Horton plans to run

The first candidate has stepped forward in the wake of Supervisor Kaye Bennett's decision not to run for another term.

Verne R. Horton, chairman of the Carson City Regional Planning Commission, said Saturday that he will run for Bennett's Ward 4 seat.

The 57-year-old semi-retired graphic artist said he has been thinking of running for the past few months and had not specifically anticipated Bennett's announcement.

"But when something like that happens, you either throw your hat in the ring right away or wait another four years, Horton said.

Horton is in his second term as planning commissioner, having been appointed about five years ago.

"There are a variety of issues and ideas I'd like to see done," he said. "It's become apparent throughout Northern Nevada that economic and social diversification must be addressed and proactively managed for the good of our communities."

One of Horton's most visible designs hangs on bumpers of many Nevada vehicles. Horton designed the state's special 125-year license plate for the 1989 celebration.

Horton became a graphic artist and watercolor painter 15 years ago. He saw art as a perfect way to get out of the grind of middle management at a major insurance firm.

He also designed the Carson City seal and flag.

Horton has volunteered for the Carson City Historical Architectural Review Commission, the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Silver State Games.

Horton's campaign manager is Jim Vanden Huevel, who was president and CEO of the Nevada State Games, which moved from Carson City to Sparks in 1998. There were no 1999 games, but Horton said they may yet return to Carson City.