Etchegoyhen leaving Douglas County Commission

Douglas County commissioner Jacques Etchegoyhen is resigning after 10 years in office.

The demands of his Minden-based land consulting business, Terra Firma Associates, prompted the resignation, he said Monday.

"This is very hard, but I've been a commissioner for 10 years and I've been in public service in Douglas County for 16 years," he said. "Terra Firma has an amazing array of clients and properties. When we started the business, I had no idea it would be so successful so soon.

"The nuances of each property, its owners and commensurate agency requirements necessitate time-consuming and delicate attention," he said.

Etchegoyhen served eight years on the commission, four as chairman. He also spent four years on the planning commission and nearly two years on the grand jury.

Feb. 10 will be his last day as commissioner.

Etchegoyhen said he's proud of the commission's accomplishments during his tenure, particularly implementation of the transfer-development rights program, which has protected thousands of acres of Nevada's oldest ranchlands from development.

Preservation of those lands has been a driving force throughout his political life, and he hopes to use the lessons he's learned while in public office in positive ways, both in Douglas County and the state, he said.

"Conservation in the Carson Valley is so important," Etchegoyhen said. "I will be working on conservation efforts in the Carson Valley. That's where my heart is."

Commission Chairman Kelly Kite said he has the utmost respect for Etchegoyhen. The two didn't always agree, but they've been good friends for eight years.

"I'm going to miss Jacques. No one cares more for Douglas County or Nevada," Kite said. "I'm sad to see him leave the board. He brought enormous things to Douglas County - first of all, his desire to protect ranchland.

"Douglas County is a better place because Jacques was in public service," he said.

Commissioner Jim Baushke said Etchegoyhen's knowledge of agricultural issues, government processes and land transactions will be sorely missed.

"With his tremendous knowledge of this county, Etchegoyhen was very helpful to me, as a new commissioner," he said. "We're losing a good man."

Born in Winnemucca, Etchegoyhen moved to the Carson Valley in the 1960s, when his father became principal of Douglas High School.

A center for Douglas High School's 1974 State Championship football team, he graduated in 1976.

When he was 11, he started working for longtime Carson Valley rancher Scotchie Mack, owner of the Mack Land & Cattle Co.

"I worked summers there until I finished college then worked full-time for 20 years from 1980 to 2000," he said. "I loved it. I miss ranching."

Etchegoyhen graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in administration and planning.

He worked for the American Land Conservancy from 2001 to 2003, before opening Terra Firma with his partner, Glen Williams.

Etchegoyhen's wife, Cris, is principal of Gardnerville Elementary School. They have one son, Dominique.

HOW IT WORKS

Gov. Kenny Guinn will appoint Jacques Etchegoyhen's

successor for the 23 months remaining in the

commissioner's four-year term. Candidates must live in District 2 and be of the same party as their predecessor - in this case, Republican. The salary for a beginning commissioner is $22,797.

For information, contact the Douglas County

Clerk-Treasurer's office,

782-9013.