Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

-----------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT UPDATE
By Kenny C. Guinn*1

The Nevada Department of Transportation is in the midst of a massive undertaking - the largest highway construction program ever for the State of Nevada. Close to $2 billion has been committed for current and future state transportation projects to address one of the most pressing needs here in the country's fastest growing state. I would like to give you a quick update on a few of these projects, as they represent a reduction of traffic congestion in our metropolitan areas while also providing thousands of new jobs and stimulating our state's economy.*2

In the Las Vegas area, projects completed in 2004 or currently under construction include (project costs in parentheses): U.S. 95 widening at Rainbow Curve and Summerlin Interchange ($42 million); Nevada¡¯s approach to Hoover Dam ($32 million); Interstate 215/I-515 Henderson Interchange and extension of I-215 Beltway ($82 million); upgrade of full interchange of I-15 at Lamb Boulevard ($17.5 million); I-15 widening at Union Pacific Railroad overcrossing ($7.4 million); and Rancho Road, from U.S. 95 to Washington Avenue resurface and restripe, ($7 million).

In Reno/Carson City, projects completed in 2004 or currently under construction include: I-580 freeway extension, from Reno to Washoe Valley - Phase 1 of four bridges ($80 million); Carson City Freeway, from Arrowhead to U.S. 50 East ($69 million); U.S. 395/I-80 Reno Spaghetti Bowl, reconstruct interchange ($53 million); and U.S. 395 Clear Acre Lane and North McCarran Bridge ($31 million), which is being administered by the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission.

In addition, four new projects are in the early stages of construction or will begin construction in 2004: U.S. 95 widening from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Jones Boulevard in Las Vegas ($195 million); I-80 from Keystone Avenue to Robb Drive in Reno, westbound truck climbing lane ($8 million); U.S. 50/U.S. 95A Fernley to Fallon, reconstruct intersection ($11 million); U.S. 50 Lake Tahoe, binwall replacement ($3.6 million). Construction will also begin for the central Mesquite interchange on I-15 ($7 million); and $52 million has been earmarked for resurfacing, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects throughout the state.

In the future, additional funding of nearly $500 million is planned for projects in southern Nevada, and another $430 million is slated for projects in northern Nevada.

As your Governor and chairman of the State Transportation Board, I am determined to support the improvement of our transportation infrastructure to keep Nevada's traffic flowing smoothly, safely, and efficiently for many years to come.*3

-----------------------------
References

*1. Dr. Kenny C. Guinn is the Governor of Nevada, U. S. A..
*2. Ofiice of the Governor. 'A Message from Governor Kenny C. Guinn -- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT UPDATE,' " An e-mail from the Office of Governor Kenny Guinn to Dr. Tony Lei," (May 5, 2004), Carson City, Nevada: Office of Governor Kenny C. Guinn.
*3. Ibid.

***About the Author:

Kenny Guinn, 67, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physical Education from Fresno State University and later obtained a doctorate in Education from Utah State University in Logan. He was named Superintendent of Schools in Clark County and served with distinction in that position until 1978.

In his work for the Clark County School District, Guinn was recognized as an effective administrator committed to educational excellence at a time when the county was experiencing exponential student growth. His service to Clark County students was honored when Kenny C. Guinn Junior High School was named for him.

In 1978, Guinn began applying his management skills in business as Administrative Vice President for Nevada Savings and Loan in Las Vegas, which later became PriMerit Bank. At PriMerit, he was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas-based bank. Soon thereafter, Guinn was recruited to the energy business as the President of Southwest Gas Corporation and eventually became Chairman of the Board of Directors of that utility in 1993.

In 1994, Guinn was recruited by the University of Nevada Board of Regents to serve as interim president of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

In addition to his one-year term at UNLV, Guinn served the state in leadership roles on a variety of committees and commissions, including the Clark County Community College Advisory Committee, the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees, the White House Conference on Children and Youth, among others.

Guinn has also worked in his community in a variety of volunteer roles, ranging from involvement in the Boy Scouts and Pop Warner Football to the United Way of Southern Nevada and the Southern Nevada Independent Youth Athletic Association.

Dr. Kenny Guinn is now the Governor of Nevada, U. S. A. at his second term.

-------------------------------------
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman to make proposal to elect, rather than appoint, member
By Michael Squires and PAI of WBTI*1

Through the courtesy of Las Vegas Review-Journal, Public Administration Institution(PAI) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) is pleased to post the following article:

Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

CITY COUNCIL OPENING: Special election considered

Mayor to make proposal to elect, rather than appoint, member*2

By MICHAEL SQUIRES
REVIEW-JOURNAL

The Las Vegas City Council appears ready to move forward with a special election this summer to fill the Ward 2 council seat vacated by Lynette Boggs McDonald.

Mayor Oscar Goodman will propose today that the council drop plans to appoint Boggs McDonald's replacement and instead allow the district's voters to make the decision. If Goodman's plan gains support, the council would vote on the proposal in a special meeting May 11.

