William Hockstedler
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William Hockstedler (Republican Party) (also known as Bill) ran for election to the Nevada State Senate to represent District 19. He lost in the Republican primary on June 11, 2024.
Hockstedler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
William Hockstedler was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1984 to 1992. He attended Western Kentucky University. His career experience includes working as a healthcare administration. He has been affiliated with the Nye County Sheriff's Office.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Nevada State Senate elections, 2024
General election
Republican primary election
Campaign finance
Endorsements
2022
See also: United States Senate election in Nevada, 2022
General election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Democratic primary election
Republican primary election
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
William Hockstedler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hockstedler's responses.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
Born in Virginia and a lifelong constitutional conservative, Bill served in the Army and the Air Force. Bill is a disabled combat veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Serving in the Air Force Electronic Warfare Center Bill was also an Air Force Liaison to the Defense Intelligence Agency. Bill was also involved with the development the Joint Tactical Missile Signature Program Office. After military service Bill continued to serve America through dedicated service in healthcare and is currently a vice president with the Mayo Clinic and joint venture Ambient Clinical enhancing Intensive Care operations. Bill lives and breathes our core Republican values on a daily basis and plans to devote his energy to securing and improving the lives of all Nevadans as your State Senator for District 19.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
- Dedicated to reduce the number of bills sent to the Governor for veto by working across the aisle to produce value and common sense legislation that serves all citizens of Nevada.
- I have the availability, resources, energy, good health and enthusiasm to travel this vast 6 county district of approximately 60,000 square miles to visit any business and voter so that I can take their ideas and concerns to Carson City and effect legislation that lifts all Nevadians to new levels of opportunity, economic stability, safety, and good old fashioned "American Dream". We must stive to bring more honest, ethical people to serve as examples and leaders of our citizens.
- I have the life long experience in business, healthcare, and executive leadership to effectively engage with leaders in public industry and government service leading to good decisions for all. I will focus on economic stabilty by repatriating manufacturing from overseas back to America and in particular Nevadas' Rural counties. I am in the process of doing this now with the production of medical gloves for healthcare workers Made in Nevada for national and international distribution. This bring net new money to Nevada since 90 of the production will be shipped to and paid for by out of state organizations.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am interested in things that help conserve our natural resources, access to private and public lands for a variety of uses that promote responsible growth while preserving our western heritage of 4th and 5th Generation Ranchers and Farmers.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
As to be expected I looked up to my father who grew up during the great depression (he was born in 1921) joined the Marines to defend the nation in all the great battles of the South Pacific during WWII. Those folks were called "The Greatest Generation". Also my grandfather on my mothers side as he was a well respected business owner and a republican. I often refer to myself as a Ronald Regan type of republican not because he did everything correctly (he didn't) but because he had the courage and conviction to always try his best and maximize the good that came from his decisions.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Think of all our greatest leaders; the ones that value and demonstrate morel and ethical American values that promote fairness, promote participation, and protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens. Those role models are my "books". They emboidy the Straight Shooter Pledge by being what I also am:
Honest and Forthright
Law Abiding
Helpful and Kind
Hardworking and Fair
Responsible and Reasonable
A Good Friend and Neighbor
Patriotic and Open Minded
Charitable and;
Willing to Serve Our Nation When Called Upon,
To Protect Our Blessings of Liberty and,
The Democracy that Keeps Tyranny at Bay,
With no Regard to Personal Sacrifice,
For the Greater Good of Our Country, and the Future of Our State.What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I have a genuine desire to help others especially when I can use lifelong lessons learned, keep that history accessible to my decisions and be trusted to always do the right thing. Integrity is everything to me and helps guide me in all aspects of my life.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
1, Protecting the government: Preserving the government from internal and external threats.
2. Regulating the economy: Ensuring the economy is regulated
3. Protecting rights: Protecting the political and social rights of citizens
4. Providing services: Providing services to constituents
5. Creating legislation: Creating, debating, and voting on legislation that modifies or creates new laws
6. Ensuring safe services: Ensuring public utilities and motor carriers provide safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services
7. Engaging constituents: Encouraging constituents to participate in civic activities and public policy discussions
Providing direct services: Providing direct services to constituents, such as acting as an ombudsman to help resolve problems
