Carson City Supervisor Ward 3: Williams underlines public safety as top priority

Carson City Ward 3 supervisor candidate Day Williams said that he wants to keep a close eye on public safety above all else, if

elected.

"We need to keep an emphasis on public safety - deputies and firefighters. That is a No. 1 priority," Williams said.

An outspoken opponent of the City Center Project, Williams also hopes to bring another viewpoint to the decision-making process.

"The Nugget Project is an ill-conceived idea with no plan yet to pay the operating expenses. At first the Nugget representatives said they would donate the land to the city, then they backed off on that. The Nugget plans to put no hard cash into the project," he said.

"The Nugget Project would take tenants from Carson City landlords at taxpayer expense. The Nugget wants the taxpayers to put in a big parking garage that benefits a casino. In any event, whether people are for or against it, the voters should have a chance to vote on any tax increase," he said.

Another issue which interests Williams is the city's identity.

"Let's focus on the V&T Railroad as a unique attraction to our beautiful area," he said.

He said he is also very interested in the city's senior population.

"Carson City is one of the best cities in the nation for retirement. We need to take care of the older population. One way we can do that is by requiring caretakers of the elderly to be licensed, much as casino workers are licensed. That will prevent fraud and abuse," he said.

Williams, a lawyer, said he also would like to bring greater accountability to the board of supervisors.

"The last audit of the city was buried by the board of supervisors. I'm not satisfied with this performance. We can do better than that. As a supervisor, I will be accountable to the taxpayers," he said.

"One thing I will do is ask questions. The board of supervisors should be more than a rubber stamp. The board should have all the relevant information about a plan, so the board can make an informed decision," he said. "As a supervisor, I will insist on having that information, whether it is the city budget or a specific proposal by a group asking for city funds," he said.

Williams said he believes that through cooperation, the city can recover from the sluggish economy.

"Let's work together to create jobs. We need more manufacturing and technology business in Carson City. We need people who will buy homes and stay here. That will boost the entire local economy. We need long-term solutions, not short-term fixes," he said. "More taxes and bigger government will not solve our problems."

Williams said he will bring analytical skills and legal knowledge to the board if elected, and that he will not hesitate to speak out when the city moves in the wrong direction.

"I will listen to what the residents and taxpayers in this city have to say on topics that may come before the board," he said.

Williams, 56, faces certified public accountant John McKenna Tuesday in the general election for the Ward 3 seat being vacated by Pete Livermore.