"I think anytime you can give people the right to be heard, that's the more prudent way to go," the mayor said Tuesday. "We'll see whether the council goes along with that."

City Clerk Barbara Jo Ronemus has in recent days discussed the feasibility of a special election with the secretary of state's office and Clark County officials. Ronemus, who will report to the council today on the potential costs and timetable for a special election, declined to comment on specifics until after she gives her report.

However, a city source indicated the council will choose between a conventional election with polling at a limited number of Ward 2 sites and a through-the-mail election in which ballots would be mailed to the district's 34,000 active registered voters.

One timetable would schedule the winner-takes-all special election for June 22, with the newly elected member of the council taking office July 7. Candidates would file for office over three days later this month.

"With the timetable that I'm looking at and trying to accomplish, we'll have someone sworn in on July 7," Goodman said.

Another option, which would allow more time for candidate filing, would push the special election to July 20.

Estimated costs for the election range from $50,000 to $80,000.

Councilman Larry Brown, who supports a special election if the costs and timetable are reasonable, said he favors holding it as soon as possible because the winner will have to run again in next year's municipal election.

"If we drag this out beyond four or five months, then the winner will have to turn around and run in another four or five months," he said. "You don't want to split it up so it's a race and a race."

Councilwoman Janet Moncrief, who also said she supports a special election to fill the Ward 2 seat, said the council also needs to allow adequate time for candidates to campaign.

Under Goodman's proposal, there would be no need to appoint a caretaker to hold the seat until the special election, as some have speculated.

The city charter requires council vacancies be filled within 30 days. May 19 will mark 30 days since Boggs McDonald stepped down to accept an appointment to the Clark County Commission.

But, Goodman noted, the state statute that allows cities to use special elections in lieu of appointments supersedes the Las Vegas charter.

Since Boggs McDonald's resignation last month, the mayor and council have remarked on the large number of qualified candidates who have applied for the Ward 2 opening. More than a dozen candidates have submitted resumes and sat for interviews.

A few of the candidates include architect and former Planning Commissioner Craig Galati; Robert Genzer, the city's planning director and a 30-year City Hall veteran; Terry Garcia-Cahlan, a former city staffer and consultant to state agencies; and longtime attorney Steve Wolfson, who boasts endorsements from the Las Vegas Police Protective Association and two neighborhood groups.

"I got through all 16 interviews and there were three or four people who could do the job, no question," Brown said. "I think from the people's perspective it's (a special election) probably the safer way to go."

Councilman Michael Mack agreed.

"There's been so many qualified candidates, it's been difficult to choose one who has risen to the top," he said. "I think a special election, with the voice being heard from Ward 2 residents, would speak volumes to the needs of this community."

Councilman Gary Reese, who became disenchanted with the appointment process when he unsuccessfully sought an appointment before winning office in 1995, first initiated the city's consideration of a Ward 2 special election last week.

"I'm still in favor of a special election," he said Tuesday. "I've preached that since I tried to get an appointment."*3

-------------------------
References

*1. PAI is the initial of Public Administration Institution of Wasngton Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Squires, Michael. 'Mayor to make proposal to elect, rather than appoint, member,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May 5, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*3. Ibid.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

-----------------------------------------
Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn appoints Ace Robison to Colorado River Commission
By Office of Governor Kenny Guinn*1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2004 Contact Greg Bortolin or John Trent*2
775-684-5670
Gov. Guinn appoints robison to colorado river commission

CARSON CITY - Governor Kenny Guinn today announced the appointment of Ace Robison of Logandale to the Colorado River Commission.

"Ace Robison has the perfect background to address the important issues that fall the Colorado River Commission," Gov. Guinn said. "As a native Nevadan with vast experience at both the state and federal level, Ace will be an intelligent voice regarding the body of water that is Southern Nevada's lifeblood."

Robison, 60, is a fourth generation native of rural Southern Nevada. He has served as an investigator with the Clark County District Attorney's Office, Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy and Director of Public Affairs with the U.S. Dept. of Energy, and is currently Senior Partner with Robison/Seidler, Inc., a Nevada based consulting firm.

"I am deeply honored to receive this appointment from Governor Guinn," Robison said. "When the commission was formed in 1935 it was charged with securing and protecting the rights and interests of the State of Nevada in the waters of the Colorado River and the power generated at dams on the river. Much has changed in Nevada since 1935, including an expanded role for the Colorado River Commission, but the fundamental charge to the Commission has remained the same. I look forward to working on behalf of Nevada to enhance the economic circumstances of Nevada through optimum utilization of resources under the jurisdiction of the Colorado River Commission."

