Economy on mind of voters, candidates

On the eve of early voting for Nevada's primary, Douglas County residents seem to have one topic on their minds: The economy.

About 150 people crowded the CVIC Hall in Minden on Tuesday for a debate featuring candidates for Assembly District 39 and two Douglas County commission seats.

The forum was sponsored by the Business Council of Douglas County, Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Authority and The Record-Courier.

Sen. Mark Amodei, R-Carson City, served as emcee.

Six candidates for the assembly seat kicked off the event.

Four Republicans who face each other in the primary are Kelly Kite, Janet Murphy, Barbara Smallwood and Jim Wheeler.

Democratic candidate JoEtta Brown and Independent-American David Schumann also participated.

The prospect of entering the Legislature as freshmen lawmakers did not daunt the candidates.

"I will be well-prepared, knowledgeable, courteous and ready to go to work for you," said Smallwood, a former county commissioner and Gardnerville Town Board member.

Schumann said he has testified before "just about every committee at the Legislature."

"I know the tactics, I can expose schemes," he said. "You, as the people, create the wealth. They (legislators) just spread it around."

Brown said she has testified at the Legislature for the last eight years.

"I can collaborate with all my colleagues," she said. "You have 120 days to get the job done. You better hit the floor running."

Murphy, who manages the Tahoe-Douglas Utility District, said she's been a legislative adviser for 12 years.

"I've already been there for 12 years," she said. "I'm informed. People hold me in high respect. They'll listen to me."

Wheeler said he would rely on his speaking skills and his ability to manage multimillion-dollar contracts.

"I study issues before I comment. I have common sense answers and will listen. I have no political agenda," Wheeler said.

Kite said 12 years as a Douglas County commissioner gave him plenty of opportunities to be at the Legislature.

"I have three times as much legislative experience as my opponents," he said. "It gave me a head start. I attended regular sessions and a lot of people remaining have a rapport with me."

The commission candidates, who won't face each other until the General Election, debated county operations and how they might change it.

Asked their three priorities, District 4 incumbent Nancy McDermid responded that it's the commission's responsibility for the public health and safety of all residents.

She said her top priorities would be maintaining the county's infrastructure and assets, continue to establish private and public partnerships and secure cost containment policies.

"Government doesn't create jobs," McDermid said. "Government creates a level playing field and fiscal stability."

Challenger Lawrence Howell offered his priorities in reverse.

No. 3 would be changing the public perception that Douglas County is not business friendly.

"We have all this negative stuff," he said. "Let's put on the agenda the good things in the community."

He also called for clear goals and objectives and "action leadership."

Howell said his top priority would be the county's plan for the upcoming state shortfall.

District 2 incumbent Dave Brady said he would continue "doing what we've been doing for the last three or four years."

He said Douglas County has implemented a strategic plan and created financial stability.

He also touted the Economic Vitality Plan which has been in development for the past several months.

"We are trying to identify businesses that make sense to come here. We are setting goals. We're on the right track. If we don't continue on that path, we're going to lose traction."

Opponent Lee Bonner said the county "can't do the same thing we've been doing for the last few years."

"We need to collaborate with the Northern Nevada Development Authority and the Nevada Commission on Economic Development," Bonner said. "We need to target some businesses in California so when they get their tax bills, they get a Douglas County marketing package."

Bonner said an effort has to be made to encourage young families to stay in Douglas County and, at the same time, take care of the senior population.