Nancy Barnes and Don Steinke advanced to the general election for Clark Public Utilities District commissioner District 2.
On Tuesday evening, Barnes led the primary votes with 61.58 percent, followed by Steinke with 30.18 percent. The third and final candidate, Carol Dillin, received 8.26 percent of votes.
Barnes, the incumbent, said she is looking forward to the next step. She has previously advocated for safe renewable energy with an emphasis on affordability and reliability, though she said that the position is not one that should focus on advocacy.
“I think there’s a very clear difference between my opponent and I,” Barnes said. “My opponent wants to move farther, faster. That means less reliability and less affordability.”
Moving forward into the general election, Barnes said she wants voters to consider the role of the Clark Public Utilities District’s commissioner position.
“This race is very important. This will affect every person in Clark County,” Barnes said. “I want them to make a very informed choice.”
Steinke plans to urge the utility to provide clean and affordable energy services for electric cars and electric heat, as well as plugs for electric vehicles in multifamily developments. Steinke is a strong advocate for climate change and believes the position should prioritize educating the public on clean energy and lowering emissions. He hopes to pull ahead in the general election.
“It’s difficult to run against an incumbent in any election,” Steinke said. “I want to advocate for planning for the future.”
Dillin advocated for providing safe and reliable electric power generation and water services at affordable prices while also supporting green energy. She hoped to invest in low-carbon-emission technologies for energy production, like wind turbines and solar roofs.
“It looks like the voter turnout was very light, so I’m disappointed in the light turnout,” Dillin said. “But I appreciate everyone who showed up to the polls. One vote makes a difference.”
