Two vie for City Council Ward 3 seat

Two candidates filed for Fallon City Council Ward 3; they are Geoff Knell and Paul W. Harmon. Knell did not provide answers to a questionnaire.
Incumbent James Richardson decided not to run for a third term.

Paul W. Harmon, Fallon City Council Ward 3
I am running for Fallon City Council to help serve the people of Fallon and represent Ward 3 as someone who is willing to listen and make decisions based on fact. I feel that with an open line of communication, I can help the mayor and council in making sound decisions to continue to make Fallon safe and a proud place to call home.

City Council requires a time commitment, usually 2-4 meetings a month, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments?
Both of my children are grown and live in other cities, so it’s just my wife and me at home. I am currently employed by the Department of Transportation and will be retiring in August of 2024. I have the full support of my leadership group to attend all meetings and functions required. I have ample time in the evenings and weekends to read and prep for necessary decisions as they arise.

Paul W. Harmon

 

If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?
I have not had time to study the zoning codes within the city at this time but am looking forward to it. I am aware of the M-1 zone along the railroad tracks in town and changing any of those zones will require council approval.      

What should be the relationship between the city and county?
Fallon and Churchill County are unique in that we are one community compared to other cities and counties in the state. The city council and county commissioners must work together on many issues, since they will affect both. Members of the council and commissioners sit on the same boards and must make unified decisions that affect all residents. When, or if, it comes down to deciding on what is best for the residents of Churchill County or the citizens of Fallon, I will choose what is best for Fallon residents.

How do you envision the city handling future growth?
Future growth must be looked at by sustainability. Do we have the resources in place currently to sustain that growth and where must we plan in the future to have the resources available?

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
Our roads and streets are old, so I would use $1 million grant to address those, but also invest in the parks and recreational facilities for our citizens.

What neighborhood do you live in? Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?
I live on the eastern part of the city in the County Air Estates subdivision. My favorite place to spend time is downtown. I enjoy when we have activities that close Maine Street and allow our citizens to participate in events downtown like the Fire Department Street Dance, the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Downtown Merchants Trick or Treating and car shows.

What are your ideas to encourage citizen engagement in the city?
I would like to continue the Shop Local program and encourage participation in the many events the city and civic organizations host, such as the Lions Club Labor Day Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, New Year’s fireworks, etc. We need to use social media to highlight all events that our town has to offer, in addition to our two local newspapers.

What are your thoughts for the council to allow recreational marijuana businesses within city limits?
The Council, at that time, made what they thought was the best decision for the town. I would have to study the issue more closely and listen to the constituents in the city. I do know that I will not support any marijuana businesses near any of our schools or neighborhoods.

What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues?
I have an open mind and (am) willing to listen to both sides of controversial and complicated issues and then make decisions that I feel are in the best interests of the citizens and the people that live in my ward and the city.

Based on what you know about city government, what do you see as top priorities for the city?
• Long-term power purchases for sustainability. We need to be able to provide affordable long-term energy/power to citizens.
• Expanding the sewer plant. We need to make sure that we have the infrastructure in place for continued growth in the city at the sewer plant.
• Streets and roads. We need to look at preserving good pavement, as well as replacing old. A preservation treatment will increase the longevity of asphalt and is cheaper than a complete replacement.
• Parks and ballfields. We need safe and friendly environments for all community members to enjoy and participate in events.
• Improve and expand the airport. Providing more hangars and other improvements to enhance economic development.