized there that I was uniquely positioned to leverage my personal and professional networks to help our city meet the strategic objectives set by council. Now, more than ever, City Hall is in need of vision, leadership and collaboration to ensure we emerge from this health and economic crisis stronger than before. I look forward to working with our unparalleled community members to accomplish these objectives.

MESQUITE CITY COUNCIL SEAT 5

WES BOGER KAREN FIELDING

WES BOGER

CITY COUNCIL – SEAT 5

Hi! I’m Wes Boger. I am running for City Council to help lead our economic recovery, improve workforce housing, education, and public safety in Mesquite.

I have lived and worked in Mesquite for 15 years. I am a small business owner and entrepreneur. I also volunteer for the Mesquite Police Department and am a school volunteer. Other civic duties include being a member of the Virgin Valley Community Education Advisory Board (CEAB), and the Mesquite City Charter Committee.

With the recent pandemic causing many residents to lose their income and businesses to close, the local economy has become the #1 issue for Mesquite. Navigating through an adverse economy is nothing new to me. As the General Manager of a tech startup company in the Silicon Valley, I led our company through the “Dot Com” market crash by working together while being fiscally conservative. Our company did not lay off any employees, nor did it go into debt. I started my own internet retail company in 2003.

My wife and I purchased a home and moved to Mesquite in 2005 to start a family. The small business was our only source of income. It thrived through the “Great Recession” and is still going strong today.

With my background in running successful businesses, I believe I am the best candidate to fill Mesquite City Council Seat 5 and help lead our community through these uncertain economic times.

KAREN FIELDING CITY COUNCIL – SEAT 5

I moved to Mesquite in January 1995. The last 25 years I have seen many changes. I love this town and believe today, as I did when I first chose Mesquite, that this is an amazing city with much to offer residents of all ages. I have raised my three wonderful children, McKenna, Madison and Tanner here in Mesquite. It has been one of the biggest joys of my life to watch my children grow to become involved in this community that I have loved and served for so long.

I am very active in the Mesquite community. I was a Member of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2007 through 2012, and served as their President during the last two years of my tenure. I have served on the City of Mesquite’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the Transportation Capacity Improvement Plan, Vice President of the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization, 10 years on the Golf Fore Kids Golf Tournament Committee, currently a member of the GMAF Board, City of Mesquite Master Plan Committee, MREA and a proud member of the Mesquite Rotary Club. I enjoy being involved where I can be of assistance and help make a difference.

This Community means everything to me. I am passionate and committed to the continued growth and success of the City of Mesquite. I have spent 25 years getting to know this community and feel I have a direct and personal connection with all the citizens in our community. I want to be a voice for everyone from the children of Mesquite through the working citizens and the community of retirees who have chosen Mesquite as their home. We are a very diverse community and I know I can be the person on City Council who will focus on ensuring that every voice is heard when it matters. I know and understand the issues Mesquite faces. Mesquite has changed over the past 25 years from a town of less than 3500 to a town of over 21000. This is an exciting time for Mesquite and for all of us. I can help make a difference to continue striving towards reaching our full potential.

I am Karen Fielding, and I respectfully ask for your support and please cast your vote for me on November 3rd.

MESQUITE VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER

RANDY LAUB MIKE MCGREER

RANDY LAUB VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DIST. BOARD MEMBER

Hi, my name is Randy Laub and I am a candidate for the Virgin Valley Water Board. I havegrown up in this valley that I love to call home. I am married to Jill Laub and we have 8 wonderful children.

I had the opportunity to serve on the water board in 2018 when a board member decided to resign. I have a AA degree in business management and have had the opportunity to build 2 homes here in Mesquite. I previously owned a small landscape business and a pest control company for 11 years, known as Mesquite Pest Control. I currently work for the City of Mesquite in the Leisure Services Department as well as sell real estate for EXP Realty in Mesquite.

I’ve been very involved in our community my entire life in many aspects from being a citizen, a business owner, coaching youth in a variety of sports, volunteering in youth groups and being involved with my family. This valley has much to offer to all of our citizens as well as those fortunate enough to find the jewel in the desert we all call home.

Water is a natural resource that we must all protect, conserve and use responsibly. After all, “Water is Life”. I am asking for your trust in me and your vote in this election for the Virgin Valley Water Board.

MIKE MCGREER VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DIST. BOARD MEMBER

Mike McGreer is a candidate for the Mesquite Seat on the Virgin Valley Water Board.

In 2006 Mike retired from the Department of Interior in Washington, DC, and he and his wife Bonnie moved to Mesquite to enjoy a quieter life and take advantage of the weather.

