LOVELOCK - Shortly before 80 early voters hit the polls on Oct. 21, the Pershing County Chamber of Commerce hosted a down-to-the-wire forum featuring candidates in both contested and uncontested local races.
Prepared questions unknown in advance by candidates were presented by Lovelock attorney Steve Evenson followed by audience questions. First up were unopposed candidates including incumbent Pershing County Commissioner Carol Shank who's uncontested in her bid for a second term.
"I was very pleased to be running unopposed," she said. "These past four years have been a tremendous learning experience but I honestly can say that I have enjoyed every single moment, so thank you."
Incumbent Pershing General Hospital board member June Carolyn Hultgren reminded the crowd she only needs one vote, her own, to be re-elected, a statement true for all of the uncontested seats.
"I would ask for your vote even though one vote is enough and I plan to vote for myself," she joked. "I'm very proud of the work the hospital board has done in the last four years. Our hospital is on sound financial footing because of the fine administrative staff who has asked for our input and taken it."
CITY COUNCIL
CANDIDATES
Lovelock City Council incumbent Pat Rowe and her challenger Rodney Wilcox were asked to name their priorities for the city and weigh in on government consolidation, the city's housing issues and ongoing concerns with urban weeds and general blight due to neglect by private property owners.
"We need someone to build housing and we need to clean up the community so that it looks nice," Wilcox said. "We should be on-board with Tesla possibly busing people to work from Lovelock."
Wilcox was referring to the projected 6,500 employees of the future Tesla battery factory who might be transported to work by the company from outlying communities where affordable housing is available.
Rowe agreed new business and housing are important but pointed out she must consider local opinion both for and against community growth. She asked property owners to take pride in the community by caring for their own properties and to assist by volunteering for renovation and cleanup projects.
"When we say our community needs beautification but that's everyone's job and not the city council's job," she told the crowd. "It is each citizen's job to make the city look better."
Wilcox suggested citizens might expedite city government by expressing their grievances during city council meetings. Most city council meetings are sparsely attended by local residents.
Rowe and Wilcox agreed that county and city governments should remain separate entities but with open communication. Rowe emphasized the city has maintained a balanced budget under her watch.
"We definitely need that separation but with effective communication between the city and county. One thing we absolutely have to remember is to work within our budget," Rowe said. "The city just had our audit and we are in the black. We have worked within our budget all six years that I have been there."
SCHOOL BOARD
CANDIDATES
Competing for school board Seat A, James Evans and Heidi Lusby-Angvick took turns answering prepared and audience questions on school uniforms, Common Core standards and home schooling.
Evans said school uniforms could be a good thing for putting students "on an even playing field."
"One kid with less money looks the same as the child that comes from privilege," he said. "The bottom line is kids probably wouldn't like it but I think it would probably be a good thing."
If school uniforms were required, parents would need plenty of notice according to Lusby-Angvick.
"You would need to send out notice in December that next school year we're going to have uniforms," she explained. "Don't spring it on me in August that I need a uniform in September."
Both candidates said home schooling could be a good or a bad thing for children depending on the circumstances. Lusby-Angvick said she worries about socialization of home-schooled youngsters although there are extracurricular school programs available for them to participate in.
BALLOT QUESTIONS
As moderator, Evenson contributed his own opinions including justification for a Nevada court of appeals. A state ballot question asks voters to decide if such a court is worth the cost to taxpayers.
"They don't have to build any new infrastructure and they'll have to pay some judges and they anticipate that being $1.5 million a year," he said. "We're a state of three million people. I think we can afford 50 cents apiece to get more speedy justice and to allow this court of appeals to go through."
A second state ballot question on the proceeds of mines tax issue allows voters to repeal the state's constitutional provision limiting taxation on mines. Evenson questioned the economic impacts increased tax rates would have on mines and on rural communities including Pershing County.
"My perspective is that this is an easy tax for them to pass in Las Vegas and for a lot of people in Washoe County because they don't have any mines," he said. "At the end of the day, I think this hurts small miners the worst."
A third ballot question regards a two percent gross revenue tax on businesses with annual revenues of over one million dollars with the proceeds supposedly earmarked for education.
"Again, I don't think this hurts the big boys and I wonder what impact this would have on a business around here that brings in a million dollars," Evenson said. "Where would they find that two percent?"
Early voting hours continue through Oct. 31.
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