Knecht re-elected to board of regents

Ron Knecht was elected to his second, six-year term to the Nevada System of Higher Education's District 9 seat on the Board of Regents on Tuesday.

"I'm happy and relieved," Knecht said. "I'm grateful that the people of the district, especially the people who know me, went so strongly for me."

He ousted challenger Michon Mackedon of Fallon.

"I think elections are all about voting and choosing, and the voters have spoken," Mackedon said.

There may have been some consolation for the challenger, though, in that their race brought light to the challenges facing community colleges in Nevada - particularly in the rural areas, including the Western Nevada College campus in Fallon.

"I think we've raised community awareness on the issues of community colleges, and that's why I got in the race in the first place," Mackedon said. "I hope my opponent who's going to win this race will make good on the promises he's made."

Knecht, from Carson City, said his next term will look much like his last.

"I'm committed to doing the things I've been doing for the last six years, even step it up," Knecht said. "We need to protect our community college campuses and Cooperative Extension."

He said he will continue to oppose tax and tuition increases.

"We don't need fee increases, but better account management," he said. "And fairer allocation from the state Legislature and the governor."

Knecht said he also wants to see the college and university system better use online learning services, and to be more open with the public.

"I will lead the push for more openness, transparency and accountability," he said.

This will be Knecht's final term before reaching his 12-year limit.