Name: Vanessa Dixon
Age: 24
Profession: Storey County Clerk-Treasurer
Education: Graduated from Dayton High School and I have taken classes at Western Nevada College. I also have attended various classes and conferences pertaining to the duties of my position as Clerk-Treasurer.
Political experience: This is my first time running for a political position.
Please write a short biography of yourself (you might include such things as birthplace, career, community involvement, family, etc.): In March of 2006 I was hired as Deputy Clerk-Treasurer for Storey County. It wasn't long before I had developed a strong passion for the duties of the office. In December of 2007 I was appointed to the position of Clerk-Treasurer. I received the appointment with the full support of the Board of County Commissioners and many of my peers.
Have you ever been arrested? If so, when and for what offense? No
Describe your vision for the Storey County of the future: For the office of the Clerk-Treasurer I plan to continue using the available technology to update procedures and provide better access to the records and information maintained by the office.
List the three most important issues Storey County will face in the next few years: Growth, infrastructure, and economy.
What else would you like to say to voters about your qualifications and ideas?
The position has a wide variety of responsibilities that are governed by state law and county ordinances, it is crucial that these obligations are met. My passion, experience, and commitment to the office of Clerk-Treasurer and the people of Storey County give me the necessary knowledge and tools to meet those obligations.
I firmly believe that as an elected official I work for you, the people of Storey County. It is a true honor to serve you and I am asking for your vote so that I may continue to do so as an elected representative of Storey County.
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Name: Rollie Hess
Age: 59
Address: P.O. Box 624, Virginia City, NV 89440
Phone number and campaign Web site: 847-0261 - none0
Profession: Financial advisor
Education: UNR - Bachelor's degree in education, Continuing education in the insurance industry for 20 years.
Political experience: Served as president of the Storey County School Board from 1980 to 1984.
Please write a short biography of yourself (you might include such things as birthplace, career, community involvement, family, etc.):
I was bon and raised in Gold Hill, one of six generations of Hesses on the Comstock. I went through the schools sytem here, graduated in 1966 and got a scholarhsip to play Basketball at UNR. I earned my bachelor's degree in Education in 1970, taught and coached at Incline Vilalge. Spent two years in the mining industry workign with my brother, then got involved with the insurance industry in 1983.
Have you ever been arrested? If so, when and for what offense? I got arrested for disturbing the peace back in college.
Describe your vision for the Storey County of the future: My concern is not right now. My concern is what this county is going to be like 10 years from now or 20 years from now. Right now the county is doing quite well, they're fairly solvent, but we can't let the cookie jar get empty and hope grandma is going to fill it. With TRI and so many new industries comnig in, we have to be due diligent in our finances. The Clerk Treasurer's job is to follow the letter of the law; you roll up your sleeves and go to work, you do a great job for the citizens.
List the three most important issues Storey County will face in the next few years: Growth, financial resonsiblity to taxpayers and education
How would you characterize the level of crime in Storey County, including gang-related crime? Very low. Do you believe the county needs more law enforcement officers? No. Sheriff has done an excellent job with what he had.
What impression do you think Storey County makes upon visitors? I think it's very positive and friendly. I know the visitors whish they had more parking. That seems to be the complaint I hear. I think its a friendly community and a low-key community. That's why i never want to leave here.
What are your ideas for improving downtown Virginia City?
The question is not applicable to the office of Clerk Treasurer.
Do you believe Storey County's library is adequate? Why? The question is not applicable to the office of Clerk Treasurer.
Do you believe Storey County has an adequate number of parks and similar facilities? Yes.
What else would you like to say to voters about your qualifications and ideas?
I just feel that if they vote for me they can be guaranteed they will get quality service, a friendly staff to greet them when they come in, and they just got my promise. I have worked hard my entie life and will continue to do so.
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Name: Lee Wilson
Age: 52
Address: 2281 Empire Rd Virginia City Highlands, NV 89521
Phone number and campaign Web site: 847-0267 LAWILSON234@AOL.COM
Profession: Registered Representative (Financial Services)
Education: Some college, Non-Profit Management program from UNR Extended Education, various in-house trainings while employed at Ralston Foods. Continuing education in investment products.
Political experience: 6 years as a School Board Trustee
Please write a short biography of yourself (you might include such things as birthplace, career, community involvement, family, etc.):
My husband and I moved to Virginia City Highlands in 1983 where we raised three children, all whom graduated from Virginia City Schools. We participated in field trips, sporting events, and other community activities.
In 2003/04 I started working in the financial service field and received my Life Insurance License and Security License including a Series 6, 63 and 26. These licenses allowed me to help families with their college funding, protect their families and create a financial strategy to secure their retirement.
After working for Ralston Foods for 21 years, I left to become a manager for a non-profit in Virginia City. I took governmental accounting at WNCC and receive a Certification on Non-Profit Management from UNR Extend Studies. Grant Management for Federal, State and Local grants was a main priority.
I was elected to the School Board in 2000 and 2004.
Have you ever been arrested? If so, when and for what offense? In 1981 I was arrested for a DUI and driving on the grass at Bowers Mansion.
Describe your vision for the Storey County of the future: I would like to see more businesses open on "C" Street, affordable housing for families, and Storey County continue to be a safe and healthy place to raise children.
List the three most important issues Storey County will face in the next few years: Water, crime, housing.
If the city continues to face budgetary problems, would you consider layoffs as part of the solution? Until I've had a chance to look at the budget and talk with department heads to see what steps have been taken to reduce costs I wouldn't look at layoffs as a solution.
How would you characterize the level of crime in Storey County, including gang-related crime? I haven't seen a lot of gang-related crime, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. Do you believe the city needs more law enforcement officers? There seems to be enough officers in town, but I'd like to see someone assigned to the Highlands.
What impression do you think Storey County makes upon visitors? From the people I talked with they love it. Parking can be a problem during big events, so it would be nice if we could have people park at either end of town and provide transportation into town at no or very low costs.
What are your ideas for improving downtown Virginia City?
I would like to see more business open and be able to afford to stay open so we need to find out why so many have left. For the ones who may close, find out what resources they need to stay open.
Do you believe Storey County's library is adequate? No Why?
I believe that Storey County should have a separate library from the high school. For parents with young children and individuals who want to visit during the daytime it would be more comfortable if they didn't have work around the high school students. And the students should have full access to any books they may need. Also the selection of books could be targeted for those that are being serviced.
Do you believe Storey County has an adequate number of parks and similar facilities? Yes Why? Each of the 4 areas has a park. Some of these could use improvements like restrooms and updated equipment, but we have enough.
What else would you like to say to voters about your qualifications and ideas?
I believe my background gives me the experience to help lead Storey County into the future. I've been an elected official, worked with investing money, over saw budgets in both private and public industries. I've worked with several different agencies at the federal and state level. I don't have any hidden agendas. While I don't live in Virginia City, and am not related to anyone in the county, this is my home and I want what is best for all the people of Storey County.