I was born and raised in California, but left in 1976 and never looked back. I joined the United States Army and served 2 years then was Honorably Discharged. From there I moved to Alabama having enjoyed my time stationed there. I lived in northeast Alabama for a few years, moved to Colorado and spent a number of years in the medical field, then changed directions and joined the Ironworkers Local 27 and completed their Journeyman program. I have lived in several western states and enjoy the rural lifestyle. I landed in Churchill County over 20 years ago and started my own business doing home repair and Water Treatment Distribution, licensed by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.
1. Why should water be a priority for the Lahontan Valley?
Water is the lifeblood of this community. Without water we have no ranching, no farming, no support industries.
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?
I haven't seen any “great steps”. I have not seen an improvement to the quality of life of county residents in outlying areas. I want to see road improvement to support the expected increase in population. Our available healthcare needs dramatic improvement. Our schools need major changes. Longer term, we need responsible expansion that will invite a diversity of businesses to Churchill County.
3. What should be the relationship between the county and the Bureau of Land Management?
The federal Bureau of Land Management owns or controls 81% of our state. I want to see the land opened up for more county use.
4. What issues facing Churchill County would you prioritize in the area of public health and safety?
We need to expand our public awareness through open meetings to discuss health and safety issues relating to our community. We need to get the community involved and educated. Our issues are diverse and include fire prevention and defensible space, teen pregnancy, STDs, and drug and alcohol abuse and addiction treatment resources.
5. How should the county handle its relationship with the Navy due to the range expansion and modernization?
Rather than the Navy expanding we should work together to refurbish and rebuild the existing range and modernize it.
6. Should the county approach growth as planned growth or full speed ahead?
Growth should be planned and with caution and public input at every step. Major changes to that plan should be voted on by the people.
7. How important (or not) is it for the county and WNC to work together?
It is important that the county work with the college to expand educational opportunities in technology especially as it applies to agricultural, and other Career & Technical Education subjects. Our children — and adults — deserve all the opportunities possible.
8. What should the city-county relationship look like in governing?
Churchill County and the City of Fallon need to work hand-in-hand even more than they currently are. We love living in our Oasis of Nevada but that also means we are somewhat isolated and need to work together for this area to constructively grow.
9. What do you see the future of the city and county working with the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association?
All three should be working together to attract a diversity of businesses in the area to give our young people a reason to return from educational opportunities elsewhere and build lives and businesses in our community.
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