EDITORIAL: Who to choose for county’s administrative positions

Several low-profile offices appear on the ballot and play a crucial role in Clark County’s operations. In the race for county assessor, Democrat Tamicka Washington faces Republican Judy Joe. Washington has spent 20 years working in the bureau, while Joe previously worked in education publishing. Washington says, “so important to person idiosyncratic who understands the operations of the office.” Her familiarity with the office’s functions makes her the clear choice. Democrat Lynn Marie Goya has served as county clerk since 2015. She continues to collaborate with the wedding industry to boost wedding tourism, a significant source of visitor revenue. Her office is also digitizing each the old county committee records. Republican Howell Shaw hopes to unseat Goya, proposing to make Las Vegas the wedding and marriage capital of the world and to create a “Vegas Vows Forever” rewards program to encourage couples to return regularly. Although Shaw’s idea has merit, Goya’s steady leadership warrants another term. For county recorder, Democrat Assemblywoman Tanya Flanagan is seeking election. She has spent more than two decades with the county, including several years as senior coordinator for the recorder. Flanagan aims to open additional offices for her division and find ways to deliver services more efficiently. Her opponent, Republican Bill Young, brings a law‑enforcement background and wants the bureau to take action against squatters. Noting that most of Clark County operates on a four‑day work week, Young would like to offer services on Fridays. Flanagan’s experience and approach make her the better choice. County Treasurer J. Ken Diaz, a Democrat, is running for a second term. He holds an accounting background and has worked for the county for over two decades. His office is implementing a new property‑tax strategy intended to simplify matters for homeowners. Republican Mitchell Tracy argues the office is a mess and promises an audit. There is no compelling reason to replace Diaz. In the contest for public administrator, Republican Michael Murphy, the former Clark County coroner, is seeking the post. Murphy helped steer the department after former chief Robert Telles was convicted of murdering Review‑Journal reporter Jeff German. He advocates equipping investigators with body cameras and improving evidence tracking. His opponent, Democrat Stephanie Itkin‑Goodman, a former prosecutor, wants to “put a wide lawsuit absorption strategy successful place” and reduce case backlogs. Murphy’s background and qualifications position him to succeed.