The Colorado River Commission consists of seven members. Four members are appointed by the Governor and three members are appointed by the board of directors of the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Robison replaces the late Lamond Mills on the commission.*3
*****Office of the Governor Grant Sawyer State Office Building
101 North Carson Street 555 East Washington, Suite 5100
Carson City, NV 89701 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Fax: 775-684-7198 Fax: 702-486-2505

--------------------------
References

*1. Dr. Kenny C. Guinn is the Governor of Nevada, U. S. A..
*2. Ofiice of the Governor. 'News Release from Governor Kenny C. Guinn --- May 5, 2004; Gov. Guinn appoints robison to colorado river commission,' " An e-mail from the Office of Governor Kenny Guinn to Dr. Tony Lei," (May 5, 2004), Carson City, Nevada: Office of Governor Kenny Guinn.
*3. Ibid.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

-----------------------------------------
Las Vegas Review-Journal today --- EDITORIAL: Up to the voters to decide
By EDITORIAL of LVRJ

Through the courtesy of Las Vegas Review-Journal, the following article was edited by the Public Administration Institution (PAI) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) with (in according to) the complete information from Las Vegas Review-Journal on May 2 and May 4 of 2004:*1

Judicial survey
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

EDITORIAL: Up to the voters to decide*2

Judicial survey can be a handy tool

***Filing for elective offices in Nevada begins this week, and prospective Clark County judicial candidates may want to take a close look at some of the findings of the biennial judicial survey conducted by the Review-Journal and the Clark County Bar Association, and published in the Sunday newspaper.*3

The survey comes with some caveats, of course. Responses were tallied from 764 responding attorneys. (The Bar Association estimates this represents a response rate of about 50 percent from among attorneys who have actually appeared before these judges in recent years.)

Attorneys are human -- hold the lawyer jokes, please -- and as subject as anyone to personal prejudice. Judges (speaking off the record, of course) have occasionally complained that the survey can be used to reward "good-old-boy" jurists who cast a blind eye on the failings of local barristers.

But this unavoidable caveat is vastly outweighed by the fact that -- without the judicial survey -- most voters would be absolutely clueless as they entered the polling place to vote on the retention or replacement of incumbent judges.

Over the years, the survey has proved to be quite an accurate barometer of how judges will fare at the polls. A number of jurists who scored low on past surveys were either cast out by the voters, or folded their tents rather than submit themselves to that final judgment.

Furthermore, assertions that low ratings reflect nothing but the opinions of a few "disgruntled losers" tend to pale when one watches rating trends over a period of time.*4

In 2002, Supreme Court Justices Deborah Agosti and Miriam Shearing received retention ratings of 84 and 78 percent, respectively. This year -- after both joined in the astonishing Guinn v. Legislature decision, which threw out the voter-approved constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds legislative vote to raise taxes -- the two justices saw their retention ratings slip to a dismal 44 and 55 percent, respectively.

Why? "This judge led the charge in blatant abuse and neglect in regards to our state Constitution," one surveyed attorney said of Ms. Agosti. "Given her vote on the tax issue I am happy to see that she is not running for re-election," another said of Justice Shearing.

Both justices have decided to retire rather than face the voters again.

Challengers might expect an uphill battle against jurists like freshman District Court Judge Stewart Bell (a former prosecutor who has gained an early reputation for not tolerating any foot-dragging, and who garnered a 92 percent retention rating) or Las Vegas Justice of the Peace James Bixler (rated at 96 percent).

On the other hand, Karen Bennett-Haron of the Justice Court -- with a retention rating of 39 -- will probably get a closer look from prospective challengers, as will District Court Judge Jessie Walsh, whose retention rating fell from 51 to 31 in two years,*2 and Family Court Judge Lisa Brown, who saw her own retention rating plummet from 64 to 44.

No, the survey may not "tell the whole story." But it can certainly indicate to voters which judges should be put on the spot and asked to explain themselves.

For in the end, it's the voters who will still decide.*5

-------------------------
***To District Judges Jessie Walsh and Kathy Hardcastle the survey is little more than an exercise in petty bickering and chauvinistic behavior designed to even perceived slights. Eight of the 10 judges with the lowest retention scores are women.*6

Walsh received the lowest score among the 60 judges. Her 31 percent retention figure was down from a 51 percent rating two years ago when she served as a Municipal Court judge. Hardcastle earned a retention rating of 67 percent, relatively low by the survey's standards but high enough to keep her out of the bottom 10.

