Maurice White seeks slot on Carson City governing board

Maurice White, an Airport Authority member and retired mechanic, is running for Carson City supervisor in 2016 from Ward 2.

White, who sought the same seat on the Board of Supervisors in 2012, voiced his concern about increases in city government spending and said he would break the lock of five business people on the current board. He was particularly concerned about city debt and said the board wasn’t listening adequately to residents.

“I just think there are some underlying issues in the construction and the money arenas,” said White as he revealed his candidacy. He also said he had purchased an advertisement for today’s newspaper that would serve as his formal announcement.

White said he wasn’t “throwing staff under the bus,” but he feels construction cost projections don’t prove accurate over time. He also stressed in written materials his worry city debt has gone from almost $160 million in mid-2011 to nearly $222.5 million by August of this year.

“Controlling spending is a primary action that must happen,” White’s issues tab document reads. “While the economy is improving, our city finances are in critical condition.” It also made the point with city debt closing in on $225 million, “it is time for infrastructure maintenance to be a priority.”

The issues tab he shared with the Nevada Appeal also noted the current board membership included just business people, “most with severe conflicts of interest.” He said his own diverse and different background would help the board make better decisions and represent all of Carson City. The mayor is with a law firm, two supervisors are in real estate, and two are in the restaurant business,

White, a regular at board meetings and advisory committee sessions who testified on some issues, said he was timing his announcement for today because it’s his birthday. He said he’s 57 today.

The seat White is seeking currently is held by Supervisor Brad Bonkowski. Bonkowski said he intends to seek reelection but would make his formal announcement later. Filing deadlines for the office come next March.