PASSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE
Steven Grierson understands what he must give up, but he knows Nevada needs his voice
BY DAVID HIMMEL

Steven Grierson has passion - for public service, that is. "Why public service? It fits my personality," he said. "I like to make changes; doing things right, doing things better." New to the game of politics, Grierson, running for Assemblyman in Henderson's District 23, has been part of the public sector for nine years. As the Specialty Courts Manager for the Eighth Judicial District Court, he has worked with rehabilitation services for the mentally ill and those involved in substance addiction. 

In 1999, Gov. Kenny Guinn appointed Grierson to the Board of Examiners for the Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors. It's a board set forth to license substance abuse and gambling counselors, and is also tasked with investigation that may be needed to keep the consumers safe. In 2005, he was elected president of the board.

In all Grierson's years working for the government, he's witnessed some unfortunate decision-making and circumstances. But his background is advantageous, and the fact he is an outsider is too. 

"Getting fresh, new ideas is good," he said. "That's what you're getting with me. With nine years of working in the system, I can see what the system does, and does not do well."

Another passion of his is education. Grierson's best friend is a fourth-grade teacher. And everyday, his friend faces the challenge of teaching his students how to read and do math at a fourth-grade level. And he can't. Part of the problem is because of the language barrier; the other part is that the bureaucracy holds back progress.

When asked about English Immersion classes as an option, Grierson said, "We have to get out of this debate with the administrative system of how we teach our kids and listen to what the teachers want to do."

Sure, there must be structure. But one blanket policy is not what's best. Grierson says that technology is a big step in the right direction. His friend, the fourth-grade teacher, uses technology and the two of them are working on a program entitled Connect 2 Children. And while the Clark County School District should have a broad plan, the specifics of teaching in the classroom are "Children-, family-, neighborhood- and detail-oriented," Grierson said.

And he is confident in saying that teachers who make that extra effort - to look at each student and each classroom specifically - can bring "fantastic" new ideas to the table. And from those types of grassroots efforts, that is what can build a stronger school and successful learning system.

Ultimately, Grierson intends to simplify and encourage government accountability. 

"You just can't shortchange people," Grierson said. Take a look at the New Jersey legislature having to shut down. Grierson blames it on partisanship. "It should not be taken to the point where government shuts down. You have to give the people the product they're paying for. I don't think people vote politicians in to shut things down."

Getting elected is a sacrifice Grierson is willing to make. While he welcomes the challenges, he'll have to walk away from a job he loves and knows is making differences in people's lives. In Carson City, he'll be away from his wife and two children.

"The sacrifice is a considerable one," Grierson said. "But, we made our decision as a family. I'd be honored to serve."

Making the decision to elect him, Grierson says District 23 will have an Assemblyman strong enough to make it through partisanship, but also stand by the party's beliefs and constituents' needs. District 23 will also have the most passionate of representatives in Carson City, battling it out for them. LW