Q & A with Bill Slentz

On running against another Republican, on what major points would you emphasize you differ from your opponent?

I am very concerned with our Federal Government’s efforts to close roads and access to our public lands using the pretext of protecting our threatened species. I will strongly oppose these efforts and pursue the transfer of public land to the State.

I have owned and operated successful businesses in my career. Five of those have been in Churchill County, the last being Oasis Online that continues under the ownership and management of my son Dan. I believe with my combination of business, agricultural and technology background I can provide the County Commission with new perspectives in many areas.

Do you feel the Nevada Association of Counties is a strong supporter of the counties and do you support or not support the organization?

I do support NACO and feel it is a necessary entity to have our voice heard more effectively both on the State and National level. NACO has been a strong supporter of rural county issues including sponsoring the Sage Grouse litigation that Churchill County joined.

I would also like to see the formation of a Nevada Association of Rural Counties since our rural counties face many issues that are not common to Washoe and Clark. I have worked with 7 rural counties through Oasis Online.

There has been concern from the community as well as the commissioners against the Bureau of Land Management’s process of involving residents and county representatives in its decision making process. To what extent would you say the county’s current relationship with BLM is in need of reform?

I believe the county has a good relationship with the local BLM people. The issues involve BLM’s process for public comment and involvement of local government. “Planning 2.0” takes more of the decision making process out of the hands of the local BLM and local government. I will work with other Commissioners, NACO and other elected representatives to remedy these issues and/or transfer the management of lands to Nevada.

In regards to the Sage Grouse lawsuit, what do you think needs to be done to adequately protect local habitats?

The Federal Government now owns approximately 83%-86% of our State and is planning to acquire another 3,000,000 acres to protect the Sage Grouse.

I believe this decision should be made on a state level.

I am very concerned with the protection of our wildlife. However, when wildlife protection begins to interfere with the livelihood of ranchers, miners, geothermal etc. I believe local, state and federal governments should move to protect those entities also in a reasonable balance.

Could state representatives from the governor down to the assembly manage state lands if the federal government relinquished control?

I attended the Republican State Convention in May. While at the Rural County Caucus, I heard Assemblyman Wheeler say the State would have a very sizable monetary excess if control was taken by the State.

I believe it is very safe to say the issues facing our State can be managed much more efficiently by the State and local officials than by the Federal Bureaucracy. State and local elected officials are accountable to and more closely involved with the citizens of Nevada.

What voice/level of involvement in decision-making do you believe members of the community should have in Churchill County? How would you interpret the success of the public voice in its various boards and committees?

I believe the members of the community should have a very large voice/level of involvement in decision making.

However, community attendance at Commission meetings is sparse. The Commissioners under Chairman Pete Olsen listen to public comment and involve presenters in discussion when appropriate.

It is very important that the citizens of our community share their concerns and ideas for the betterment of our community.

I would like to see more public interest in the workings of local government.

Some talk in higher education circles wants local government to pay its share toward education, such as with the community colleges. Would you support local funding for WNC or is this something the state should do because of Nevada’s uniqueness and small number of two-year education institutions?

Considering what I have observed so far, local funding of higher level education, including WNC, would be difficult unless more tax revenues were retained on a local level.

I strongly support WNC and the Fallon campus and believe it is a huge asset to our community in providing Career and Technical Education.

Current funding may need to be re-examined or updated to provide additional funding if possible.

Regarding budgeting, if elected, what programs and organizations in Churchill County would you seek to allocate more funds to/show greater support? Are there any in particular you consider underfunded/underutilized.

I attended the 2 day budget hearings for the county earlier this year. I am not aware of any departments that I would consider underfunded at this point. If elected, I would approach budget issues with an open mind and common sense business approach. I have no pre-conceived agenda.

Every time there’s an election, a part of the electorate clamors for city and county consolidation of services. Do you support consolidation, and are there services that could benefit from serving both the county and city?

I would support consolidation of any services that would benefit both the city and county. I would be open to examining any areas that may have a duplication of services and I would work to facilitate a cooperative attitude between the city and county.

Churchill County is a leader in alternative energy, but state tax rebates have taken any financial benefit away from the county. Is this something we live with or is it something lawmakers can modify or change?

I believe counties should have a much stronger voice in the issues of tax rebates that affect the local revenues. This would require action by the lawmakers. I believe NACO could have an influence in this issue and, if elected, I will do what I can to influence those decisions.