Why I'm running

EDITOR:

I appreciate Mr. Deyo's kind words regarding my legislative experience, but I need to answer his other concerns.

Mr. Deyo has become fixated on my comment that Douglas County would benefit by having a clerk-treasurer who could represent the interests of the county by lobbying at the Legislature. There is no requirement to do this beyond common sense. The previous clerk-treasurer - Barbara Griffin - lobbied frequently and effectively. She made the county and local businesses a lot of money through her efforts. The Legislature has a track record of taking county revenues. It is only logical that the residents of Douglas County should elect the person who can protect their best interest. The present clerk-treasurer has chosen not to participate at the Legislature.

Mr. Deyo says he has not heard any complaints about the performance of the incumbent. I am not running because Mr. Thran is doing a bad job. I am running because there are areas where I believe we can do better. We can take better advantage of existing laws to improve cash flow, we can use superior technology that can be obtained with little or no cost, we can use innovative investment practices to improve the county's portfolio and we can lobby effectively to protect or enhance the county's revenue.

Finally, Mr. Deyo says that because I was opposed to growth controls, I will probably receive "major support from special interest groups within the Republican Party." While I would happily accepted contributions from any group of any political party, as of this writing, I have not received a single contribution from any source. Should I receive any contributions, they will be fully disclosed prior to the election as required by state law. I am not running at the behest of anyone.

I am hopeful that the voters will look at my 30 years experience successfully running my own business, 14 years experience in the Legislature including 12 years in a leadership position, my service as the chairman of the Council of State Governments - a bipartisan national legislative leaders association - and my experience working in the governor's office with oversight responsibility for 12 state agencies. I am proud of my record of accomplishment and leadership. Mr. Deyo is apparently satisfied with no complaints.

Lynn Hettrick

Gardnerville