For over 40-years, Mike served in local, state, or federal government performing a range of administrative and technical activities.

In addition to those activities, he was an assistant professor at the University of South Dakota in the Department of Political Science, where he taught graduate students in several subjects, including policy analysis, budgeting and finance, and administrative law.

While in Washington, DC. He was an adjunct associate professor at George Washington University’s graduate program in information technology.

During his government service, he has developed budgets and fiscal plans, established public policy, evaluated, and supervised and evaluated contractors, managed budgets, and testified before legislative committees.

He has also worked on public policy issues with foreign governments, including the then 16 NATO nations, the European Union, and governments in Korea and Japan.

He is a published author and currently serves as the managing editor of Nevada-today.com, where he writes about public policy issues.

He has a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis on policy analysis and a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on Operations Research and Systems Analysis.

MESQUITE

OVERTON POWER DIST. #5 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JAKE NOLL JR. MIKE YOUNG

JAKE NOLL, JR.

OVERTON POWER DIST. #5 BOARD TRUSTEE

I moved my family to Mesquite in May 2005 from Northern California to get closer to the grandkids without moving next door. I have been coming to Mesquite since 1999 to play golf and fell in love with the area and the weather.

I’m very active in the Mesquite community. I started my own business in 2009, TJ Custom Mats and Frames. I am a member of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. I am a Vietnam era veteran who served in the Army for 6yrs. I have volunteered 60hrs a week building 4 homes here in Mesquite for a program similar to Habitat for Humanity. I am an active member of the Rotary Club of Mesquite, holding several leadership positions such as assistant governor and a 3-time past president. I am a retired Telecommunications Engineer with several years of experience working with senior management, the Public Utility Commission, and the general public. I was a key leader working with the Telephone Company and the Public Utility during the breakup of the Bell System.

I am passionate and committed in every endeavor I choose to take on. I feel my telephone experience will allow me to better serve the community and Overton Power District. I will ensure that the citizens of Mesquite have a voice in the important decisions needed to pave our future for success.

I am Jake Noll and I respectfully ask for your support and vote for me in the November 2020 elections.

MIKE YOUNG

OVERTON POWER DIST. #5 BOARD TRUSTEE

Mike has been a member of the board governing Overton Power District since 2014. He is now serving his second term Secretary/Treasurer. When he joined the Board, the District was over 53 million dollars in debt and very near a credit downgrade. The Board and staff working together has been able to reduce debt to less than 36 million dollars and upgraded its credit rating several times to an A. Moved to Mesquite in 2004 after 40 Years in the Public water and power utility industry. He has worked on local, state and federal Power Contracts. A past member of the President Bush’s committee on “Protection of Critical Infrastructure.”

Was responsible for a water and power system serving 15 million people. After retirement, served as Executive Director for largest Professional Utility Organization in California and Nevada.

He holds a Degree in Public Administration and has a Lifetime teaching credential in Environmental Science. Completed over 120 hours of training for Board members. Has achieved the highest level, (Gold).

As a member of the Board, helped develop a strategic plan which included bringing a second power supply into the valley by 2023/24 (work is already under way) This will be done without any major increase in power rates. Member of the Rate Setting Committee which lowered rates, (Affordable power) yet provided financing for major system improvements, (reliability).

Worked with City officials on providing emergency power to the City of Mesquite. Affordable power, increased dependability and reducing debt are his commitments to you.

MESQUITE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS RUNNING FOR STATE, DISTRICT, OR COUNTY OFFICE/SEATS

NEVADA CANDIDATES HEIDI ALMASE STEPHANIE CHARTER RHONDA FORSBERG MARY PERRY The publishing of these individuals in this booklet is in no way an endorcement on behalf of the individuals campaign. The publishing of their information is a service as a member of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce.

HEIDI ALMASE

FAMILY COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT X

Heidi Almase is running for Family Court, Department X. For the past two years, Heidi has worked at Family Court in Department T. Heidi has worked on an average of 300 cases per month dealing with every type of case, from adoptions to divorce proceedings. Heidi’s prior experience with civil, criminal and family law along with her significant appellate experience, daily assists with the management of domestic cases.

Heidi is a former Las Vegas Municipal Court judge. Heidi presided over a regular criminal docket as well as HOPE Court, an adult drug court focusing on defendants who had consistent interaction with the criminal justice system as a result of an addiction and are homeless or at-risk for homelessness. In 2015, Heidi created the City’s first mental health diversion program. This program, the first of its kind, focused on defendants suffering from a mental illness who come in contact with the criminal justice system. Following its first year of operation, Heidi and her team won a national award for creative care from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

In her capacity as a Municipal Court Judge, Heidi was the recipient of the for 2016 Community Partner Award, Las Vegas Foundation for Recovery, for her work in the addiction recovery field while overseeing HOPE Court and received the 2016 Continuity of Care, Connect 4 Mental Health, for her work presiding over the Las Vegas Mental Health Court.

