By: Jared Fisher
When I first moved to Southern Nevada over 25 years ago, I knew this state was a place for visionaries. Two years into my time at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and I’d already launched what would become a successful small business, thanks to the encouragement of one of my professors and the opportunities the city of Las Vegas provided me. It was also at UNLV where I met Heather, a 5th-generation Nevadan and my future wife. She reaffirmed what I’d already suspected: Nevada was a great place to settle down and a wonderful place to raise children. Together, Heather and I moved into the town of Blue Diamond, started our family and continued to grow our business from a small bicycle shop to a national adventure tourism company.
As I look ahead to where our state is headed, I’m concerned that my four children won’t be able to experience the same good fortune with which I was blessed. Our state is at a crossroads and I believe we need to take action now and innovate, cut wasteful spending and do more to attract top talent and high-paying jobs. If we don’t, Nevada will fade into the background and the next generation of visionaries and creative thinkers will look elsewhere for inspiration. This is why I’m running for governor; to help lead Nevada toward a future that is prosperous and economically-diverse. I believe I’m the best person for the job. The following are several reasons why.
1. I understand business.
I’ve been a small business owner in Nevada for over 25 years. Who better to help make Nevada a better state to start and run a business than someone who has experience doing both?
My plan: I’ll eliminate the burdensome regulations that are holding many business owners back and will promote policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. I want to make it easier for more Nevadans to launch their own companies. Afterall, small businesses are the lifeblood of every community. Read more.
2. Improving Nevada’s education system is not just a top priority; it’s personal.
I have four kids in public school here in Nevada. I understand the frustrations many parents may have with Nevada’s schools and want my children to receive the best education possible. I have a vested interest in seeing our schools succeed.
My plan: Reduce the needless bureaucracy and give the power back to the principals, teachers, parents and students in each individual school. We also need to do a better job at preparing students for the needs of today’s workforce by providing training in “soft skills” as well as information and applied technology. Read more.
3. My campaign is self-funded and not tied to big-money donors.
Unlike other candidates, once in office, I won’t owe anyone any favors. I’ll be free to fully speak for the will of the people. I’ll do what’s best for Nevadans and won’t be beholden to the whims of powerful corporations or wealthy donors.
4. I will diversify the economy by investing in renewable energy.
Nevada is blessed with 300+ days of sunshine a year and miles of wide-open space. Let’s use this to our advantage and utilize solar and other forms of renewable energy to boost our state revenues and attract more jobs to Nevada. I want to see Nevada become known as the “solar state.”
My plan: I will provide tax incentives to solar, wind and geothermal companies looking to relocate to Nevada. I will make it easier for Nevada residents and businesses wishing to take advantage of the affordability of solar energy by removing growth-hindering industry regulations. Read more.
5. I’m a hard-worker.
As part of my sixth-month long Listening Tour and Working Tour, I traveled around the state on a bicycle, speaking to local residents and working at a number of different small businesses. I helped pour concrete with a construction crew at one am in North Las Vegas. I laid bricks in the summer heat. I also worked on a food truck. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and it is this ethic that I plan to take with me to the governor’s mansion. I will give Nevada 110 percent.
6. I care about the environment.
Yes, that may be an unusual statement for a Republican candidate to make, but as someone who has worked in the outdoor tourism industry for decades, I want our forests, rivers, lakes and state and national parks to be preserved for future generations. Not just for my business or my outdoor-loving family and friends, but because it makes economic sense. Outdoor recreation and tourism is a profitable industry—it contributed $374 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016.
7. I’m not a career politician.
This is my first time running for public office. I’m not running for governor because I care about having a career in politics. I have a great job and love my life. I’m running for governor because I feel my skills and business background can be useful in leading Nevada down a more efficient and sustainable path.
8. I’m a man of character.
I don’t smoke, drink or use drugs. I wake up early every morning (often before the sun is up) and exercise. I go to church every Sunday. I value time with my wife and children above all else. I believe it’s important that leaders in government are held to a high moral standard. A governor needs to be a healthy person—both emotionally and physically—in order to lead by example. This is the only way we’ll be able to fight back against the corruption and greed that too often plagues our local government.
It is for these reasons and more that I ask for your vote on June 12.
About Jared Fisher
Jared Fisher is a Republican running in the 2018 Nevada governor’s race. A successful businessman and a long-time Nevada resident, Jared is running on a platform that includes a focus on diversifying the economy, strengthening education and investing in clean, renewable energy. Visit Jared’s Issues Page to learn where he stands on important issues such as the Second Amendment, Immigration and the Economy.
