Greg Koenig (R), third generation Fallonite and family man, is making a bid for Churchill County Commissioner and hopes to offer residents of District 3 a chance to bring another conservative voice to the Board.
Graduating from CCHS and beginning his post-secondary studies at UNR, Koenig went on to earn his doctorate in optometry at Pacific University. After returning to Fallon, he joined the local business community with his partner, founding Robertson and Koenig Optometry, which has offices in Fallon, Fernley, and Yerington.
Koenig comes to the table with notable experience in local governance. First venturing into politics was his children started school and remained in service to Churchill County School District for twelve years until his term expired and served as Board President for six of those years.
Koenig’s experience also includes serving as president of the State’s National Association of School Board (NASB) members, serving on the Board of Control for the NIAA (Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association) for three years, and serving on several state committees. “I am used to lobbying for what is best for Churchill County.”
In light of COVID-19, Koenig fears that Churchill County will be facing serious financial woes in the near future. “Many sales tax dollars just won’t be there,” stated Koenig. “We will be facing major budget issues.” According to Koenig, the School Board had several substantial budget shortfalls during his tenure. “We went through hard times, yes – but we got through it.” When it comes to this kind of crisis, Koenig feels his experience will be a great asset. “I have been there, done that,” Koenig states.
When Koenig was approached about running for county commissioner, it didn’t take much for him to consider it. Missing the camaraderie he experienced during his time on the School Board and the relationships that he was able to build with the people he worked with; particularly students, staff, and teachers. “It’s kind of a shock to the system when you are used to being part of the day to day operations and then to be completely out of it,” says Koenig. “I enjoyed the process of governing.” Even more, importantly, as Koenig explains, is his affection for his home town, “My grandchildren are 5th generation here and I want Fallon to be a place where my kids want to live so I threw my hat in the ring.”
One thing on the candidate’s agenda is to fight for the area’s Fallon’s rural lifestyle. With great concern about the weighty influence of Reno and Las Vegas when it comes to lawmaking in Nevada, Koenig believes that Churchill County’s overall values are pretty conservative. “I think we need strong conservatives to keep them from pushing their liberal values on us.” Koenig believes that some legislation is not in the best interest of rural Nevadans. “The proposed new mileage tax and potential taxes on well water from our own ground are disproportionate to rural counties,” states Koenig.
Regarding economic growth, Koenig believes it is important that the area continues to grow, but that it is important to grow sensibly. Problems like the Navy expansion and growth at USA Parkway are creating housing shortages. “We can’t bring in more light industry without more housing.” Koenig wants to ensure the proper infrastructure is in place before more industry is brought in and wants to see agriculture protected. “It makes me sad to develop over farm ground.” According to Koenig, the Churchill Hazen Industrial Park, CHIP, rail development is a great example of a good opportunity to grow without compromising farmland and not putting undue strain on county fire and public safety resources.
On social issues like the opioid and drug epidemics, Koenig understands the need for action and services and would like to see the city and county to work together to support public health initiatives. However, Koenig says that he doesn’t like to micromanage. “I like to have a 10,000-foot view rather than in the weeds view,” states the candidate. “We have a Public Health Board and I would like to hear their ideas and recommendations. Appoint the right people and let them do their jobs.”
Koenig, like everyone else in the Lahontan Valley, has been personally affected by COVID-19 and shares the concerns of many. All three of his optometry offices have been closed. “It’s a fine line between worrying about the economy and about people’s health.” He believes in due diligence and taking all protective measures, but also states “there is a point when we do have to take the leap and go out.” Koenig does not think it is realistic to stay at home and wait for a vaccine. However, he also cautions those who might be afraid to go out to stay home. “At some point, we have to try to return to whatever normal is – although we may never be the same again.”
It’s also pretty challenging to campaign on quarantine according to Koenig. “The whole situation has made running pretty difficult. Normally, there would be events, lunches, and opportunities to be out in the community,” says Koenig. Even though he feels the County has done a pretty good job at flattening the curve and keeping community members safe during this time, he believes one that one candidate is going door to door and shaking hands. “I really hope that candidate isn’t using this situation to try to gain an advantage.”
At the end of the day, Koenig’s key objective is doing all he can for Churchill County and all of its residents. “I love this county and I want what is best for it.”
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