STEPHANIE CHARTER FAMILY COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT Y

My name is Stephanie Charter, and I am running for Family Court Judge, Department Y. This is one of six new departments in Family Court. With the addition of these six seats, we will have three more judges dedicated to hearing child abuse and neglect cases. That is where my heart and a great deal of my experience lies.

I was admitted to the bar in California in 1991 and then in Nevada in 1994. I am also admitted in Utah and Arizona. After practicing as a civil litigator for ten years, I took a case pro bono for the then very new Children’s Attorney’s Project at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada representing a young girl who was the victim of abuse and neglect.

Advocating for my young client inside and outside of court was such an honor and led me to my true passion in the law: child welfare. I then joined LACSN to become a fulltime children’s attorney for several years. While there, I started the Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Counsel for Children. After legal aid, I served as a deputy district attorney in the child welfare unit in Clark and then Washoe County. I have also supported our youth outside of the courtroom as a volunteer Judge for many years with the Truancy Diversion Program in Clark County, a program I helped co-found in Washoe County.

It would be my honor to bring my 29 years of experience, my compassion, and my professionalism to work for all of the children and families in Clark County as your Judge in Family Court, Department Y.

RHONDA FORSBERG

FAMILY COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT G

In April 2019, Rhonda was honored to be selected by the Governor of Nevada to serve as Judge of Family Court Department G. Judge Forsberg loves serving the residents of Clark County to assist them through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Since taking the bench she has worked hard to ensure that all litigants are respected and have the opportunity to have their positions heard. She understands that people need their cases resolved so they can begin to heal and move on with their lives.

She is the youngest of five children, and the first of her family to attend college. Rhonda was a non-traditional student.

Rhonda obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Utah in 1995, while working fulltime and raising a family. Rhonda was grateful that UNLV’s law school offered a night program that allowed her to complete her law degree while working full time. She completed her law degree from UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law in 2005.

Rhonda’s legal career began with working for Radford J. Smith, Chartered. Rhonda opened her own law firm in 2008.

Rhonda handled all types of family cases including divorce, custody, child support, adoptions, guardianship, TPO’s, juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency.

Rhonda believes in helping the community. During college she found time to volunteer with Salt Lake Rape Recovery Center. Rhonda assisted victims of sexual assault. In addition, Rhonda has served on the Board of Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, has devoted many hours of pro bono work assisting children in abuse and neglect cases, and the Ask A Lawyer program as well as other cases assigned by Legal Aid. The majority of family cases in Nevada are filed in proper person by parties who cannot afford counsel. Understanding that the majority of cases that would appear before her would be parties in proper person, Rhonda accepted an appointment as court appointed counsel in juvenile dependency court, representing low income parents. Serving low income parties has broadened her knowledge which has been an asset as a judicial official.

Prior to being appointed as Judge of Department G, Judge Forsberg served as a pro tem hearing master for domestic violence/TPO and family discovery court. She has also served on several committees to improve the family court system; the Bench/Bar Committee, the Court Technology Committee, the Settlement Master’s Program, a judge for the Truancy Diversion Program, and was appointed as the chairperson for the Outsource Provider List Committee.

Though Judge Forsberg loves her legal career, her greatest achievement is raising two daughters that are successful, productive members of society.

Mary Perry

FAMILY COURT JUDGE DEPARTMENT P

Knowing there was more in life, Mary Perry joined the Air Force and served her country for over eight years during the Desert Storm era, and is a disabled veteran.

She moved to Las Vegas after the Air Force, where she worked as a keno runner, security, office manager and in retail while attending UNLV, she was accepted in the Charter Class of UNLV’s, William S. Boyd School of Law and passing the Nevada Bar in October 2001.

Mary’s primary practice area is Family Law, though she has practiced in personal injury and criminal. She has a reputation for being a straight shooter, and fighting for what’s right, seeing all sides of a situation and seeking to resolve matters amicably or, when necessary, fighting for her client through trial.

Mary Perry is a mother, grandmother, sister, and wife and has been through a divorce herself. She is also a breast cancer survivor who has the outlook of always moving forward. She was back to work representing her clients within two weeks of a double mastectomy.

If you want someone who is diligent and experienced, then Mary Perry is your choice for District Court Judge, Family Division, Department P.

