Kuhn files as fourth candidate for Ward 3

Charles Kuhn filed Thursday to run for Carson City Ward 3 supervisor. He is the fourth person to declare his candidacy after incumbent Pete Livermore, Neil Weaver and Joseph Eiben.

"The city is doing well," Kuhn said. "I believe it can do better."

Kuhn, 49, has lived in Carson for 14 years, and in Northern Nevada for 20 years. He is originally from Carmichel, Calif.

He has been self-employed as a solid-waste consultant since 1989. He has a bachelor's degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and master's degree from University of Nevada, Reno.

Among areas with which he has been involved: local schools, protection of recreation land - most notably Fuji Park as a member of Concerned Citizens to Save Fuji Park and the Fairgrounds - and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, he said.

His participation in one specific cause didn't prompt his interest in running for the board of supervisors; it was an idea that came to him over time, he said.

Kuhn is also involved in efforts to raise funds and promote awareness about multiple sclerosis, a disease he has battled for about 10 years that eventually made him unable to use his legs.

In September 2005, he used his hands and arms to pedal 150 miles from Graeagle, Calif., to Sierraville Calif., as part of a regional MS fundraiser.

One of the most important issues in the community is stepping up anti-methamphetamine awareness as a way to slow dealing of the drug, he said.

"The sheriff's department is doing a great job with education," Kuhn said. "We need community effort with enforcement. If people see lines of traffic going up their street at two, 3 o'clock in the morning, they need to report it to the sheriff."

He would like to see more efforts toward improving the business climate, such as stepping up economic development efforts by attracting biotechnology, energy diversification businesses to the city. Other pro-business ideas he supports: Helping to form the V&T Railway between Virginia City and Carson City and protecting historic aspects of downtown.

Kuhn also cited as goals, if elected, to ensure the city ably keep up with service demands as it grows, expand recreation and entertainment for local youths and expand the number of bikeways running throughout the city, he said.

He has two children, ages 19 and 17.

Several incumbents have filed for re-election, but haven't drawn filings by challengers as of Thursday afternoon: John Tatro, for justice of the peace district 2; Kenny Furlong, sheriff; Robin Williamson, Ward 1 supervisor; Dave Dawley, assessor; Alan Glover, clerk-recorder; Al Kramer, treasurer; and Norman Scoggin, school trustee district 1, according to the elections office.

The filing deadline is at 5 p.m. today.

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