Wanker uncontested; Lane gets challenge from Donohue

Six people have filed to run for judicial offices in Nye County this election year.

Jan. 17 was the last day candidates could file.

Three judicial seats will appear on the November ballot, including both departments of the Fifth Judicial District Court, which encompasses Nye, Mineral and Esmeralda counties and one seat in Department B of Pahrump Justice Court.

Both District Court judges Kimberly Wanker and Robert Lane filed to run to retain their respective seats, but only Lane faces a challenger. Justice of the Peace Kent Jasperson has also filed to run for re-election. He faces two challengers.

Lane’s opponent is local attorney Lillian Donohue. Jasperson faces Deputy District Attorney Nathan Gent and a woman named Anita Springs.

Donohue said she feels this is the right time for her to run for judicial office, adding that she believes she will be better able to continue serving the people of Southern Nevada if elected to the bench.

“I practiced law for over 35 years; I went to law school to become a judge and I think it’s the perfect time for me. I have experience in both civil and criminal matters and I’ve been local for more than 10 years,” she said.

Gent said he feels this is the perfect time to run for justice of the peace, and if elected would continue to serve the best interests of the community from the bench.

“I love being here. I just got married. This is where I want to raise my future family. As justice of the peace I would be in a unique position where I would be able to help keep Pahrump safe and protect Pahrump for years to come. I think Pahrump is an amazing place to be and there is a reason people have come from all over the United States and even the world to live here,” he said.

Lane said he chose to run again for his District Court seat because he has enjoyed the opportunity it has afforded him to help the community.

“I’ve loved being judge for the last 14 years and helping a lot of people and the community. I think I’ve done a good job and I hope the people will support me,” he said.

Other county offices up for election this year are the offices of assessor, clerk, district attorney, public administrator, recorder, treasurer and sheriff.

Two commission seats are also up for grabs as well as five seats for the Beatty general improvement district, five seats with the Beatty water and sanitation district, five seats in the Smoky Valley television district, four seats on the Nye County School District board of trustees, two seats on the Amargosa Valley Town Board, fours seats on the Round Mountain Town Board and three seats on the Tonopah Town Board.

The filing period for all other races opens March 3 and closes March 14.

A primary election is scheduled for June 10.