Matson claims she made office ‘sexy’

Nye County Assessor Shirley Matson livened up a Republican Party Central Committee candidate night Friday with claims she made the assessor’s office “sexy” again, and that she had been the target of a character assassination campaign during the last three years.

Local officials had two minutes at the microphone at the Wine Ridge RV Resort clubhouse to make a pitch to Republican voters following a debate between congressional candidates, Assemblyman Crescent Hardy, R-Mesquite, and Niger Innis. Voters will have another chance to listen to the candidates this week when county commission candidates are scheduled to appear during a public forum at 6 p.m. today at the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino, followed by candidates for other county positions at 6 p.m. Thursday. A sheriff’s candidate forum was held Tuesday night.

“I’m your crazy and wild Nye County assessor, as we all know,” Matson said, in a parody of comedian Steve Martin’s line made popular in 1970s SNL skits. “Many of you know me, especially if you read the PVT, because I happen to be their whipping girl, whenever they need to sell some papers.”

“Can you believe there are four people running for county assessor this year for basically being a counter, mundane, paper-pushing position? Wow. All I can say is apparently I brought sexy back to the assessor’s office. But more to the point, besides enduring three years of character assassination, harassment, false allegations and threats from (ex-commissioner) Joni Eastley, as well as inheriting a staff of women that make me feel like I am back in a high school mentality, I have been able to accomplish a few things,” Matson said.

Her campaign platform has emphasized the technology upgrades to the assessor’s office during her term, including the pictometry program using aerial photos.

Assessor’s candidate Sheree Stringer, a 38-year Pahrump resident certified in general and personal property appraising, said she’s the most qualified candidate for the position.

“I have worked in the assessor’s office for 10 years and I have the support of my co-workers. I know together we can correct and restore the assessor’s office back to a government office the citizens of Nye County can depend on,” she said.

Assessor candidate Richard Marshall said he has 31 years in real estate appraising, having retired from the city of Virginia Beach.

Nye County Clerk Sam Merlino, a 34-year Nye County resident, said she’s running for a third term but is dedicated to the job.

“Some people may think you get lax after some time, but let me tell you the laws change all the time. I don’t have time to get lax,” Merlino said. She added, “one more thing, I am absolutely in favor of voter ID.”

Fifth Judicial District judge’s candidate Lillian Donohue said she believes in term limits. She added judges shouldn’t create additional barriers for defendants who represent themselves.

“I think two terms, a total of 12 years, is enough for a judge. It’s enough for a governor, it’s enough for a president, it’s enough for a judge. I really do believe we act as barriers between the government and the people. We’re there to protect the people. I believe in the rule of law and no one is above the law and we all deserve a fair shake in the courtroom,” Donohue said.

Incumbent Fifth District Judge Robert Lane said he’s been in his position 14 years and was a prosecutor for the district attorney’s office for seven years before that.

“I’m older than I look, I’m 55,” Lane joked. “I’ve been doing a good job. I hope you’ll help out in my campaign.”

Commissioner Butch Borasky is also running for a third term, he formerly had an excavating business.

“I think one good advantage I have is the historical knowledge of this valley. I lived here 17 years, I worked as a contractor and my run-in with Nye County made me watch and get on the board and change some of the rules and regulations and I focused on that for many years and will continue to do that,” Borasky said.

Borasky said he was proud of sponsoring the only county resolutions dealing with the First Amendment and Second Amendment. He became appalled at the situation in Bunkerville with rancher Cliven Bundy while on a trip to Carson City and quickly drew up a resolution on that.

Borasky’s opponent, Julie Hargis, said she owns Pahrump Family Detailing and manages Car Studio. Hargis said she’s been a county resident for nine years and is a life-long Republican.

District Attorney candidate Angela Bello said if she wins the election “the administration of the office will be much more focused on victim’s rights and communication.”

District 5 county commission candidate Dave Caudle said the county needs to look a lot more closely at water.

Nye County School Board candidate Pamela Lewis said she’s been committed to education for 20 years and is currently a director on the Nevada Association of School Boards. Lewis said she serves on the school district policy committee, district performance plan committee and technology committee. She listed her masters degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in education. Her opponent is Andy Alberti.