Campaign 2004 -- Raymond D. Rawson - 8 News NOW

Campaign 2004 -- Raymond D. Rawson

Name: Raymond D. Rawson, DDS, MA

Office sought: Nevada State Senate, Clark County District 6

Birth date: 11/02/1940

Education:
-- B.S., zoology and chemistry, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 1959-1964
-- D.D.S., Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, 1964-1968
-- M.A., physical anthropology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 1976-1978
-- Certificate, forensic odontology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Bethesda, MD, 1976

Occupation: Dentist/professor

How long have you lived in Nevada? 53 years

Relevant experience:

• 19+ years as the senator from Clark County District 6
• Assistant majority leader
• Vice chairman of Senate Finance
• Chairman of the Senate Human Resources Committee
• 13 Interim Committees, including chairing three of them

Endorsements: Citizens for Responsible Government, Nevada State Education Association, Professional Firefighters of Nevada, Nevada Highway Patrol, Nevada State Law Enforcement Officer’s Coalition

Civic organizations: Boy Scouts of America, March of Dimes, American Heart Association

Website address: SenatorRayRawson.com

Email address: rrawson@lvcm.com

Why should you be elected? I went to the Nevada Legislature with a vision inspired by the voters in my district: the health and unity of our families, the education and protection of our children, and the prosperity and well being of our community. I have dedicated myself to serve the people of my district for the past 19+ years. In so doing, I have had to anticipate and prevent problems that come with rapid growth (overcrowded schools, overburdened healthcare system, traffic, pollution, etc.). I have been at the table as a leader when all of the serious issues affecting Nevada have been addressed. Some of those issues are health care cost containment, welfare reform, education reform, infrastructure development and fiscal stability. I have been a bridge builder in order to accomplish these goals, and I will continue to strive to make Nevada the best it can be.

What is the most pressing issue facing the area you would represent, and what will you do about it? Property tax increases. I was the first legislator to request a bill draft to hold down the property taxes at this time when our property values seem to be rising by the minute. I see this as a very important issue that must be addressed immediately. I will actively work to see that there is a reasonable limitation on increases so that people won’t be forced to sell their property just to avoid the taxes. I have suggested that the maximum increase would be tied to the rate of inflation but not to exceed 6 percent.

Additional comments: I am a hard-working, dedicated public servant. I have always had the best interest of my community and state foremost in my mind when making decisions that impact us all. I will continue to be a constructive, diligent senator if I am given the privilege of serving my district for another term.