Legislative Watch

Chad Christensen

District: Clark No. 13
Political Party: Republican
Current Job/Position: Sales Management / Business Development
Born: 1969
Hometown: Washington D.C.
Family: Wife Ashley, children Cole, Reed, Cooper, Race, Chloe
Education: Kenny C. Guinn Jr. High; Clark High School, 1987; Brigham Young University, B.A., 1996, International Relations
Interviewed By: Student Intern

Legislative Service: 2003-2009. Assemblyman Christensen has served in seven special and four regular sessions. He was the 2009 Minority Whip

Q & A

Q - How did you get to where you are?

I was asked to run in 2002 by leaders of a business association that I am involved with. I felt like it was the right thing to do. That was the first time I had ever run for an office.

Q - What other jobs did you have leading up to this one?

I was a volunteer. I was an investment banker in Germany. I worked as a business management consultant in New York and then I started a business development and sales management company in Las Vegas.

Q - Did you always want to be doing what you are doing now?

I had an inclination that I might be involved in politics when I got older.

Q - What are your goals for your regular career or your personal goals?

That my business survives in 2009. And to find a plan for the state of Nevada.

Q - How do you think the budget deficit will impact K-12 and higher education in the next biennium?
I hope that it’s not at all affected. Education is the most important thing in our state.

Q - With continuing salary reductions facing teachers, how do you think you people can be encouraged to pursue careers in education?

If this state can create a great environment for teaching and let prospective teachers know that the state is committed to education, the financial benefits will not be the only incentive for attracting teachers.

Q - What are your legislative priorities and goals for the 2009 legislative session?

Nevada is uniquely poised to be an economic growth magnate for our country. Our State has a large area, small population and lots of political leaders to lead the way. Nevada can and has to become a magnate for economic development.

Q - Can you elaborate on BDR 516 which you are purposing; regarding the changes relating to education.

“This bill is to help get more money to schools by providing a finical incentive program for parents to have their children educated in private schools.”

Assemblyman Christensen went on to describe his how the plan would essentially work. For instance say the state spends $6,000 per student. The incentive being proposed would offer parents considering private schools $3,000 for each of their children placed into a private school system of their choice. Christensen also how he felt the educational system in Nevada is great, that his children attend a public school in Clark County, and he and his wife are pleased with their children’s educational progress.

Q - What issues facing the state do you think are the most important?

The current financial issues are very important, but we need to be able to look past the current problems and establish a 10-year plan to get back to glory.

Q - What is one thing a Nevadan can do to help our state in these tough economic times?

Parents need to get and stay involved with their children’s education. Education is going to play a key role in this state’s economic development.

Q - What will be the legislative impact with both the Senate and the Assembly having a Democratic majority, and the majority of legislators coming from Clark County?

With the majority being Democratic, more Democratic bills are going to be passed. I don’t think that there will be an impact with a majority of legislators coming from Clark County. We like to think that everyone is legislating for the good of the state.

Q - On what issues will you not budge?
I will not budge on legalizing drugs like marijuana. I will not budge on a lottery for this state or any laws that take away constitutional rights.

Q - What are your hobbies or interests?

I enjoy water skiing with my family, teaching my children Spanish, humanitarian work with kids and coaching youth soccer.

Q - How did you become successful at what you do?
I am a good listener and I care about the people that I represent.

Q - Who or what are you inspirations?

Thomas S. Munson, the leader of my church. Also, my dad who was an officer in the Air Force, and has been teaching for 30 years.

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