SEATS APPEARING ON THE BALLOT IN MESQUITE, NV ON NOVEMBER 3, 2020.

The publishing of these individuals in this booklet is in no way an endorcement on behalf of the individuals campaign. The publishing of their information is a service as a member of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT Biden, Joseph R. / Harris, Kamala D. (D) Blankenship, Don / Mohr, William (I) Jorgensen, Jo / Cohen, Jeremy “Spike” (L) Trump, Donald J. / Pence Michael R. (R)

CONGRESS REPRESENTATIVE – DIST 4 Esteban, Jonathan, Royce (L) Horsford, Steven (D) Marchant, Jim (R) Rubinson, Barry (I)

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 19 Black, Ann “Annie” (R)

COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT B Kirkpatrick, Marilyn (D) Markowitz, Warren R. (I) Williams, Kevin M. (R)

NONPARTISAN OFFICES JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT, SEAT B Pickering, Kristina None of These Candidates

JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT, SEAT D Fumo, Ozzie Herndon, Douglas None of These Candidates

NONPARTISAN OFFICES CONT. COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE, DEPT 3 Bulla, Bonnie Bush, Susan None of These Candidates

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 1 Villani, Jacob Yeager, Bita “Marie”

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 2 Kierny, Carli Lynn Scotti, Richard

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 3 Ganz, Adam Trujillo, Monica

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 4 Aurbach, Phil Krall, Nadia

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 5 Barisich, Veronica Coffing, Terry

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 6 Bluth, Jacqueline Leventhal, Todd M.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 7 Bell, Linda Marie

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 8 Atkin, Trevor Peterson, Jessica K.

NONPARTISAN OFFICES CONT. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 9 Silva, Cristina D.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 10 Jones, Tierra D.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 11 Gonzalez, Elizabeth “Betsy”

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 12 Leavitt, Michelle

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 13 Denton, Mark

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 14 Escobar, Adriana

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 15 Hardy, Jr., Joe

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 16 Williams, Tim

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 17 Albertson, Anna Villani, Michael

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 18 Holthus, Mary Kay Hunt, John A.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 19 Eller, Crystal Kephart, William “Bill”

NONPARTISAN OFFICES CONT. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 20 Hooker, Dawn Allysa Johnson, Eric

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 21 Clark Newberry, Tara Reynolds, Jacob

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 22 Johnson, Susan Holland Nadig, Ben

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 23 Armstrong, Karl W. Lilly-Spells, Jasmin

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 24 Ballou, Erika D. Gilliam, Dan

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 25 Delaney, Kathleen E.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 26 Sturman, Gloria J.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 27 Allf, Nancy L.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 28 Israel, Ron

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 29 Jones, David M. Lรณpez-Negrete, David

NONPARTISAN OFFICES CONT. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 30 Wiese, Jerry A.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 31 Call, Gary W. Kishner, Joanna S.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DEPT 32 Bare, Rob Craig, Christy

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT A Voy, William

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT B Marquis, Linda

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT C Burton, Rebecca L.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT D Teuton, Bob

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT E Hoskin, Charles J. “Chuck” Kurtz, Thomas G.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT F Gentile, Denise

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT G Childs, Sr., Benjamin Boone Forsberg, Rhonda K.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT H Ritchie, Art

NONPARTISAN OFFICES CONT. FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT I Bailey, Soonhee “Sunny” Tobler, Michelle O.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT J Butler, Dedree “Dee” MacDonald, J. Scott

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT K Giuliani, Cynthia N.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT L Gibson, Jr., David

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT M Hughes, Lynn Mastin, Amy M.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT N Harter, Mathew

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT O Sullivan, Frank P.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT P Dayani, Sara Perry, Mary

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT Q Duckworth, Bryce C.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT R Henderson, Bill

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT S Ochoa, Vincent

NONPARTISAN OFFICES CONT. FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT T Cutter, Nadin Stoffel, Jason

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT U Gonzalez, Bill Throne, Dawn

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT V Pickard, Margaret E.

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT W Rincon White, Adriana Rocheleau, Stacy Michelle

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT X Almase, Heidi Davis, Jim

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT Y Charter, Stephanie

FAMILY COURT JUDGE, DEPT Z Mercer, Michele “Shell” Perez, Romeo

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 4 Cantu, Rene Newburn, Mark

2020 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Adam Anderson Chair

Mark Whetzel Chair Elect

Bryan Baird Board Member

Claudia Carlsen Secretary/Treasurer Individual

Donna Eads Board Member

Carol Kolson President/CEO

Christi Neff Board Member

Individual

Tony Stipanov Board Member

Charlene Udall Board Member

Jean Watkins Board Member