Christensen, Paul J.

Paul Christensen was born on August 26, 1932. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada during the World War II era. His parents were M.J. and Hazel Christensen, founders of a jewelry business. He attended the Fifth Street Grammar School, the John S. Park School, and Las Vegas High School. Too young to enlist, he was of an age that could focus on his education and opportunities for success. He attended college, earned a marketing degree, and joined the Air Force ROTC program. He flew B-47 bombers during the Cold War. After his service, he returned to the family jewelry business and helped in its growth.

He got his start in politics by serving on the board of the Chamber of Commerce in 1973. He served on the city council for 11 years. Some of the issues he championed were control of gentlemen's clubs, distributing sexual advertisements to tourists, water waste and the creation of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. While working for the city council, he also was the Chairman of the Convention Authority with the city. In addition, for 11.5 years he worked for the county commission.

After serving 23 years in local government, receiving numerous awards including the Distinguished Nevadan award, Paul is retired and does consulting work on the side. He and wife live in Las Vegas and enjoy getting away to their retirement home in Beaver, Utah.