"I think it is what it is," Walsh said. "I was elected by the citizens and not by a handful of disgruntled lawyers."*7

----------------------------------
References

*1. LVRJ. 'Editorial,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May 4, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: Las Vegas Review-Journal.
*2. EDITORIAL. 'Up to the voters to decide;
Judicial survey can be a handy tool,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May 4, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*3. Ibid.
*4. Ibid.
*5. Ibid.
*6. Berns, Berns. 'JUDICIAL REVIEW: Lawyers judge judges' performance,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May 2, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
"Nevertheless, Walsh, the freshman district judge, said she has heard of male lawyers getting together to drink beer and rip female judges while jointly filling out the surveys, a claim the Review-Journal has not been able to verify. Hardcastle is equally outspoken in her criticism of the approach she says some lawyers adopt toward female judges when filling out the survey or appearing before them in court," reported Dave Berns.
*7. Ibid.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

------------------------------------------
U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley --- a real star for Nevada
By Tiffany Chang

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November, 1998. Shelley represents constituents living in the First Congressional District of Nevada, including residents of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and unincorporated areas in Clark County. The District annually records the largest population increase in the nation. U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley has A Lifetime of Commitment to Nevada.*1

She has lived in Las Vegas for over four decades. Shelley has a deep sense of commitment to give back to the community that opened the doors of opportunity for her. She also has never forgotten that her family headed west seeking a better life, and found it in Las Vegas. She completed junior high and high school in Las Vegas, then went on to become the first member of her family to attend college when she enrolled in UNLV. Elected Student Body President, 1971-1972, she graduated with honors and a B.A. in Political Science from UNLV in 1972. After earning her law degree at the University of San Diego School of Law in 1976, she returned to Las Vegas to begin her career.*2

It is good to have a book talked about Shelley recently. It is shown in one of the three parts of the following article in Las Vegas Review-Journal today:

Monday, May 03, 2004
Copyright & copy; Las Vegas Review-Journal

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Assemblywoman Chowning kicks off campaign

Commission B position could get more crowded

By ERIN NEFF
REVIEW-JOURNAL

U. S. Congresswoman

Berkley in Woodward book*3

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley found her way into one of the hottest books inside the Beltway, Bob Woodward's "Plan of Attack."

Woodward describes an Oct. 1, 2002, meeting at the White House with a dozen members of the House International Relations Committee, during which, he reports, that Berkley asked what the administration would do if it attacked Iraq and Saddam Hussein responded by attacking Israel.

"Super Patriots are a possibility. We have very technologically advanced weapons," Bush said, as reported in the book, and then turned to Vice President Dick Cheney to say: "What am I allowed to say?"

"Not too much," Cheney replied. "There are launch boxes in Iraq. (We) can fly Predators and preempt strikes."

Berkley said the only fact of the nine-paragraph meeting Woodward didn't report was what she was wearing.

"I don't know how he did it, but if the rest of the book is like that, it's accurate," she said.
-----------------------------

U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley has successfully sought appointments that enable her to meet the needs of Southern Nevada, since she swore in as a Member of Congress on January 6, 1999.

Shelley is a former Vice Chair of the Nevada University and Community College System Board of Regents. Appointed to the Board in 1990 by the Governor, she was then twice elected as a Regent by Las Vegas-area voters. She completed her second term on the Board in 1998. Throughout her tenure, Shelley worked to keep higher education in Nevada affordable and accessible to all qualified students.

This bright lady has devoted her energies to charitable and civic efforts ever since she was a teenager. Her work and ideas have contributed to many of Southern Nevada’s successes.*4

On February 23, 2004, U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley wrote Dr. and Mrs. Tony Lei that,"Thank you for your generous contribution to my re-election campaign. I greatly appreciate your support. Please know that your help makes a significant difference. I look forward to continuing my service in Congress and shall endeavor to serve in the manner that merits your confidence in me."*5

Shelley Berkley is born a leader. Shelley is an educated leader. Shelley is a prctical and bright leader since her college life. She received her juris doctorate degree from San Deigo Law School. She was the former Regent of University and Colleges of Nevada. She has been Executive Advisor for Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) since 1996. Her successful leadership both good in work performance and human relations has won all her assistants' and followers' full and sincere respects. In order to celebrate Shelley Berkley's winning as U. S. Congresswoman, elected as a member of the International Relations Committee (IRC) of the Congress, and Dr. Tony Lei as her Senior Advisor; Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) and Chinese American Academic Association of Nevada (CAAAN) established the "Literature and Academic Forum" ("LAF") in 1999. It has been brought to you by Las Vegas Review-Journal through http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti.*6

At the time when Shelley was elected as the Member of IRC, she told Las Vegas Review-Journal that to promote the tourism, trade, and investment with foriegn countries for Nevada and our states is her primary interest. Her emphasis is enhancing the 2004 mission of WBTI:
(1). To encourage and promote academic research, community service, humane spirit, and educational programs. (2). To launch and participate events and projects for the development and cooperation of tourism, education, business, and culture.*10 We are pleased to welcome her good wishes to all our citizens, residents, and visitors of Nevada that "I look forward to continuing my service in Congress and shall endeavor to serve in the manner that merits your
confidence in me."*7

The following is the major article appears on Las Vegas Review-Journal today about U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley:

Monday, May 03, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Berkley unopposed so far, but GOP still plans challenge*8

By ERIN NEFF
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Each speaker at the Republican State Convention this weekend urged delegates to work for the re-election of Reps. Jim Gibbons and Jon Porter.

