Small crowd, big impression at candidates forum

Crime prevention, flood protection and economic development were among concerns cited by Carson City residents at a candidates forum Tuesday evening.

All four candidates for Ward 3 supervisor - including the incumbent - expressed their views and sometimes offered action plans during the event in the Comma Coffee courtyard that drew roughly two dozen people.

"I was impressed with their answers and their knowledge of the community and their earnestness," said resident Janet Nowlin.

"I think more people should have come, and that more people should vote," said resident Russ Wilde, who didn't have a particular issue in mind but was interested in learning more about the candidates.

• How each candidate would bolster the area's economy:

Joe Eiben: Lure "a real department store," keep operators of car dealerships "happy," and ensure downtown is suitable for small businesses to prosper, he said.

Charles Kuhn: Add two new redevelopment areas, the first around Highway 50 where the Virginia & Truckee Railroad tourist route will roll in and out; and attract alternative-energy businesses, such as a wind farm.

Neil Weaver: "Private enterprise, not government, will lead the way. It's not the job of government to be everything to everyone."

Pete Livermore: Continue fostering economic development and redevelopment efforts, make sure the Carson City freeway is completed on time, and "bring downtown back to what it was."

• Viable solutions to crime and related problems:

Eiben: Better encourage residents to support law enforcement efforts by being observant neighbors who inform deputies about problems.

Kuhn: Find "creative" ways to pay for more sheriff's deputies and better educate young children.

Weaver: More aggressive management of law enforcement resources and not look to money as ultimate answer.

Livermore: Thwart methamphetamine use by "education, eradication and enforcement," and commit as many resources to it as possible.

• Ways to improve the flood-control system:

Eiben: Governments must "build for a 100-year storm" and "put money aside" for those types of projects.

Kuhn: He watched as mud "race through" his property, and noted other areas of the city where flooding is a persistent problem, such as the east side, He said management of system isn't "implemented as aggressively as it could be."

Weaver: "We have to live within our means," "live with Mother Nature," "hang our hat on the state" for funding and hold developers accountable.

Livermore: The north side of the city is benefiting from upgrades related to the freeway, but said solutions won't "come overnight" for other areas.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.