IAP candidate files against Townsend

Mark Holloman of Pleasant Valley filed Thursday for the state Senate seat now held by Randolph Townsend.

Townsend, R-Reno, is seeking a sixth term of office.

Holloman is a member of the Independent American Party and employed by the Washoe School District. He said there is a need for "an independent voice -- fresh ideas -- in the two party system."

Holloman, 46, has a degree in education and works in the custodial staff for the district. He said even though he works for the school district, he thinks the way education is handled is "archaic."

Instead of raising taxes for schools, he said he would urge more community involvement and support.

"We should develop a radical new way of approaching education," he said.

It is his first run for political office.