Legislative Watch

Tick Segerblom

District: Clark No. 9
Political Party: Democrat
Current Job/Position: Lawyer
Born: 1948
Hometown: Boulder City, NV
Family: Wife Sharon; children Mary Clare, Eva and Carl
Education: Boulder City High School; Pomona College, B.A.; University of Denver, J.D.

Q & A

Q - How did you get to where you are?
I was born and raised in Southern Nevada. My mom and grandmother and great-grandmother were in the Legislature. I had always been active. When I graduated from law school I became very active in the Democratic Party.

Q - What other jobs did you have leading up to this one?
I worked in the White House personnel office under President Carter. I was also Western Regional Director, Democratic National Committee, and State Chair, Nevada Democratic Party.

Q - Did you always want to be doing what you are doing now?
I had always hoped that I would end up working in politics. In my 30’s a realized it was very difficult to be active and independent. I decided to build a family and then I got active again.

Q - How do you think the budget deficit will impact K-12 and higher education in the next biennium?
It is going to probably freeze salaries and new programs. Hopefully the budget deficit wont cause salaries and programs to be reduced any further.

Q - With continuing salary reductions facing teachers, how do you think you people can be encouraged to pursue careers in education?
I don’t see how we can.

Q - What are your legislative priorities and goals for the 2009 legislative session?
My general goal is to make sure we can get money to keep programs running, to raise taxes and make some changes to the way city elections. I would like to see the primaries moved from August to June.

Q - What issues facing the state do you think are the most important?
The state’s revenue. There are many large corporations here that talk a lot of money out of the state.

Q - What is one thing a Nevada can do to help the state though this tough economic time?
They can pay attention to what is going on in the state. It is also important to try and not get bamboozled by the media.

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?
It is going to be more liberal and pro government employees.

Q - On what issues will you not budge?
I can’t really think of any. I am old enough to know that you need to be able to listen to both sides of an issue and flexible when need be. How ever I am not very flexible when it comes to issues like abortion.

Q - What are your hobbies or interests?
I don’t really have a lot time. Politics is my hobby.

Q - What is the most unusual event you have been involved in or unusual or memorable people you have met?
Working for President Carter and getting to see how he tried to make the world a better.

Q - How did you become successful at what you do?
I don’t know that I am successful. The legislature is a lot like a football team; you have the star players and the quarterback and then all the other unsung heroes. Maybe after I serve a few more terms I can consider my self successful.

Q - Who or what are your inspirations?
President Carter. And Barack Obama is the most amazing individual right now, is the right man at the right time.

Q - What are your favorite causes?
I am very active with the Democratic Party and in progressive issues. I’m always trying to push this country left.

<<< Return