Legislative briefs

Lobbyists raise cash for charity

(Appeal Capitol Bureau) - Two of lobbying's heavyweights settled an argument over who is fastest with a foot race through downtown Carson City.

But the real winner was charity.

Pete Ernaut of R&R Partners and Tony Sanchez of the Jones Vargas law firm are both what must be described as larger than average - well over 200 pounds. But both are also former athletes not willing to concede the other guy is faster.

They decided to raise some money while settling the dispute with a foot race from Adele's restaurant to the Old Globe saloon on Memorial Day. Lawmakers and other lobbyists bet on the race, with all the money going to local charities.

Altogether, the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada got $2,000 and Juvenile Diabetes and Latin Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund each got $3,000.

Sanchez, incidentally, won the foot race.

Seat on Ethics Commission open

(Appeal Capitol Bureau) - The Legislative Commission is looking for candidates to fill an open seat on Nevada's Ethics Commission.

Specifically, they need a former public office holder who is not a Democrat - and preferably from Southern Nevada.

The commission handles ethics complaints against all public officials in the state except judges, who are under their own commission. It reviews allegations and holds hearings on complaints and has the power to impose fines and sanctions for violations. It also gives advisory opinions to public officials when asked for a ruling on ethical issues.

The makeup of the commission is structured so that no one political party is in control and no single county can have a majority. It consists of eight members - four appointed by the governor and four by the Legislative Commission. The membership must also include two former public officers and one attorney.

Members cannot be current public officers, actively involved in a political party or campaign and cannot be a lobbyist.

Legislative Counsel Bureau Director Lorne Malkiewich said anyone interested should contact his office at LCB, 775-684-6800.