Washoe County Commissioner Bob Larkin announced Monday his intention to run for Nevada State Senate, District 2.

“I have had the honor and privilege of serving the residences of Sparks, Spanish Springs, Warm Springs, and Wadsworth for the past five years,” he said in a press release. “Together, we have accomplished a great deal of quality of life projects. This has included the Spanish Springs flood detention facility, the Truckee River Flood Coordination Committee, and the authorization of the South East Connector corridor.

“I have also improved collaboration between all local governments, including the signing of the 2007 Regional Plan updates, the expiration of the lawsuits between all of the parties, and the much-anticipated environmental studies for the Pyramid and McCarran intersection as well as the Pyramid Highway corridor,” his statement continued. “It has been a very busy and productive five years since I first announced my intention to run for public office.

“I have also been very fortunate to serve as chairman of the board for an unprecedented three continuous years. It was my desire to assist the commission to return to the deliberative body it should be, and with the cooperation of my fellow commissioners, that has been accomplished as well.”

Larkin said, “I am running for Senate District 2 because while we have been very fortunate to have had retiring State Senate Maurice Washington’s excellent leadership over the past decade, I want to make sure that the residents of Senate District 2 continue to have that high level of service in the state capital.

“Additionally, the budget challenges that the state now faces have been at the forefront of local government for many years now. As chairman of the Washoe County Commission for an unprecedented three years, I oversaw the reduction of over $100 million in spending and the elimination of over 500 positions. I possess the academic background, work experience, and the pragmatism that it takes to get the right things done in Carson City.”

Larkin was instrumental in the 2007 Nevada Legislature with passage of legislation that authorized $5 million for restoration of the Truckee River in coordination with the Truckee River Flood Project, of which he is currently founding member and chairman.

In the recent 2009 legislative session, he was the driving force behind SB175, enabling legislation for establishing a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between Reno, Sparks, Washoe and Storey counties. The JPA will allow the flood project to join forces with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the nearly $1.5 billion flood control project to reduce damage to the Truckee Meadows’ businesses and residences as well as mitigate down stream damages.

“We will see a significant change of leadership and membership over the next few years at the state level,” Larkin said. “If voters of Senate District 2 believe I am the right person, I would be honored to serve in these historic times for the betterment of all Nevadans. The legislative session of 2011 will have a full plate including redistricting, examination of the state wide tax study as well as the myriad of legislation to keep local and state government lean and efficient. I am ready and able to meet the duties of the legislative process in Carson City.”

The Spending and Government Efficiency Commission has provided many recommendations for increasing the cost effectiveness of state government. As a Nevada state senator, Larkin stated he would pursue legislation that would require implementation of the best ideas and recommendations.

Larkin is a fifth-generation Nevadan, born in Ely to Charles and Darlene Larkin. He and his wife, Sylvia, have three adult children and six grandchildren. He has lived in Sparks for the past 29 years.

He is the campus college chair for the John Sperling School of Business Graduate Programs at the University of Phoenix, Northern Nevada campus. He has a bachelor of science from the University of Nevada, a masters of science degree from Michigan State University and a doctorate in business administration from the University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies.

Larkin’s memberships include chairman of the Flood Project Coordinating Committee, past chairman of the Washoe County Commission, past chairman of the Regional Plan Governing Board, member of the Regional Transportation Commission, member of the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, member of the Nevada State Commission on Aging and the State Bar of Nevada’s Disciplinary Board.

He is also an active flight instructor who taught the late Tony Armstrong how to fly. He is also a member of Angel Flight West. His philosophy is that government cannot and should not be all things to all people, but it does have a responsibility to offer each and every citizen fair and equitable opportunities for a fulfilling life.

“I strongly believe that all should serve the community which has served them so well,” Larkin said. “And in that regard, I have, for many years, been extremely active in Washoe County serving on numerous boards and commissions.”