What issues facing the city of Fallon would you identify and then prioritize for the next four years?
As a business owner, I see the housing shortage as one of the top issues facing Fallon. We need hundreds of new homes to keep up with growth from NAS Fallon and economic development.
They need to be obtainable for workers, military families, and young people. I'd support streamlining permits for residential projects and reducing hookup costs that make new housing possible. When people can buy homes where they live, the entire community benefits.
Roads and the electrical grid also need to be high priorities over the next four years. Roads throughout the city need repair, and every pothole costs businesses and drivers money while making our community look neglected.
Northern Nevada's grid is already straining under pressure from data centers and development. If we don't address these challenges now, we'll pay for it later.
The relationship between the city and Western Nevada College has strengthened during the past five years. How involved do you want to see the city in its relationship with the local campus for the next five years?
The city needs to continue to have a supportive role with WNC and encourage student growth.
The nursing and welding program graduates have great opportunities to work at New Millennium and Banner right here in Fallon. When we invest in local training programs, students can graduate and step directly into good-paying jobs without leaving town. That keeps talent here, strengthens our workforce, and helps local employers fill positions with people who are already part of our community.
What are some issues or programs you see that can further enhance or expand the quality of life in our city?
I'd like to see us expand support for youth sports programs and services for our elderly residents.
Youth sports teach kids teamwork, discipline, and keep them active and engaged in positive activities. Our senior population deserves access to programs that help them stay connected, active, and supported as they age. The William N. Pennington Life Center is a perfect example of investing in what our community truly needs.
How do you envision the relationship between the city and Churchill County for the next four years?
The city needs to have a strong relationship with the county to enhance the lives of all residents. At the end of the day, whether someone lives in city limits or the county, we're all part of the same community, and cooperation benefits us all.
The city is seeing an increase in its population. Should the city plan for planned growth or full-speed ahead?
I believe the city should plan for growth at a moderate speed. Growth is important for our economy and tax base, but it needs to happen at a pace that allows our infrastructure and services to keep up. Moderate, planned growth means we can attract new businesses and residents while making sure we have the water, sewer, roads, and emergency services in place to support them.
How do you see the roles of the Churchill Fallon Economic Development and the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association in attracting new businesses, serving current businesses and training an expanding workforce?
Churchill County Economic Development attracts new business while CEDA offers existing businesses services like expansion of the workforce. Both organizations play important roles in our local economy. Bringing in new businesses creates jobs and strengthens our tax base, but we also need to support the businesses already here so they can grow and hire more people.
Our economy gets stronger when we're not just chasing new companies but also helping local businesses succeed and expand right here in Fallon.
Fallon’s downtown area is seeing a gradual revitalization. How the city work with other agencies to continue this progress?
The city has done an amazing job revitalizing downtown. I would stay the course and keep improving downtown. We need to keep that momentum going by continuing to invest in infrastructure improvements, supporting small business owners who choose to locate downtown and making it a place where residents and visitors want to spend time. A thriving downtown strengthens our entire community and preserves the character that makes Fallon unique.
Another concern this election cycle is one discussed before. How does the city continue its strong relationship with Banner Churchill Hospital and the Central Nevada Health District, and what can the city do to attract physicians to the area?
I think the best thing Fallon can do to attract physicians is keep improving Fallon. Doctors are looking for good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and a strong community. If we continue investing in infrastructure, expanding housing, and supporting quality-of-life programs, we will make Fallon a place where physicians and their families want to live.
The military is one of the largest employers in the county. What kind of relationship should the city have with Naval Air Station Fallon and the Nevada Army National Guard’s armory, one of the last rural armories in the state?
We should continue to enhance our strong relationship with NAS Fallon and the National Guard. Military families live here, shop here, and send their kids to our schools. A strong partnership means working together and strengthening each other.
What areas of city government would you improve or leave as status quo? Please explain.
I would continually be aware of improving public safety. Police, fire, and emergency services are non-negotiable priorities that directly impact whether families feel safe living here. Fallon is a great place to live and I believe it can continue to get better.
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