Amy Lisenbe/Nevada Appeal
Candidates for Carson City mayor and two supervisors' spots debated Monday night, often pitching themselves as fresh voices that would make government more efficient and accountable.
Two of the most popular targets during the four-hour forum at Western Nevada College included the V&T Railway taxes and redevelopment spending.
Ward 4 candidate Molly Walt named the one-eighth cent sales tax for the V&T as the worst decision of the board of supervisors in the last three years. Most of the 13 candidates for mayor, Ward 2 supervisor and Ward 4 supervisor have said they opposed the advisory ballot question to raise sales taxes another one-eighth cent for the project.
Jean Bondiett, candidate for Ward 4 supervisor, also criticized redevelopment spending. A loose policy that has given incentives to businesses that have almost finished improvements has left the board in "damage-control scramble mode," she said.
Mayoral candidate Bob Crowell said the board has done many good things, such as making progress on the freeway, but said he would like to see redevelopment funding go to things that benefit everyone, such as infrastructure improvements.
Walt and mayoral candidate Steve McClung said redevelopment needs to be more focused on bringing young professionals to the city, while Ward 4 candidate Andy Salm said redevelopment spending and other spending projects shows the need to do more cost-benefit analysis before the board agrees to major funding and tax increases.
"We have a half a freeway, we have a half a railroad and we have a half a Boys & Girls club," McClung said referring to projects the city is helping fund.
But Ward 2 Supervisor Shelly Aldean and Ward 4 Supervisor Richard Staub pointed out the board has balanced the budget during a slow economic time and has cut city spending to do so.
"I think the state would be envious of the city's position," Aldean said.
Both supervisors also said no to a question from the audience asking them if they were "puppets" of Mayor Marv Teixeira, who is not seeking a fourth term.
"I don't think I'm a Mayor Marv's puppet and I wouldn't want to follow him behind on a bike either," Staub added.
Aldean also acknowledged that all the board's decisions haven't been "palatable" or "agreeable" to everyone, but said supervisors have done the best they can.
- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.