William “Bill” Hockstedler says his decision to run for Nye County Public Administrator comes from a lifetime shaped by service, accountability and a desire to help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Hockstedler brings a background that spans military service, healthcare administration and years of leadership experience across several states before settling in Pahrump seven years ago.
Originally from Hampton Roads, Virginia, Hockstedler grew up as the son of a World War II Marine veteran and newspaper editor. He said his upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of integrity and responsibility in public life.
“My father was a man of principle who believed that how you carry yourself in public life matters,” Hockstedler said. “That the community you serve is watching, and what you do with that trust either honors it or doesn’t.”
Following his service in the Air Force, including work in Air Force Intelligence during the Gulf War, Hockstedler spent more than 28 years working in healthcare administration in Nevada, Alaska, California and Texas. He said those experiences taught him the importance of listening to people and helping them navigate difficult situations with compassion and professionalism.
“What drew me to Pahrump, and what keeps me here, is the people,” Hockstedler said. “This is a community that still operates on handshakes and character. Neighbors look out for one another.”
Hockstedler described Pahrump as the kind of place that offered both community and simplicity after years of traveling for work. He said the desert landscape and the relationships he has built here made the area feel like home.
Outside of campaigning, Hockstedler said he enjoys quiet mornings with coffee and reading, spending time with his Labradoodle and Standard Poodle, riding motorcycles and doing mechanical work himself. He also makes a point to stay involved in the community and pay attention to the everyday concerns of local residents.
When reflecting on his life and career, Hockstedler said he is proud of both his military service and the impact he was able to make through healthcare administration, particularly helping create systems that treated patients with dignity and supported employees to perform at a high level. Still, he said his proudest accomplishment is his children.
His interest in the Public Administrator position began after learning more about the office and the role it plays in helping families after the death of a loved one, especially when there is no will or nearby family support.
“That this office handles the estates of Nye County residents who die without family nearby, or without a will, or in circumstances where no one else steps in,” Hockstedler said. “I thought: this office could be so much more than it is.”
If elected, Hockstedler said he hopes to bring greater transparency and accessibility to the office. Among the ideas he discussed are publishing annual and quarterly reports detailing the office’s work, creating educational resources for residents about estate planning and expanding partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations.
He also spoke about creating a “When Someone Passes” guide aimed at helping families understand what steps to take after losing a loved one. Hockstedler said he believes many people are unprepared for the legal and logistical challenges that can arise following a death, particularly for those without wills or organized records.
Throughout the interview, Hockstedler repeatedly returned to the themes of accountability, transparency and service as the values that guide his decision-making.
“I believe that people who are served by a public institution have a right to understand how that institution operates,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hockstedler said success in the role would mean ensuring families feel supported and informed during difficult situations while building trust between the office and the community.
“I hope they say that the office ran with integrity every single day,” he said. “That no family was taken advantage of. That every vendor got a fair chance and nobody got special treatment.”
Hockstedler also shared that despite years spent in leadership roles, he still considers himself, in many ways, “a farmer’s kid” because of his family’s roots in Kentucky farming. He said the lessons of patience, humility and honesty learned from that upbringing have remained with him throughout his life.
As the campaign continues, Hockstedler said his focus remains on meeting residents, having conversations and continuing to invest in the community he now calls home.
“I genuinely love this community,” he said. “I chose to be here. I’ve invested in being here. And running for this office is an extension of that investment.”
