Carson City – The League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada will hold four election forums in October. The remaining events are scheduled for October 15 and 16 in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall at 511 West King Street in Carson City. Doors for the free events open at 5:00 p.m. Forums run from 5:30 to 9:00 each night. The second event in the series was held on October 9, and candidates for constitutional offices addressed a crowd of roughly 100 and answered questions. Dr. Sondra Cosgrove was the moderator. Dr. Cosgrove is a Professor of political science at the College of Southern Nevada and president of the League of Women Voters of Nevada.
What is a constitutional officer?
In Nevada, six constitutional officers makeup the state’s executive branch of government. Governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and controller are elected to four-year terms and may serve a maximum of two terms. The executive branch is governed by Article 5 of the Nevada Constitution, and in short, each office is charged with carrying out the laws enacted by the Legislature to include state government programs and services.
The League of Women Voters forum for constitutional officers did not include candidates for governor, but did include hopefuls for attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and controller. Some of the candidates did not participate. Some sent videos in lieu of an appearance, and others appeared on stage and addressed the audience and answered attendee questions.
Lieutenant Governor
Nevada Lieutenant Governor presides over the Nevada Senate and casts a vote in the case of a tie, fills any vacancy during the term of the Governor, and chairs the Commissions on Tourism and Economic Development.
The Republican candidate, Michael Roberson, did not participate in the forum. Kate Marshall is the Democratic candidate and addressed the gathering and answered several audience questions.
Attorney General
The Nevada Attorney General Acts as the chief law enforcement officer, provides legal services to the State and State agencies, and defends or prosecutes litigation involving the State or State agencies.
In the audio below, you will hear both Democratic and Republican candidates for Attorney General address the forum via video, Democrat Aaron Ford and Republican Wes Duncan.
Secretary of State
The Nevada Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing elections, commercial recordings, securities, and notaries.
Incumbent and Republican candidate for Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske did not participate in the forum. Democratic candidate Nelson Araujo addressed the group and answered several audience questions.
Treasurer
The Nevada State Treasurer oversees State Treasury, sets investment policies for state funds, and administers the Unclaimed Property Division and the Millennium Scholarship Program, along with other college savings programs.
Neither Republican candidate Bob Beers nor Independent American candidate Bill Hodge participated in the forum. Democratic candidate Zack Conine addressed the gathering via video.
Controller
The Nevada Controller is responsible for paying the state’s debts, including state employees’ salaries, maintains the official accounting records, and prepares the annual
statement of the state’s financial status and public debt.
In the following recording you will hear both Ron Knecht, incumbent and Republican candidate for controller and Catherine Byrne, Democratic candidate for controller.
