MICHAEL A. GINSBERG

NAME: Erich Obermayr

AGE: 76

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democratic

DAY JOB: Semi-retired archaeologist, author

EDUCATION:

BA 1986, Honors, University of Arizona, major in anthropology and creative writing.

HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN NEVADA: 30 years.

WRITE A BRIEF (TWO TO THREE SENTENCES) SUMMARY OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENABLE YOU TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THIS OFFICE:

I have had a long career preparing technical cultural resource reports, and historical and archaeological public interpretation projects. I know what it takes to persuade diverse stakeholders, from bureaucrats to the general public, to arrive at a common point of agreement. I am prepared to apply this to my fellow legislators and the legislative process.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF ELECTED?

My top priority is to open our primaries to nonpartisan voters by giving them the option of completing and submitting a primary ballot of the party of their choice. This is a simple, stand-alone solution which would allow the approximately one-third of Nevada voters who do not belong to a political party to fully participate in the election process.

IN JUST A FEW SENTENCES: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING OUR STATE, AND HOW WOULD YOU FIX IT?

The single biggest problem is drug addiction and its consequences, including overdose deaths. This is not to say there are not other very important issues facing the state, but drug addiction is special because it is tangible evidence that these issues are not being properly addressed. Drug use takes many forms, including “recreation,” but people use the most dangerous and addictive drugs to escape what they see as a hopeless life situation, defined by poverty, lack of opportunity, or mental illness. The solution lies in a strong societal foundation of economic opportunity, education, mental health, and counseling and assistance.

IN ONE SENTENCE: WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am 76 years old and life has shown me that successful legislation, as with everything else, requires understanding complex situations, respecting the ideas and motivations of others, and the ability to recognize when and to what degree compromise is the best course of action.

YES OR NO: WILL YOU ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THIS ELECTION, WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE?

Unconditional yes!