But nobody made a squeak about Nevada's 1st Congressional District, the one held by three-term Democrat Shelley Berkley.

With filing for office opening today, and Berkley prepared to sign her paperwork bright and early at the Clark County Government Center, there is still not even a hint of a Republican to run against her.

"It doesn't speak well for either party when they don't mount an opponent," said Bob Seale, former state Republican chairman.

Newly elected Chairman Earlene Forsythe said she hopes a candidate will emerge, though she hasn't heard any names mentioned.

"We want to make sure that we get Jon Porter and Jim Gibbons re-elected," she said, adding the party is not throwing in the towel in Berkley's race. "We're looking for a candidate."

Berkley has faced an election opponent in each of her three tries. In 2002, she faced Las Vegas City Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald. In 2000, she faced Porter, then a state senator. In 1998, Republicans came up with then-District Judge Don Chairez.

"I've had three tough races, and I am continuing to do everything I can until 5 p.m. on May 14," she said, referring to the hour at which filing for office closes.

Berkley said she has essentially been campaigning since the day after the 1996 congressional election, won by John Ensign, now a U.S. senator.

She had her eye on the seat she knew Ensign would give up to run for the Senate.

For this race, she has already raised $1.3 million and has about $1 million in the bank. Berkley pledges to stop raising money if nobody files to run against her.

She's also working to help others raise money, regularly bringing congressional colleagues to her central Las Vegas and North Las Vegas district, raising awareness of Nevada's needs.

"I have an outstanding staff, and I think we are hitting a stride," Berkley said.

Republican National Committeeman Joe Brown warns that if the GOP gives Berkley a pass this year, she could become as entrenched as Gibbons is for Republicans in the 2nd District, where he faces little opposition and wins by large margins over little-regarded Democrats.

"There is a concern that could happen," Brown said.

The 1st District was reapportioned in 2001 and created as a "safe" Democratic seat. The district currently has 107,321 registered Democrats to 73,919 registered Republicans.

Berkley campaign manager Renee Aschoff said, "We are waiting and hoping for a free pass, but we don't know what that feels like."

Aschoff said Berkley's own tenacious campaigning -- she returns to her district every weekend for events -- has given her an edge.

"She works very hard every day to retain her seat," Aschoff said.

Berkley said she does not consider herself to be entrenched. "We're not there, yet," she said.

But if she does win her fourth term, without a Republican opponent, will she be?

"I would hope not," Brown said. "We've got to have someone run for that very reason."

Berkley is closely aligned with Democrats on the leadership track, such as John Lewis of Georgia and Loretta Sanchez of California, and is friendly with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

That has led political observers to speculate Berkley might gain a coveted position on the House Ways and Means Committee -- the very job that can almost guarantee re-election because of the appropriations written into legislation that come to the individual's district.

"I'm torn between aspiring for the Ways and Means seat and keeping my three committees, which I would have to give up to sit on Ways," Berkley said. "I love my committees, and I'm starting to move up in seniority."

Berkley has increased her margin of victory in each of her three previous races.

She defeated Chairez narrowly, 50 percent to 46 percent; Porter 52 percent to 44 percent; and was the lone bright spot for Democrats in 2002 when she defeated Boggs McDonald 54 percent to 43 percent. That year, Republicans swept all major elected offices in Nevada.

Gibbons, now seeking his fifth term, faces a challenge from Pahrump Democrat David Bennett but is expected to win by a landslide. His dominance in recent elections has prevented the Democrats from mounting a party-backed effort to unseat him.

And, as his strength grows in Nevada, Gibbons has also watched his congressional workload become closer to the Bush administration and House leadership, leaving him in contention for a committee chairmanship. His position also had him flirting with a Senate run this year and considering a bid for governor in 2006.

Some political observers believe Berkley to be a similar force for the Democrats.

"She's a real star in the party, and she'll go as far as she wants," said Adriana Martinez, Democratic state chairwoman, during the party's recent state convention.

---------------------------------
References

*1. GSBPA of WBTI. is the initials of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration (GSBPA) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Ibid.
*3. Neff, Erin. 'POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Assemblywoman Chowning kicks off campaign,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May3, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*4. GSBPA. 'U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley will hold her Senior Advisory Committee meeting on April 12, 2004,' "Newsbrief of WBTI," (April 9, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*5. Berkley, Shelley. "A letter to Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei from U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley," (March 29, 2004), Washington, D. C.: Office of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.
*6. GSBPA of WBTI. 'Congratulations! For U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley,' "LAF3, Newsbrief of WBTI," (January 26, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*7. Bell, Stewart; Walsh, Jessie; and Chang, Chang. 'Las Vegas nicer with community service through cultural arts,' "10 Year Thai Cultures in Las Vegas, Nevada," (September 16, 2003), Las Vegas, Nevada: Thai Cultural Arts Association of Las Vegas.
*8. Neff, Erin. 'Berkley unopposed so far, but GOP still plans challege,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May3, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

