EDITORIAL: Who to choose for county’s administrative positions

Several low-profile offices are on the ballot and play a vital role in Clark County’s operations.

Tamicka Washington, a Democrat, faces Republican Judy Joe in the race for county assessor. Ms. Washington has worked in the office for 20 years. Ms. Joe previously worked in educational publishing.

Ms. Washington believes it’s “so important to have someone who understands the operations of the office.” She’s correct. Her knowledge of the role and her experience make Tamicka Washington the clear choice here.

Democrat Lynn Marie Goya has served as county clerk since 2015. She continues to work with the wedding industry to promote wedding tourism, which is a major source of visitor revenue. Her office is also working on “digitizing all the old” county commission records.

Republican Howell Shaw hopes to unseat Ms. Goya. He would like to make Las Vegas the wedding and anniversary capital of the world. He wants to create the “Vegas Vows Forever” rewards program to encourage couples to return regularly.

Mr. Shaw’s idea has merit, but Lynn Marie Goya runs a steady ship and deserves another term.

Assemblywoman Tanya Flanagan, a Democrat, is running for county recorder. She has spent more than two decades working for the county, including a couple of years as senior coordinator for the recorder. She wants to create more satellite offices for her department and find ways to provide services more efficiently.

Her opponent, Republican Bill Young has a law enforcement background. He wants the office to take action to fight squatters. Most of Clark County runs on a four-day work week. He would like to offer services on Friday.

Tanya Flanagan has the experience and is the better choice.

County Treasurer J. Ken Diaz, a Democrat, seeks a second term. He has a background in accounting and has worked in the county for more than two decades. His office is working on a new property tax system that will make things easier for homeowners. Mitchell Tracy, a Republican, believes the “office is a mess” and promises to do an audit. We see no reason to oust J. Ken Diaz.

Republican Michael Murphy, the former Clark County coroner, is running to be public administrator. He helped guide the department after former administrator Robert Telles was convicted of murdering Review-Journal reporter Jeff German. Mr. Murphy would like field investigators to wear body cameras and wants better evidence tracking.

His opponent, Democrat Stephanie Itkin-Goodman, is a deputy attorney general. She wants to “put a clear case management system in place” and reduce backlogs.

Michael Murphy has the experience and background to succeed. He is our choice.