Brad Bonkowski running for second term as Carson City supervisor

Brad Bonkowski made his candidacy for another term as Carson City supervisor official this week, citing roads, city personnel and ongoing projects as top concerns.

Bonkowski, supervisor from Ward 2, said loyal supporters, funds to more than just patch city streets, seeking smart ways for city staff to serve citizens efficiently, finishing upgrades to business corridors, as well as other capital improvements, were among reasons he decided to run again.

“I’d like to have a little more time to do that,” he said, speaking of key projects. “I’d like to see them completed.”

The business corridor improvements represent more than just a spruced up downtown to him.

“I’m looking forward to construction being finished on Phase 1 and moving on to the corridors on North Carson Street, East William (Street) and, eventually. South Carson (Street),” he said.

The Board of Supervisors in 2014 adopted a one-eighth of a penny city sales tax hike to provide underpinning finance for corridor improvements and to help partially fund an animal shelter, a multi-purpose athletic center and eventually to enhance the Carson City Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Downtown’s Phase 1 portion of the overall corridor improvement plan is expected to be done next year.

Also seeking the Ward 2 seat is Maurice White, now an Airport Authority member. White ran for the board four years ago but didn’t clear primary election balloting. Bonkowski in 2012 beat Dennis Johnson in the general election.

The incumbent supervisor officially announced in conjunction with a kickoff fund raising party Tuesday.

Bonkowski expressed gratitude for the chance to serve. He addressed a question about people who believe he has conflicts of interest as a commercial real estate broker and businessman. He said he early on met with state ethics officials to “know from the experts” proper methods to avoid conflicts. He said the officials told him he was the first such agent to do so during their tenure. He and Andie Wilson, co-campaign manager and his business/life partner, say their office loses money because he’s a supervisor.