Nevada State Assembly District 1 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Nevada, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Nevada State Assembly District 1 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Nevada State Assembly District 1

Incumbent Daniele Monroe-Moreno defeated Garland Brinkley and Patrick McAtee-MacRae in the general election for Nevada State Assembly District 1 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Daniele Monroe-Moreno (D)	54.8	14,242
		Garland Brinkley (R)	42.6	11,067
		Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)	2.6	670

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 25,979
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Garland Brinkley (R)

Education - through giving parents the rights to choose how the educational dollars for their children are spent.

Economy - putting into place legislation to reduce the gas tax and other prohibitive measure which stagnates our economy.

Crime reduction - through legislation, returning to policies that keep our neighborhoods safe and enforcing laws that keep our communities safe.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

A Nonpartisan tired of watching political infighting. Votes that are Party line, regardless of what helps or hinders Nevada.

Planning for our future, regardless of the issue is needed. As A Nonpartisan, I am approachable with ideas and accessible to constituents.

Constitutional Conservative. Our guiding document, if change is needed or desired should be done properly, as per the Constitution.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Garland Brinkley (R)

Election Integrity. Requiring photo identification to vote. One ballot, one vote for each legally registered individual. Making sure that all legal votes are counted within a reasonably allotted time frame. Mail in ballots for the infirmed or those on active military duty only. Anyone else requesting a mail-in ballot, will have to provide a valid reason why an absentee/mail in ballot is being requested. The voters rolls should be routinely purged of deceased individuals or individuals who no longer reside at the listed address.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

There is a great need to slow and stop the drain of qualified talent here in the valley. This includes Teachers, Police, Firemen and all of our medical professionals. Pay, safety and quality are needed. We must stay competitive, and as a former teacher we do not pay them enough for what they do. All of our professionals need to feel and be safe, as we as the tax payer should expect a level of quality as a result.

There is no quick fix to our educational system (Nevada ranking 49th of 50 states) We need parents involved in their child's education, we need qualified Teachers and a school board the works to put the two together and solves problems that get in the way of an education. More money is not the only answer, only part of the solution. At all levels we need to be fiscally responsible, be able to see what the money comes from and goes too.

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." A. Einstein

We can not solve our issues here in the Valley by using the same practices used to arrive where we are now. Are those who presented us with our current issues able to solve them? If they are, why has it not happened? I believe we need to return the political process to the voters.

Yes, I am conservative. Why? change needs to happen a step at a time. To be accepted. I am not here to tell you how to do something, but to listen and facilitate the answer by being a open to finding the way ahead. Listen to the voters!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Garland Brinkley (R)

I have enormous respect for Abraham Lincoln. He sometimes compromised for the greater good but always kept to his moral foundation. He strove to keep the human costs as low as possible and tried to resolve with the least loss to our nation. He suffered personal tragedy throughout his life but was a great influence on those around him.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

I was very fortunate to have two people that I looked up too. First, was/is my Uncle "Tex" Emerson Byrd, he graduated for CAL Berkley, played football there and was in the Rose bowl. He was a Sargent in the Air Force reserve, when in 1968 the USS Pueblo was captured by the North Koreans. He was immediately call up and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He stayed in the Air Force, Taught at the AF Academy and did many other exciting things. At least that was how I saw it a a young man.

The Second example to whom I looked up to was my Step-father Jack R. Dolley. Or Capt. Jack as he was called. He was a Captain in the Fire department. I never saw him excited and only saw him angry once. At 6 foot 4 inches tall, I felt once was enough. I came home from school one day all excited that my PE coach had not called me out while we were running two miles (something that normally happened), as I stayed in the middle of the pack. He looked at me very calmly and said "Do you consider yourself average" which of course at 14 caught me of guard. When I didn't answer right away he asked again. To which my reply was no! After which he said well running in the middle of the pack says you are average. He then asked why not be out front? Why not put out a little more effort? I complained that most of those I ran with could out run me. He then looked at me with the standard dead pan and said "But they won't" I asked why, he responded with, they are lazy or do not care. Well he annoyed me, so I set out to prove him wrong. So, I put out more effort, I never did finish 1st, but I did finish almost always in the top 5, every time. My grade when from a C to a B and later and A. At which point I received mush more freedom, since being on the honor roll had its benefits at home.

I never forgot the example, his clever way getting me to do something to help myself. I apply this to what I do to this day.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Garland Brinkley (R)

The film, "It's a Wonderful Life" depicts my personal and political philosophy. Not only is it a great film on economics. I would give extra credit to my students for watching it and discussing the themes which include money and banking, lending, interest rates, small business operations, monopoly and counterfactuals. It is also a story which shows how helping others returns more than was ever given. As the film pointed out, a single person and their decisions influence all those around them which in turn effects still others in an ever widening circle. It show how the most important things in life are not money or material things, or titles or awards but rather family and community. One person can have a huge impact upon the lives of others.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

You must be able to carefully listen, be accepting of new ideas and probably more important, be organized! As I am sure you will not have the time to say "I'm Busy"

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

I am a problem solver. It is the core of what I do, both in my private life and work. Getting the job done correctly, is always a challenge: but rewarding when completed.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Garland Brinkley (R)

