Assembly leadership posts for upcoming session announced

CARSON CITY -- Assembly Speaker-elect John Oceguera announced Thursday that he has named Marcus Conklin, D-Las Vegas, as the majority leader and Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, as chairwoman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee for the 2011 legislative session.

As majority leader, Conklin will serve as floor leader during debates on bills and votes. He was the assistant majority leader in 2009.

Smith also will serve as speaker pro tem.

The Ways and Means Committee chairmanship Smith received is one of the most coveted because the committee reviews all spending by state agencies.

Oceguera, the majority leader in the 2009 session, was elected speaker Nov. 3, a day after the election in which Democrats lost two seats but retained a 26-16 lead over Republicans in the Assembly. As speaker, Oceguera names all chairmen and appoints the house's leaders.

In announcing the appointments, Oceguera called for a spirit of cooperation with Republicans. Assemblyman Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, is the new minority floor leader.

"We recognize how important it will be for all legislators, from both political parties, both houses and all regions of the state, to work together to find real solutions to the incredible challenges facing our state," said Oceguera, who will be prevented by the term-limit constitutional amendment from seeking another term. "The Nevada Legislature has a rich history of working in a cooperative, bipartisan manner. Under this new leadership team, we are committed to continuing that tradition."

Assemblyman William Horne, D-Las Vegas, will chair the Judiciary Committee; Kelvin Atkinson, D-North Las Vegas, Commerce and Labor Committee; David Bobzien, D-Reno, Education Committee; Tick Segerblom, D-Las Vegas, Legislative Affairs Committee; April Mastroluca, D-Henderson, Health and Human Services Committee; Marilyn Dondero Loop, D-Las Vegas, Transportation Committee; and Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining Committee.

Carlton is a freshman Assembly member, but who served 12 years in the state Senate.

Horne also will be majority whip, while Atkinson serves as senior chief deputy whip. Assemblyman Peggy Pierce, D-Las Vegas, and Bobzien will be chief deputy whips.

Oceguera also announced he has scheduled training sessions beginning Nov. 17 for freshmen members. Twenty of the 42 Assembly members are starting their first terms. The 2011 Legislature convenes Feb. 7.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.