------------------------------------------
The people who elect the judges and the people who judge the judges
By PAI of WBTI*1

The Public Administration Institution (PAI) post the following information by getting rid of a judgement:

Sunday, May 02, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

JUDICIAL REVIEW: Lawyers judge judges' performance
--- To District Judges Jessie Walsh and Kathy Hardcastle the survey is little more than an exercise in petty bickering and chauvinistic behavior designed to even perceived slights. Eight of the 10 judges with the lowest retention scores are women.*2

Most jurists favor analysis, but some say it's not an accurate evaluation

By DAVE BERNS
REVIEW-JOURNAL

***Family Court Judge T. Arthur Ritchie Jr. ranked second among judges included in the survey with a retention rating of 95 percent from lawyers who critiqued him. He believes that some participating lawyers do not realize "how negative some of the comments are, how personal the comments are, and it's not really constructive."
Photo by Gary Thompson.

***Clark County District Judge Stewart Bell scored a retention rating of 92 percent from lawyers who believe the former Clark County district attorney should remain in his job as a freshman judge. Bell said he disregards the positive and negative comments at the extremes, and instead looks for guidance from the suggestions in the middle.
Photo by Jim Laurie.

***Clark County District Judge Kathy Hardcastle says she believes the survey is little more than an exercise in petty bickering and chauvinistic behavior designed to even perceived slights. "You're going to have a certain percentage of the bar who's going to be upset, and they treat the women judges differently," Hardcastle says.
Photo by Clint Karlsen.

***Richard Morgan, dean of the Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is convinced that most of the lawyers who participated in the latest edition of the judicial survey tried to fairly assess the judges.
Photo by Craig L. Moran.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace James Bixler received the highest retention rating of the 60 judges surveyed, with 96 percent of the lawyers who critiqued him saying they would recommend that he be re-elected to the bench. "I love this job. It's a wonderful job, the freedom to control your own calendar to work at your own pace," Bixler says.
***Photo by Gary Thompson.
---------------------------------

They rule over a contentious world of prosecutors and criminals, angry spouses and frustrated plaintiffs. It's a tightly wrapped setting where few people openly critique their performance. After all, what attorneys want to risk the wrath of judges who control much of their professional fate?

Judicial evaluations are rare. In Nevada, they come once every four or six years when voters have their say. But how are judges to know what their regular clientele -- lawyers -- think of their day-to-day work?

For 12 years, the Review-Journal and the Clark County Bar Association have joined to produce a once-every-two-year analysis of judicial performance. In this year's edition, 3,365 bar association members who have paid their dues and do not face disciplinary action received mailed and e-mailed requests to rate 60 state, county and local judges via the Internet, the first time the survey has been conducted online.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace James Bixler received the highest retention rating of the 60 judges surveyed, with 96 percent of the 183 lawyers who critiqued him saying they would recommend that Bixler be re-elected to the bench.

Family Court Judge T. Arthur Ritchie Jr. ranked second with a retention rating of 95 percent from 135 lawyers. Justice Court Judges Rodney Burr and Stephen Burr followed with scores of 94 percent.

Lawyers were asked to only rate judges they have appeared before during the past two years.

A good share of the jurists say the ratings serve a valuable purpose, a chance to receive feedback that can spark change. It has led judges to change their courtroom demeanor or to alter practices that caused confusion.

"I think there's a value in the exercise in that I will try to study and take to heart those things that were said with an eye toward improvement," said District Judge Stewart Bell.

"I think it can be a learning tool," added Nevada Supreme Court Justice Michael Douglas, who was recently appointed to his post after serving as a Clark County District Court judge. "Sometimes you get comments about your staff. Sometimes you think, 'Do I do that?' "

Others see the survey as a flawed effort that doesn't accurately gauge judicial performance, one that fails to account for weekends sacrificed to case preparation or after-hours courses taken to improve knowledge of civil and criminal procedure. The critics say the thoughts of jurors, litigants and court staff should also be included.

To District Judges Jessie Walsh and Kathy Hardcastle the survey is little more than an exercise in petty bickering and chauvinistic behavior designed to even perceived slights. Eight of the 10 judges with the lowest retention scores are women.

Walsh received the lowest score among the 60 judges. Her 31 percent retention figure was down from a 51 percent rating two years ago when she served as a Municipal Court judge. Hardcastle earned a retention rating of 67 percent, relatively low by the survey's standards but high enough to keep her out of the bottom 10.

"I think it is what it is," Walsh said. "I was elected by the citizens and not by a handful of disgruntled lawyers."

While judges and lawyers agree there is room for disagreement over interpretations of the law, they say the traits of a good jurist are clear: someone who is fair, firm, unbiased, attentive, patient and acts in a dignified manner.

