The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 16 nominated Blaine Osborne as the county's choice to fill the vacancy in Nevada Assembly District 39.

The nomination came after county staff explained the statutorily prescribed process. Andrew Haskin, Lyon County manager, told the board the Assembly minority leader submitted a list of qualified applicants and each county commission representing the district must select a nominee; the two county nominees then appear at a joint meeting for final appointment. Haskin said the joint meeting is scheduled for Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.

Osborne addressed the board briefly in chambers. "I just want to say thank you all for considering this. I know it's an unusual request," he said, and pledged to represent the entire district "from Topaz to Silver Springs." Osborne said he and Assemblyman Gray worked closely and that he looks forward to serving, if appointed.

A motion to nominate Osborne passed by a 5-0 vote.

The nominee selected by Douglas County will join Osborne at the Nov. 6 joint meeting; the appointed person at that meeting becomes the assembly member for the remainder of the term.

Why it matters: Under Nevada law the county commissions that lie within a legislative district choose nominees when a legislative seat becomes vacant; the governor then appoints the person selected at the joint meeting called by statute. The process ensures local representatives from all counties in the district have input before the final appointment.

No additional county action was taken at the Oct. 16 meeting regarding the appointment beyond the nomination and scheduling of the joint meeting.

Votes at a glance: The commission voted 5-0 to nominate Blaine Osborne as Lyon County's nominee for Assembly District 39.