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Behind the Seal with Governor Joe Lombardo

By Tommy Ferraro, Director of Public Affairs
Born in Sapporo, Japan to a United States Air Force veteran and raised in Las Vegas, Joe Lombardo has built a life defined by service and leadership. He served in the U.S. Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve before dedicating more than 30 years to law enforcement, including eight years as Clark County’s Sheriff.
Now Nevada’s governorLombardo is as comfortable behind the desk at the Capitol as he is behind the wheel of an off-road racer, teeing off on 18, or debating the non-negotiables of proper pizza toppings. A husband to his wife Donna, a proud dad and grandpa, and a classic rock fan, he brings the same grounded, no-nonsense approach to life that has guided his career.
Beyond the titles, he is the kind of leader you can talk to over a cup of coffee or a cold beer. In this edition, The Ferraro Group sits down with Governor Lombardo to go behind the seal and hear directly from the man himself.

Q: Let’s say you have a rare free afternoon – no calls, no meetings. What’s the first thing you do?

A: Workout or hit range balls.

 

Q: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn you’re good at – but this talent could never pay the bills?

A: Off-Road Racing.

 

Q: Do you have a superstition, pre-meeting ritual, or good luck charm when off-road racing?

A: I wear my father’s watch.

 

Q: If we turned on the radio in your truck right now, what would be playing?

A: Classic rock.

 

Q: You are taking the First Lady out on a date to celebrate a special occasion. Where are you going to take her?

A: Steak restaurant.

 

Q: What is your all-time favorite movie? Who is your favorite actor?

A: The Revenant or Heat or Reservoir Dogs.

 

Q: What’s the best part of your golf game?

A: Driver.

 

Q: You’re at a BBQ. What’s your preferred option: Hot dog or Hamburger:

A: Hamburger.

 

Q: You can only bring three things to a cabin in rural Nevada for the weekend. What’s on your list?

A: Scotch, Gun, Fishing Rod.

 

Q: What was your first car, and what happened to it?

A: Dodge Dart – Blew the engine (yoked)

 

Q: What’s your favorite pizza? And do you think pineapple should be on pizza?

A: Sausage and NO.

 

Q: What’s the best live concert you’ve ever been to?

A: AC/DC

 

Q: Did you know your first episode appearing on “Cops” is on Youtube?

A: Of course, somebody sends it to me a couple times a year.

 

Q: If you hadn’t decided to be a police officer, what other occupation would you have chosen?

A: Contractor – Construction.

 

Q: What’s one household chore you enjoy?

A: Cutting grass.

 

Q: Who’s someone – living or dead – you’d love to have lunch with who has nothing to do with politics?

A: Warren Buffet

 

Q: What is your fondest memory of Rancho High School?

A: Baseball

 

Q: Where did you and the First Lady go on your first date?

A: The Rodeo