"No, you don't have to be the smartest guy in the room. What you have to have is a good set of radar, a sense of what somebody is saying," said Bill Dressel, president of the National Judicial College in Reno.

Southern Nevada's hypergrowth has created challenges for the region's judicial system, added Dressel, a former Colorado judge, who heads the college attended by rookie and longtime jurists seeking to improve their performance. The monthly influx of 6,000 to 7,000 new residents contributes to a lack of confidence in the courts, he said. As a result, new residents are not familiar with judges, the prosecutors and police, and their word may carry less weight for newcomers.

"People have to get back the concept that this is your court. That's your biggest hurdle that you've got to overcome in Southern Nevada," Dressel argued. "There's a disconnect. It means they don't have this confidence built into the system. Reno is growing too, but people are familiar with the judges of Northern Nevada. They think, 'This is my judge, and my judge will do the right thing.' "

Of all the pitfalls that come with a judgeship there's one that can be fatal to any judicial career. They call it black robe disease, a sign of judicial arrogance.

"There are people on the bench who throw their weight around, who forget that they're there to serve people (and instead) behave impolitely, imperiously," Dressel said.

Judges displaying signs of that affliction have been known to face electoral opposition from angry lawyers, but Richard Morgan, dean of the Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is convinced that most of the lawyers who filled out the latest judicial survey tried to fairly assess judges.

"There's always going to be some segment of the evaluators who may do things for suspicious reasons because they want to get back at a judge for a ruling they didn't like, but in general I think lawyers who complete these evaluations try to be fair," he said.

Nevertheless, Walsh, the freshman district judge, said she has heard of male lawyers getting together to drink beer and rip female judges while jointly filling out the surveys, a claim the Review-Journal has not been able to verify. Hardcastle is equally outspoken in her criticism of the approach she says some lawyers adopt toward female judges when filling out the survey or appearing before them in court.

"You're going to have a certain percentage of the bar who's going to be upset, and they treat the women judges differently. I don't notice it so much now as when I first began," Hardcastle said. "There's a lack of formality and respect that they give to the (women) judges. I think they test the female judges more than they do the men. We see it as much or more from the female lawyers."

UNLV's Morgan said such talk is not uncommon in the legal profession, which did not experience a major influx of women until the 1970s. Concerns about courtroom bias have led bar associations and law schools throughout the country to study the issue.

"Sure it's possible there's some gender bias out there. One would hope to the extent it's out there it's unconscious bias ... and efforts to keep sensitizing lawyers and judges will be successful," Morgan said. "That's not to say I'm agreeing there's gender bias in the case of whoever these eight women (judges) are, but the possibility of gender bias is something bar associations and courts around the country have examined with some frequency over the last couple of decades."*3

---------------------------------
References

*1. PAI of WBTI is the initial of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Dave, Berns, 'JUDICIAL REVIEW: Lawyers judge judges' performance,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May2, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*3. Ibid.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service aspects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

----------------------------------
Clark County school administrator Edward Goldman appointed to Taxicab Authority board
By PAI of WBTI*1

On April 30, 2004, a leading Clark County School District administrator was named to fill a Nevada Taxicab Authority board seat recently vacated by its former chairwoman.

"Dr. Edward Goldman, 53, who serves as the county's associate superintendent for education services, was named by Gov. Kenny Guinn to fill the seat formerly held by Lia Roberts," reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal.*2

"Goldman's first board meeting should be at the next public session on May 18. At that time, the board is expected to elect a new chair. Goldman joins the board amid a debate about taxi driver security. The board has rejected a plan to mandate surveillance cameras in all cabs. Instead, the board opted for studying the issue for a year.the newspaper continued," the newspaper continued.*3

The following is our post for the most recent Press Release of the Office of Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2004 Contact Greg Bortolin or John Trent 775-684-5670

Goldman appointed to the taxicab authority

CARSON CITY - Governor Kenny Guinn today announced the appointment of Edward E. Goldman of Henderson to the Taxicab Authority.*4

"Throughout his career in education in the State of Nevada, Dr. Edward Goldman has been a man of high integrity and innovation," Gov. Guinn said. "He will bring a unique perspective to the Taxicab Authority. His background as a skilled administrator with a keen eye for detail should prove to be quite beneficial to the Taxicab Authority."

Goldman, 53, is Associate Superintendent of the Education Services Division of the Clark County School District. His professional career has included Dean of Students at Woodbury Junior High School in Las Vegas, Assistant Principal at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas, Chief Negotiator and Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Operations, and Region Superintendent of the Clark County School District. He received is Doctor of Education from UNLV.

"I am humbled and honored that the Governor would ask me to serve on this public board," Goldman said. "I will do my best and I appreciate the opportunity that he has given me and I am grateful for his confidence and support."

