Fuji Park activist joins city Parks and Recreation Commission

A leader in the fight to preserve Carson Fairgrounds from being commercially developed is now a member of the city Parks and Recreation Commission.

Mike Hoffman was selected Thursday to finish a term that will expire January 2004, but not before fielding tough questions by city supervisors.

During the typical selection process, supervisors ask candidates for boards, committees and commissions about their experience and knowledge of city issues.

Hoffman, 48, was asked repeatedly about his involvement in the saving of Fuji Park and Carson Fairgrounds.

"I guess I can ask you what do you think about economic development in a park area, but I guess I know the answer to that one," Supervisor Richard Staub said during the interview.

Hoffman was a member of Concerned Citizens to Save Fuji Park and the Fairgrounds. The group petitioned city officials not to relocate or sell the fairgrounds property after hearing about the city's intent to place Wal-Mart at the site two years ago. The petition was turned down.

Supervisors took the question to voters last November and asked them to approve the development of the fairgrounds as a way to generate retail and property tax revenue and compete with Douglas County. Hoffman's group campaigned to save the fairgrounds as a unique recreational resource that should be preserved.

Voters decided in favor of preserving the area.

Hoffman was asked Thursday by supervisors whether he would favor Fuji Park over other parks and how he would balance the need for economic development with the needs of parks. Hoffman said he would treat all parks equally and felt parks and economic development could both fit in Carson.

"We're land-locked," Hoffman said. "It's a tie. There's not much room. We're going to have to squeeze in together."

Hoffman said he looks forward to serving on the commission and giving back to the community he has lived in his entire life.

Two other candidates, Donna Curtis and Charlene Herst were also selected as members of the commission Thursday.

Curtis is retired and moved to Carson in August with her husband from New York and enjoys the "clean air, dry air and the beauty of it, which I'm finding more and more everyday," she said. Curtis worked in Petaluma, Calif., for the county for several years. Curtis will serve until January 2006.

Herst, an employee with the Nevada State Health Division, Bureau of Community Health and Tobacco Prevention and Education program manager, was selected for a one-year term that will expire January 2004.