Like George Bailey in, 'It's a Wonderful Life", I would like to improve the lives of people in my community. I've taught in Africa and South America and made a great difference there. I believe in giving more than I get back in every endeavor. Like a bank account, putting in more than you take out will make you rich. If you put in more effort in a job than what is standard for your pay scale, you will be the one promoted and given extra rewards. I want to leave here with friends and people saying ho0w much I will be missed and each of them striving to be better people.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Garland Brinkley (R)

The assassination of JFK. I was in junior high school at the time.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

November 22nd 1963, the assassination of John F. Kennedy. I was five and someone just killed my favorite President. Was then and still is to this day almost 60 years later.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Garland Brinkley (R)

I sold and delivered newspapers at age 9 until graduating from high school.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

My first job was as a junior Fireman starting the day after I turned 16 and ending 18 months later when I joined the US Navy.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Garland Brinkley (R)

Holy Bible There are so many stories and great lessons in this tome. I enjoy different translations and like to compare them to see if there are any significant differences and how both can be resolved. I read and study additional books such as "Antiquities" by Josephus and "On First Principles" by Origen. This supplemental material helps me achieve greater understanding for my life choices and actions. The compassion shown and the strictures on helping the poor and hungry. Before COVID lockdowns, my church would feel the homeless and actually send out vans to given them rides and then take them back tor to wherever they needed to go. We provided a clothes closet if they needed additional clothing. As a practicing Christian, this book guides my daily life and keeps me on the path to become a better person.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

I am a big fan of Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and just about anything Isaac Asimov wrote.

Tarzan and John Carter of Mars also make my list.

Other wise History!

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

Amazing Grace, It is the only song I remember the the finger positions for on a tin whistle or a recorder. All the others I have to read the music.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

Spelling, always spelling! My worst subject in High School and I have paid for that since.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Garland Brinkley (R)

The growth in population and associated problems. Water is currently a concerning issue and steps must be taken now to allow a continuous supply. This can be accomplished by providing positive incentives to farmers and ranchers to grow less water intensive crops which would save us as much water as is used by Las Vegas every year. We could also divert water which flows into Idaho to southern Nevada which is also the amount used by the Las Vegas Valley. Along with population, we also have higher crime and policies must be in place to ensure that crime stays low. While several interventions have been shown to be very cost effective, I am not in favor of defunding the police. One of the interventions I personally assessed was a prisoner reentry and case management program where recidivism dropped from 52% down to 20%. . The program cost $600,000 over 3 years with reduced incarceration costs by over $12,000,000. The lower cost only included the costs of incarceration and not the saving in crime reduction. In addition, the poor quality of our schools will be felt for many years to come with businesses failing to consider Nevada a desirable site to relocate with a poorly educated workforce. The quickest way for the school district to improve is with competition where parent have choices for their children.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

When working with others you will need to build relationships with other legislators, or most likely you will accomplish little to nothing.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Garland Brinkley (R)

I favor an independent commission with the lines drawn by an Artificial Intelligent computer program. The program would have all the legal requirements needed along with some preferences - e.g. keeping precincts together, contiguousness etc. However, I would not vote to include party affiliations in the redrawing of state or congressional districts. It appears that each political party wants to maximize any advantage possible and gerrymandering is one such way. While redistricting is not now an issue, it will be again in 10 years and the time to start the process to keep it fair and impartial is to start now.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

Absolutely

     1. Government Affairs (Government, Public and Veterans)
     2.  Judiciary
     3.  Education and or Natural Resources

I believe these committees have the largest impact on our State.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Garland Brinkley (R)

NA

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Garland Brinkley (R)

NA

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Garland Brinkley (R)

No

Tell us your favorite joke.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

I never tell jokes, not good at delivering a punch line.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Garland Brinkley (R)

As a legislator, I will always strive for the best possible bill for my district and state. It may not be the perfect or ideal bill, but it must always have greater benefits than costs to my constituents. My decisions will always be based upon evidence and not what is politically expedient, manufactured media outrage, or party orthodoxy. Compromise will most likely achieve the greater benefit for our constituents. There is always a win win situation for everyone. This is part of my economics education and training in the field of Public Choice. Compromise means that you both win, not that you both lose. I believe that what legislators often forget is that we have the same bosses. They are the people we represent who generally have the same issues. We all serve the people who elected us. To not have a relationship with others is to ignore all the people in other districts who voted for other legislators. The partisan politics practiced today is insulting to the people we represent. As I have talked to my constituents, many of my constituents tell me the same story. I am the first legislator/candidate to knock on their door and talk to them. I hear this over and over and find it heartbreaking. State governmental policies have immense impact upon the community and for elected officials to not reach out and connect with the people in our district is reprehensible. We represent all the people in our district, not just those with certain letters after their name.

Patrick McAtee-MacRae (Independent)

There will be times to compromise. It must be a true compromise, where each side gives up something. With one exception "The Constitution", you change it properly or you live with it! This includes the Nevada State Constitution as well.

See also

More about these elections:

• Nevada State Assembly elections, 2022

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