Since being appointed in January 2003, Shelly Aldean has proven herself to be the kind of supervisor we expected - dedicated, informed, conservative and active.
Now running to retain the seat, the Carson City businesswoman has the Nevada Appeal's support in the Nov. 2 election.
As president of Glenbrook Co., a real estate broker and property manager, Aldean has focused her business acumen on long-range solutions to the most high-profile issue facing the city today, which is retention of retail and manufacturing businesses in the capital city to maintain a strong and growing economy.
She's been involved in efforts to create a zone for an auto mall and in the city's economic strategic plan. Aldean also has a long history of support for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad reconstruction project and currently represents the supervisors on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency board, giving her deep insight into regional issues.
Some see Aldean's development background as a conflict of interest, particularly in the controversy over restrictions on Southgate Shopping Center, where Glenbrook Co. is a partner and where Max Baer Jr. bought property to build a casino.
The issue has never come before the Board of Supervisors, however. Whether Aldean should be doing something different as a private businesswoman on behalf of the community is far from clear. Her history shows a track record of strong commitment to the community.
Aldean's opponent is Rebecca Beisenstein, a city Water Division employee who provides an important contrast for voters.
She is running as a voice of the people, a representative of the common working folks of Carson City who has above-average knowledge of how city government operates. A 4-H volunteer, she lacks the polish and pedigree of Aldean - attributes that some Carson voters will find refreshing. We urge her to continue to speak up for the "regular citizens."
As for voters, we urge them to elect Aldean to the board for her leadership qualities and wide community activism.