Last county hopeful files for office

Gardnerville resident Eric Rieman filed for Douglas County commissioner in District 3 on Thursday afternoon, nearly a week after the official close of filing for office.

Rieman filed as an Independent American on Thursday.

Rieman, 44, tried to file for county commissioner on Friday afternoon, but was turned away because his registration showed he was nonpartisan. Under Nevada law, a nonpartisan candidate must file a petition with the county clerk 25 days before filing for a partisan office.

However, Rieman tried to change his registration to Independent American on Friday.

Independent American spokeswoman Janine Hansen said Wednesday that Rieman was on the list presented to the Secretary of State's Office at 4:30 p.m.

Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer Barbara Griffin confirmed that Rieman was on the list, but the district was listed as B instead of 3.

A Nevada Supreme Court decision treats major and minor parties differently in the rules for registration. A major party candidate must be a registered member of the party for 30 days prior to filing.

No such requirement exists for minor party candidates.

When the issue was pointed out to them, District Attorney Mark Jackson consulted with the Nevada Secretary of State and determined Rieman should be allowed to file.

Rieman is married to Annalynn Settelmeyer and is a third generation Nevadan.

His father worked for Meneley Motors and the Dangberg Land & Livestock Co.

He said he felt the growth debate was one-sided and that many of those supporting growth controls are importing their values from where they came from.

"We need growth to survive, but it needs to be moderate growth," he said. "You shouldn't let it get out of control."

Rieman said the county should work harder to attract and keep business. He opposes a business tax.

He proposed fixing the road between Ruhenstroth and Fish Springs as an emergency route around Highway 395.

Because of Rieman's filing, Republicans Doug Johnson and Blaine Spires face a primary race in August. Whoever wins the primary will face Rieman in the November election.

All candidates who filed for office have until May 28 to withdraw their names on the ballot. Challenges must be filed within five days.