Evans retiring from Assembly

Veteran Sparks Assemblywoman Jan Evans says she will not run for re-election for an eighth term.

She has maintained a low profile for the past year since undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer. She was forced to leave suddenly during the 1999 session after being diagnosed and has undergone extensive chemotherapy.

Evans said while tests show no recurrence of the cancer, "There is always a long recovery period for this type of illness."

The Sparks Democrat said she needs to devote her energy to recovery rather than another political campaign.

"Jan has been an incredible leader in the Nevada Legislature ever since she was elected," said Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington.

He praised her work on issues ranging from education funding to domestic violence and welfare reform.

Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, thanked Evans for helping him as well as others new to the Legislature, describing her as "a mentor and role model to countless new legislators in both political parties.

Evans has been in the Assembly since 1986 after serving in a number of appointed posts. She has been speaker pro tem since 1995 and a member of the Ways and Means Committee for all seven sessions she has served.

She has also served on the Advisory Council to the Committee to Aid Abused Women, the Women's Health Initiative advisory board, KNPB-TV board, the Sparks Heritage Foundation and Sparks Chamber of Commerce.