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‘There is just a void in leadership when it comes to bread-and-butter issues’

April 16, 2018 by  
Filed under Feature

CONVERSATION: ALLISON STEPHENS

‘There is just a void in leadership when it comes to bread-and-butter issues’

 

Allison Stephens, candidate for U.S. Congress.

Women are making a positive impacts on politics across America, and Allison Stephens is throwing her hat into the ring for the congressional seat representing District 4. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Regents and recently spoke with Las Vegas Black Image Magazine about why voters should send her to Capitol Hill.

Why are you running for U.S. Congress representing the state of Nevada?

I have been involved with a lot of public service here in Nevada for a long time. I just hadn’t heard our federal leaders talking about the issues that affect the people who do the work on the ground. Many people have shared with me that they are concerned about their jobs, access to health care, education and the environment. There is just a void in leadership when it comes to speaking about the bread and butter issues. So that is what I want to bring to the table.

What will differentiate your process to rectify issues versus other candidates who are running for the congressional seat for District 4?

I will start by beginning the conversation. Many are busy standing there talking to constituents instead of listening and letting constituents speak. I have already started a tour of rural Nevada to hear what residents care about most. It was great to visit Tonopah and hear from high school students on a youth advisory committee communicate their concerns about the opioid crisis, underage drinking, and pediatric and juvenile mental health issues that are not being addressed. I am concerned about the same old talk coming out of Washington D.C. and recycled ideas that are not specific to the issue of residents in Nevada. I can commit to bringing fresh ideas to Congress, creating the relationships that matter, and working my way up for change the same way I have on the Board of Regents.

How did you work your way up as a Nevada Board of Regents?

We believe I was the youngest woman ever to have been elected to the Nevada Board of Regents. And at one point serving as Vice Chair of the Board and the Chair of Audit and Compliance’ committee — which is really about public trust and the public relying on us to be good stewards of public resources while following Nevada values. Those are the things I have been championing and have been successful with and excelled in leadership roles.

Many politicians representing Nevada have said, “I am only one person,” as it relates to making positive change and voting on policy. What do you feel one person in congress can do for the State of Nevada?

Allison Stephens

Allison Stephens is joined by supporter Jackie Brantley.

One thing one person can do in Congress is to actually listen to people in Nevada about their needs and concerns. I will establish a proactive constituent services team that will answer and respond to calls from Nevadans when they might have a problem with Social Security or whatever they are contacting my office for. One of my main objectives is for my Nevada constituents to have access to me, and for my office to respond to their needs.

What will be your method to advocate for the citizens of Nevada that results in real change?

I will advocate for Nevada in Congress and make sure to have the ears of the decision-makers who can benefit our state. Sometimes the larger conversations on policies in Washington D.C. are disconnected from the day-to-day issues that residents face in Nevada. I have heard the personal stories from Nevadans. I have advocated for the Affordable Care Act — and more specifically volunteered with the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. I went to Washington D.C. four to five times talking and sharing stories from cancer survivors in Nevada and how cancer is affecting our residents in Nevada. It goes back to me as a person in Congress being able to understand how issues affect people in Nevada and having the best medical care available and access to medical doctors who specialize in areas of concern.

What are some unique Nevada issues that are different than the national issues?

There is a unique Nevada perspective on issues related to the people in our state. I was recently speaking to someone who has a daughter-in-law with kidney failure. This family is trying to figure out how to get back and forth to Reno for dialysis treatment three times a week for four hours a day from Yerington. We have to also look at medical capacity in Nevada as the state in growing in population. This election is about who can represent the people.

For additional information on Allison Stephens visit AllisonforNevada.com

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