Tom Riggins: Candidate for County Commission District 2

I have lived in Churchill County for over 40 years because I believe Churchill County is a great place to live. I am a graduate of University of Nevada, Reno with dual degrees in Animal Science and Education. My background and experience is in real estate, finance, and agriculture. From those endeavors I have learned to gather and analyze information, make decisions based on fact rather than emotion, negotiate, and get along with unpleasant people to gain a desired result. I have been an opinion columnist for the Lahontan Valley News for several years. My beliefs are archived there and haven’t changed. I have been an active supporter of rural youth. I served 12 years with the Nevada State Fair, both as a committee and board member. I currently serve on the Churchill County Board of Equalization. My core belief is that government exists to serve the people, not the other way around. The government that governs best does so the least and most locally. I believe in the Constitution as written, including the amendments. It is not a living document.

1. Why should water be a priority for the Lahontan Valley?

As goes water, so goes agriculture. As goes agriculture, so goes the lifeblood of Lahontan Valley. As western Nevada grows, pressures and demands on water will only increase.  I believe a coalition or collaboration of municipal, agriculture, and other water users needs to be created to protect our resource. There is strength in numbers.

2. During the past five years, great steps have been taken to improve the quality of life in Churchill County What do you envision for the next 5 years? 10 years?

Common sense management of growth will be a key factor. We have large agriculture areas that need to be protected. Open space such as parks, hiking trails, and river corridor access will become larger considerations. One factor that should be included in any new project consideration is inclusion of pedestrian and bicycle baths, from a safety and aesthetic standpoint.

3. What should be the relationship between the county and the Bureau of Land Management?

Open communication should remain with BLM officials.  That said, BLM issues that directly or indirectly affect county or private property interests should be challenged.

4. What issues facing Churchill County would you prioritize in the area of public health and safety?

Growth and inflation are going to impact law enforcement, fire protection, and public health agencies. There will be a need to expand services as growth occurs, compounded by budget constraints. Making sure there is enough funding to provide the services needed will be a challenge and concern.

5. How should the county handle its relationship with the Navy due to the range expansion and modernization?

The Navy has been and hopefully will continue to be a good neighbor. Range expansion is needed for national security, but I believe the proposals far exceeded need. Also, I fail to see the need to remove private property ownership, grazing, mining, and recreation access from much of the proposed area. These uses have been compatible with existing ranges, and I don’t see a reason other than in some restricted areas that they can’t continue to be compatible.

6. Should the county approach growth as planned growth or full speed ahead?

If growth is going to happen it will happen whether we want it or not. It is the county’s duty to deal with and manage growth responsibly and with as little impact as possible on existing property owners. As a real estate professional I have seen communities that weren’t prepared for or have tried to stop growth. That doesn’t work. If growth is coming, it must be accepted and dealt with at whatever pace demand dictates.

I would also like to explore the feasibility of business parks or business districts in order to more economically provide county sewer and water service. This would allow sites to be sized to suit the needs of a business rather than the current one acre or more minimum size needed for a county business site.

7. How important (or not) is it for the county and Western Nevada College to work together?

WNC is an important part of the community. Unfortunately, its response to local needs diminished when management shifted to Carson City. I would like to see the college move back toward local management and local needs.

8. What should the city-county relationship look like in governing?

The city and county have historically had a good working relationship with many functions and facilities shared. That should remain.

9. What do you see the future of the city and county working with the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association?

As the area grows there will be more demand for businesses and business needs. CEDA is an important part of that process. The county and city should be working with CEDA to assist local businesses and promote new business growth.  The possibility of creating a business park or district should help that effort.