The Taxicab Authority consists of five members appointed by the Governor. Among other things, the board adopts regulations for the administration and enforcement of Nevada statutes pertaining to the conduct of the taxicab business and the qualifications of and the issuance of permits to taxicab drivers. They also have the authority to investigate an alleged violation of any provision of the Nevada statutes and may issue an order requiring the certificate holder cease and desist from any action that is in violations of the statutes.*5

Goldman replaces Lia Roberts of Las Vegas.

Office of the Governor Grant Sawyer State Office Building
101 North Carson Street 555 East Washington, Suite 5100
Carson City, NV 89701 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Fax: 775-684-7198 Fax: 702-486-2505

-------------------------------------
References

*1. PAI of WBTI is the initial of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Review-Journal. 'Taxicab Authority board vacancy filled --- Clark County school administrator named,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May 1, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*3. Ibid.
*4.Ofiice of the Governor. 'Press Release from Governor Kenny C. Guinn - April 30, 2004; Goldman appointed to the taxicab authority,' " An e-mail from the Office of Governor Kenny Guinn to Dr. Tony Lei," (April 30, 2004), Carson City, Nevada: Office of Governor Kenny Guinn.
*5. Ibid.

Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Official
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

'$1 million race' begins in earnest

By ERIN NEFF
REVIEW-JOURNAL

The phrase "Nevada Supreme Court race" has been something of an oxymoron in recent years as incumbents usually ran unopposed or faced light challenges.
....
But the contest for the now-open Department E seat this year will definitely be a race, and it is quickly shaping up as one of the most intriguing and potentially expensive statewide races of the political year.

Clark County District Judge Ron Parraguirre, in formally announcing his bid for the seat Tuesday morning, called it a "$1 million race." He will be facing Reno entertainment attorney John Mason and Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Douglas Smith.

"If I sit there like a mushroom and don't raise any money, I'm not going to get elected and I'm not going to be able to do the job," Parraguirre said.
....
Parraguirre's plan changed with the April 15 announcement by Deborah Agosti that she would not be seeking re-election to the Department E seat.
....
Mason, a former chairman of the state Republican Party, has raised about $400,000, including $135,000 of his own money, and already is advertising on television and billboards statewide.

"I hope he's not right, but if he can raise $1 million, so can I," Mason said.
....
Republican consultant Sig Rogich said a majority of voters still are undecided.
....
"I have good name recognition in the rurals and in Northern Nevada," Parraguirre said.

Parraguirre got his law degree from the University of San Diego Law School and was a legislative assistant to former Sen. Paul Laxalt in Washington, D.C. He returned to Nevada in 1987 to practice law.

He won a seat in Las Vegas Municipal Court in 1991 and served three terms before being appointed by Gov. Kenny Guinn to his current seat on the District Court bench in 1999.

One reason the Department E race was drawing media attention was last year's 6-1 decision, penned by Agosti, in Guinn v. the Legislature. The court temporarily set aside a voter-mandated provision of the constitution requiring a two-thirds majority vote to approve tax increases.
....
"I think it's a great advantage," Mason said. "People need a fresh nonjudicial voice on the court. They need the people's point of view in interpreting the constitution."

Political consultant Kent Oram said statewide races become "a television and sign race."
.....
The top two vote-getters in the September primary advance to the November general election. The race is non-partisan and is for a six-year term on the bench.
....
The Department A Supreme Court race being vacated by Shearing also has drawn three candidates. Washoe Chief District Judge Jim Hardesty, Clark County Probate Commissioner Don Ashworth and Clark County Family Judge Cynthia Dianne Steel have announced bids for the seat.

----------------------------
References

*1. Neff, Erin '"$1 million race" begins in earnest.' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (April 28, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: LVRJ.
*2. Ibid.

Newsbrief ***** Sunday, April 25, 2004***** #First Edition
Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)
http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti

88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%88%
----------------------------
Good to have community participation
By Xiaosheng Huang and PAI*1

Dear Xiaosheng, How are you? Would you like to be invited as a guest to our Event and Dinner Party on March 9, 2004?*@

*@For more details, please have you Assitant
click on the Section of "PPAA18".*2

Sincerely,

Tony & Judy
WBTI

11111111111
666666666666666666
888888888888888888888888888888888888
*****************************************************
--- Xiaosheng Huang wrote:
> Dear Dr. Lei,
>
> Many thanks for your help and support. Enclosed
> please
> find my resume (for application) and an article in Chinese about me.
>
> I'll see you next week.*3
>
> If I can of any assistance, please let me know.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Xiaosheng

--------------------------------
References
*1. Xiaosheng Huang is an Attorney at the Law Office of Albert Lum. PAI is the initial of Public Administration Institution (PAI) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Denton, Mark; Walsh, Jessie; Moss, Cheryl; Chang, Tiffany. 'Our mutual cooperation and development between the officials and people will bring us a peaceful, happy, and healthy community,' "Newsbrief of WBTI," (March 5, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*3. Huang, Xiaosheng. "An e-mail to WBTI from Mr. Xiaosheng Huang," (February, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: Law Office of Albert Lum.