Experience, Readiness, and the Work in Front of Us
I want to speak directly about something that some people are already talking about in this race: my age.
I am 76 years old. That is not a secret, and I am not interested in pretending it should not be part of the conversation. Voters have every right to ask serious questions about the people asking for their trust. I respect that. I also think the conversation should be grounded in reality, not assumptions.
The truth is, when you vote for someone, you are not signing a 20-year contract or a 30-year contract. None of us knows exactly what the future will hold. Priorities change. Life changes. Opportunities and challenges arise. That is true for every person, at every age. The idea that voters can guarantee a long-term outcome by choosing someone younger may sound reassuring, but it is still just a guess, and at the end of the day, there are no guarantees. It is a wish to control something that cannot actually be controlled.
I also think it misses the more important question. This election is not about trying to predict who might hold office the longest. It is about deciding who is best prepared to do the job well now, who understands the responsibilities of the office, and who can step in and lead with care, accuracy, and accountability from day one.
That is where I believe my experience matters.
I have spent decades working in and alongside government, including county government. I have worked on public systems, financial issues, public accountability, and the kinds of practical problems that require patience, judgment, and follow-through. I understand how government functions, where systems succeed, where they break down, and how important it is to earn the public’s trust. The Clark County Auditor’s Office is not a ceremonial position. It is a working office with real responsibilities, including elections, records, licensing, and financial oversight. It requires someone who can come in ready to work and ready to lead.
I also want to say something about public service itself. I have respect for people who step forward to serve, including those with whom I may not always agree. Our previous County Auditor served this community for many years with honor and distinction. But no office belongs to any one person forever, and no voter should base a decision on the hope that someone will remain in office for decades. Offices change hands. Communities change. People’s lives change. What should remain constant is the expectation that the person elected is capable, trustworthy, and prepared.
That is the standard I believe voters should use in this race.
If you believe the right choice is the person with the most directly relevant experience, the strongest understanding of public systems, and the ability to begin serving responsibly right away, then I ask for your vote. I am not asking anyone to make a decision based on prediction or expectation of tenure. I am asking them to make a decision based on judgment, readiness, and the work that needs to be done now.
That is the case I am making, plainly and honestly.