Livermore-Weaver disagree over how supervisors have run city

Supervisor Pete Livermore got some help Monday night defending the board's actions over the past couple of years from fellow Supervisor Robin Williamson.

Although unopposed in Ward 1, Williamson turned out for the League of Women Voters debates at the Carson City Community Center and helped Livermore ward off some of Neil Weaver's challenges to the privatization of Carson-Tahoe Hospital, increasing the franchise fee imposed on utilities in the Capital, support for the plan to increase room tax rates and the possible sale of the fairgrounds at Fuji Park.

Weaver continued to press for support saying Livermore and the rest of the board have ignored the wishes of Carson residents.

"We've reached the position where it's convenient for assets to be disposed of," he said referring both to the hospital privatization and Fuji Park.

"I don't think this community is being listened to enough," said Weaver, who is trying to unseat Livermore in Ward 3.

Williamson said the city didn't put millions into the hospital, that it was always self-supporting, and that the deal was good for Carson City and good for the hospital which is now free to expand, grow and improve care.

Livermore said privatization lifts the burden of paying for much-needed expansions from the city.

Weaver also protested the franchise fee increased during this year's budget sessions to raise revenue for such things as additional dispatchers.

"I'm not in favor of taxes," he said. "I'd like to see government try live within its means and I haven't seen this government do that."

Again, Williamson and Livermore joined in saying the increases were desperately needed to hire dispatchers for the new emergency center.

They also supported the Convention and Visitors Bureau plan to increase room taxes 2 percent to pay for the V&T reconstruction saying it would bring thousands of tourists to the area and help expand the economy.

Weaver said he supports the railroad but believes private industry, not higher taxes, should pay for it.

"We can't wait for Daddy Warbucks to roll into town," said Williamson. "We have to do it for ourselves."

Weaver's theme throughout the debate centered on finding ways to provide services without increasing taxes. Livermore and Williamson said repeatedly the city had tried every way possible and that, in certain situations, there is no other choice.

All three agreed that if voters reject the idea of moving the fairgrounds, they will support voters' wishes before the supervisors.