8. Protecting the Constitution: Preserving, protecting, and defending the Constitution of the United States and Nevada.
9. Carrying out directives: Carrying out the legislative body's directives and policies.
10. Create, debate, and vote on legislation that modifies or creates new laws.What legacy would you like to leave?
I would like to be know as a great teacher of doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason. I always want to be the person that provides opportunities for others to excel and I want and expect to be replaced eventually by someone that does what I do but only better. Then we know we've made progress and the next generation moves forward.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I remember the Vietnam War very well and when my oldest brother joined the US Marine Corp it really opened my eyes and I paid particular attention to all the news coverage from that point forward. I was 6 years old when that happened and because my father had been a Marine and then a Newspaper Editor I was keenly aware of what was going on and it was discussed at the dinner table often. I learned alot even at 6 years old.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I did a summer work program that was sponsored for teens before they took thier first private sector job. I worked for VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science) in Gloucester Point Virginia. I worked in an area called Vessel Operations had had a blast learning how to resupply the ships they used for research. I learned all about sourcing, transport and loading food supplies for the crew, spare parts, and fuel. At 16 years old it was a great job but it was only for a 3 months.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Silent Spring by Rachel Carlson. It was the first book I read completely from cover to cover but also because it made me aware of our environment and how we need to take care of it and embrace the majesty of what we have been provide.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling In Love
I know it sounds ridiculous because I am not really old enough to be a diehard Elvis fan but the song is always with me and defines how I feel about the person I love the most.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Letting go. I sometimes buy of collect something like motorcycles or firearms and never sell then so I have too many. As I get older I think of the burden that those "extra" things are going to cause someone to deal with.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?
Governors have tremendous power over the legislative branch because they serve year-round and hold office alone. They also command wide press coverage by virtue of being the leading elected official in Nevada.
Governors have the power to sign or veto legislation and to participate in the budget-making process. Governors and legislatures therefore share the lawmaking power. Governors must work with or through the Nevada legislatures to accomplish nearly all of their lawmaking goals.
What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?
Urbanization of once rural areas that require responsible guidance to prevent a host of issues around public safety, education, economic stability while still preserving the rural heritage of our ranchers and farmers. Alonge with this water use and conservation id always a topic of concern in the Silver State, Nothing happens in this state without first thinking about the impact of water resources.
Economic growth and diversification are also an area that needs constant attention. Opportunities that emerge from economic growth and stability help curb a scarcity mentality heloing to lower crime and other social issues.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
No not in all instances. There is value to letting a fresh bench of qualified, experienced people mix in with the "Establishment" career politicians to bring other perspectives to the actions and deliberations related to problem solving and legislation. I for example am 62 years old never holding elective office but have a lifetime of success in many areas and would use that knowledge to raise the performance of the legislative body.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Yes absolutely. It is essential in almost every are of life. We are social beings and depend on many points of view to form our own thoughts and make adjustments as we learn. IT is a lifelong process to continue to evolve our thinking to produce better results for everyone.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
No not a particular one. While I feel its important to learn the history of as many legislators as possible I am my own person with my own unique qualities based on sucesses and failures that help guide me throught everything I face.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
I will leave that ambition up to the people I serve. There is no greater calling than the satisfaction that the people I serve will be counting on me to represent them as closely as possible for the very reasons they elect me. If the people speak at a time in the future about a different role, I could take that into consideration for them not for me.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
Yes they are about WIld Horses and Solar Farms, and water. These are the areas people have the most passionate stories about.
Tell us your favorite joke.
A dog walks into a pub and orders a pint.
The bar man says 'oh wow a talking dog? The circus is in town, you should go and have a chat to them...'
To which the dog replies, 'why, do they need an electrician?'Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?
Yes, this should be overseen in a manner that demonstrates check and balances so that absolute power does not corrupt or damage our collective rights and freedoms.
What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?
I would like to introduce a bill that provides better protections of Seniors regarding the declining dollar and the effects of fixed incomes that may not always be offset with cost of living allowances. I want to insure that Seniors are not forced out of their home with incresed property taxes due to increasing home values.
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
I do not seek endorsements, I think they are a crutch and having too many makes a person look desperate or they are compensating for missing something. Endorsements are not votes and the majority of voters won't know whu they are or don't care.
What committees interest you?
I would expect to be on the Natural Resources Committee as this is the usual path for first term State Senators. Also based on my lifetime of experience I would like to be on the Health and Human Services committee and the Revenue and Economic Development committee.
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
Government should be transparent. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the State and Federal Government is an asset.
Formal and informal mechanisms of transparency and accountability encourage government officials to act in the public interest. Without public access to records of governance and other information, public resources may be squandered and mismanaged. informed dialogue about decisions which affect their lives.
Financial transparency and government accountability are important for a well-functioning democracy. They help governments make informed decisions, expose malfeasance, and correct harmful policies. They also help citizens hold governments accountable, and can lead to increased public participation, economic growth, and less conflict.Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?
I oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative.
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2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
William Hockstedler did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 4, 2024
Leadership
Majority Leader:Nicole Cannizzaro
Minority Leader:Robin Titus
Senators
Democratic Party (13)
Republican Party (8)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
