The next rodeo
Filing yesterday at the Voter Registrar’s office.
“So are you going to run again?”
It’s a question I’ve been getting ever since the end of session last summer. In the euphoria of feeling like I had just finished a marathon with flying colors, the answer came easy, “of course.”
As I’ve watched the issues I worked on take shape and evolve over the interim, issues such as our management of water, new incentives for renewable energy, and the Living Will Lockbox, my “of course” answer took on new meanings and contexts. With tangible results, it was gratifying to know all the long hours spent on the campaign trail and at the Legislature, had resulted in making things better for Nevadans.
Our state in 2008 finds itself in a unique place. With a serious downturn in the economy, skyrocketing costs for Nevada families, and the current budget shortfall that looms even larger on the horizon, no one can doubt that this is indeed a challenging time.
You have to be an optimist as a legislator, believing that the time and energy expended will continue to make a difference. With what looks to be a daunting session ahead, the decision to run again does not come lightly.
But these are interesting times. Nevada’s clean energy economy is on the brink of booming. Probable changes on the national policy level, and overwhelming public support for renewable energy (the number one priority among recent respondents to my recent district-wide issues survey), collide for the perfect storm of Nevada’s emergence as a leader in clean energy technology and production. I learned the energy policy ropes last legislative session, and am hungry to build on the progress we achieved.
While building our clean energy economy is key to ensuring a healthy economy for Nevada, one with skilled, high-paying jobs that lead the world through innovation, other issues loom large for our future as Nevadans. I had lunch the other day with a local expert on issues facing seniors, and together we took stock of our state’s future as we continue to lead the nation with our fast growing population of people over the age of 65. Prescription drugs, health care costs, all sorts of challenges seniors and families face are more important than ever as the first boomers enter retirement. “It’s amazing how much interest in what I do has grown in the last year or so,” my lunch partner remarked. I agree, and look forward to being part of the health care solutions we will find and put into place.
Our state’s budget shortfall poses a unique challenge in the area of education. Our reforms of the past, like full-day kindergarten and performance-pay programs were swept off the table to save money. But education remains a priority for Nevadans of any age. I remain optimistic, despite the state’s budget problems, that we will continue to improve education in Nevada.
The customs, traditions, jargon, and often strange protocols of the Legislature have been fascinating to learn. One of my favorite terms heard time and time again to compare the more senior members in the Legislature to us newbies was the quip that it’s “not their first rodeo.” I believe that taking it all in and learning to work with 62 other legislators from different parties, areas of the state, and walks of life, was key in my passage of six pieces of legislation last session.
Next time won’t be my first rodeo. For the next one, I’m setting a higher standard for my service, one beyond a bill count that’s based on using my acquired skills and experience to fully engage in the process, keep our state moving forward, and provide my neighbors in Assembly District 24 the strongest representation possible.
Can I do it? With your continued support, I’m confident I can. Please learn more about how you can be a part of my campaign. I’m grateful for the help you’ve provided me and look forward to talking with you about how we can continue to make a difference in the lives of Nevadans.
Yesterday, I put my name on this November’s ballot. So in case you were wondering if I was going to run again, the answer is, “absolutely.”
See you on the campaign trail,
David Bobzien
Assemblyman, District 24