With so much attention being paid to national level elections, it's easy to lose sight of the local elections directly affecting Mesquite and the surrounding area that will be on the ballot this year.

The Mesquite Citizen Journal has compiled a list of candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring for various offices from State Assembly to the Virgin Valley Water District to the Mesquite Justice of the Peace.

The filing season for all offices closed last Friday, Mar. 16. Click here for a list of candidates for local offices.

Incumbent Cresent Hardy (R), a resident of Bunkerville, will try for a second term in the State Assembly against Las Vegas Democrat Felipe Rodriguez. The winner will represent the new District 19 which includes North Las Vegas, parts of Henderson, a portion of the Moapa Valley, and Mesquite. Immediately following last Fall's redistricting process, it appeared that Hardy and State Assemblyman Steven Brooks would form the only race in the State between two incumbents. However, Brooks switched his candidacy to District 17 in Las Vegas.

Neither candidate has an opponent in their respective parties so their race won't heat up until the Fall.

Two Republicans, Ruth Johnson and Jon Blackwell will compete against each other in the June Primary to determine who will face off against incumbent Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins (D) as Mesquite's representative in the November General election. Independent American Party Candidate Warren Markowitz also tossed his hat into the ring for the seat and will compete against Collins and the Republican Primary winner.

Collins is running for a third term on the Commission. Johnson previously served three terms as Mesquite's representative on the Clark County School Board.

Bill Tanner will challenge long-time Virgin Valley Water District Board of Directors incumbent Ted Miller for a two year seat. Miller was first elected to the VVWD Board in 2006. Tanner is the Director, Public Works, for the City of Mesquite. They too will not have any challengers in the June Primary.

Seven candidates have filed for

the six-year term of Justice of the Peace, Mesquite Township, a position currently held by Judge Ron Dodd. Dodd also serves as the appointed Mesquite Municipal Judge. He's said he will retire from both positions at the end of this year. While the Justice of the Peace is an elected office, the Judgeship is appointed by the Mesquite City Council. It's not imperative that the same individual fill both positions. The Council changed the requirement several years ago that whomever fills the Judge's position must have a law degree. Dodd, who does not, was grandfathered under the provision.

The Justice of the Peace position does not require the occupant to be a licensed attorney. The person simply must have a high school diploma. However, the person elected must "actually, as opposed to constructively, reside in the district to which the office pertains for at least the 30 days immediately before the close of candidate filing," according to State guidelines.

Kryztal Alvizo, Karen Beausoleil, Bill Berrett, Theron Jensen, Alisia Leavitt, Duane Thurston, and Ryan Toone have filed for the office. Toone is currently the Assistant City Attorney in Mesquite. Should he win the seat he will be required to resign from his position with the City. All seven candidates will appear on the June Primary ballot.

David Anderson is the sole candidate for Trustee, Overton Power District 5, representing Mesquite. The same is true for Craig Anderson who is running unopposed as Trustee, Overton Power District 7, at large. He is a resident of Bunkerville.

Two people from Las Vegas have filed for the Trustee, Clark County School District B, position that represents Mesquite. Christine Garvey currently serves as the Trustee. Rose Moore is opposing her for the position.

The Mesquite Citizen Journal will follow the election throughout the year and will bring you interviews and information about the various candidates, races, and election results.

A list of candidates for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Congress throughout the State of Nevada is available by clicking here.