One of the more vital choices on local Primary ballots will be the Republican races for State Assembly. The Moapa Valley is both blessed and cursed to be divided into two different Assembly districts: District 36 including Moapa and Logandale, represented by James Oscarson; and District 19 including Overton, represented by Chris Edwards.
Interestingly both of these incumbents have Republican challengers in the Primary election; but neither race has a serious challenger in the General Election. Thus, the final winners of these two seats will most likely be determined by the Republican primary.
As the lines are drawn, the local vote has been divided. Moapa Valley ends up being just two small parts in much larger districts. On the downside, this threatens to dilute our already small voting block. But on the upside, it offers a unique opportunity. If a solid turnout of local voters participates in the usually lackluster Primary Election, our communities can actually turn the tide in the selection of, not just one, but two Assembly seats in the state legislature. That’s a big deal!
Whatever reasons local voters may have for feeling lethargic or disinterested about the upcoming elections in November, they should cast them aside now. Local Republicans should not allow themselves to sit out this Primary election and skip the chance to cast their ballots. In the case of these two Assembly races alone, it has never been more important for local folks to be engaged!
In the case of District 36, the choice seems clear from the local standpoint. James Oscarson has been a long-time friend to Moapa Valley. He has cut a well-worn trail from his distant home in Pahrump to his former home of Moapa Valley with his frequent visits here. He has made a point to attend our local events and celebrations. And he has taken the time to be available and listen closely to our local needs.
Then he has gone out and done something about them. When he learned that the grants that funded our annual flu shot clinics had dried up, he went out and found a privately-funded group to sponsor a local clinic. When he heard that some local children and seniors might be going hungry for lack of nutritious food, he worked with a foundation that would establish a monthly mobile food bank in both Moapa and Logandale. He has been active in following, and fighting for, the community’s educational needs and wishes. He has engaged with local veterans. He has been a friend to local seniors. Throughout his time as Assemblyman, he has always offered a strong and unfaltering voice in Carson City on behalf of the people of Moapa Valley.
By contrast, his two opponents have scarcely set foot in the Moapa Valley throughout the primary season, or ever before. They are largely unknown to our communities, and we to them.
For this reason, and many others, Oscarson has more than earned the support of the Moapa Valley communities. The PROGRESS endorses James Oscarson for Assembly District 36.
The District 19 race is perhaps less cut and dried. Incumbent Chris Edwards resides in distant Henderson, while his challenger, Connie Foust, lives in Mesquite. This would normally be a big plus for Foust.
Foust has a long record of fierce activism for conservative causes. She has fought for her unwavering principles in the Tea Party movement, on border control issues, in matters involving federal overreach and more. But, though she has been active in Mesquite, her knowledge and understanding of Moapa Valley’s issues (or those of the rest of the district for that matter) seems rather limited.
On the other hand, while not a frequent visitor to Moapa Valley, Edwards has shown up whenever he is needed. While at the legislature, he has been available to local residents and leaders for concerns or questions. In his first term, he has developed a good working knowledge of the interests and needs of Moapa Valley. More importantly, he has exhibited an ability to navigate complex legislative issues and make sound decisions; not just based on inflexible ideological dogma, but rather on bringing the greater good to his district, and to the state.
For this reason the PROGRESS endorses Chris Edwards for Assembly District 19.
The Primary Elections are coming soon. Election Day is on June 14. Early voting starts on Saturday this week. The Early Voting day at the Overton Community Center is set for Tuesday, June 7.
