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State Assembly District 29 - Lesley Elizabeth Cohen - Democratic

Name: Lesley Elizabeth Cohen

Office: State Assembly, District 29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Party: Democratic

Website: www.cohen4nevada.com

Biography provided by the candidate:

I am a former Assemblywoman who has lived in the Henderson area since childhood and understands the unique challenges we face. I am a graduate from University of Nevada, Reno, and DePaul University College of Law.  I am a lawyer, and I am active in our community, volunteering with organizations such as Legal Aid of Southern Nevada and leading a pet adoption group.

Question: In a 140 characters (tweet), introduce yourself as if you are introducing yourself to a neighbor.

I’m Lesley. I have lived in this neighborhood for more than 15 years. This is a wonderful area, and I am glad I chose to make it my home.

Question: Last legislative session, the major initiative was a tax increase to support education in the state. What should the major accomplishment of 2017 legislature be?

The Nevada Legislature needs to continue to work to improve education in the state and to ensure that the education initiatives passed in 2015 are implemented.  Additionally, educational opportunities for our students must be increased through access to vocational and hands on training so our children are ready for the jobs of the future and high-tech businesses will want to start and relocate to Nevada. 

Question: If recreational marijuana is legalized by voters in this state, do you want revenue from it to fund health initiatives, research and/or youth awareness campaigns?

The ballot initiative regarding legalization of recreational marijuana states that revenues will go to the State Distributive School Account in the State General Fund.  Certainly health initiatives, research and youth awareness campaigns in the schools can be a part of that.  However, the intent of the voters must be considered first and foremost as they are voting for the ballot initiative.      

Question: Many elected officials in Clark County say they’d like to see the property tax cap changed – that its time because tax revenues aren’t meeting budgets. Is that an idea you want to see the legislature tackle?

Many Clark County families are still recovering from the recession.  While the cities in Clark County are facing budget shortfalls, I believe that Nevada must take on the issue of making adjustments to our property tax cap, but not until Clark County families are fiscally stable. The current property tax structure was put in place at a time when Nevada was experiencing historic growth, but as our growth and construction rates change, and as the state and national economy change, we must remain ready to adjust in a responsible way to keep up with the times. 

Question: Do you support the construction of a taxpayer-funded NFL stadium?

I have concerns about a taxpayer-funded NFL stadium.  Given that every other taxpayer-funded stadium has been financially problematic for the taxpayers, great care must be taken to ensure this one is not.  Moreover, additional costs, like for necessary infrastructure cannot be ignored.  

(Editor's note: The candidate's biography and answers were not edited for content or length)

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Natalie is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked in the Las Vegas market since August 1996, starting as a newscast producer for KLAS-TV Channel 8, and later as an online editor for 8newsnow.com.