Supervisor candidates to speak to chamber

In the next in a series of Carson City Chamber of Commerce luncheons, candidates for a seat on the Board of Supervisors will square off in a question-and-answer session Wednesday .

Verne Horton, Frank Sharp and Richard Staub are vying for the Ward 4 supervisor position being vacated by Supervisor Kay Bennett, who has held the position for 12 years.

Ward 2 Supervisor Jon Plank is running for re-election unopposed but will attend the luncheon as well.

"I think it's the right thing to do, at least make an appearance," Plank said. "I probably won't take too much time. I just want to remind people I'm on the ballot."

Plank was elected in 1996 and said he has no plans to litter the town with campaign signs - unless someone wants one, he said. He saved signs from his 1996 campaign.

"I may put up some signs after the primary," he said. "I hope I get a decent number of votes. All I have to do really is stay alive and go vote for myself."

The three Ward 4 candidates have spoken together once before. All said they intend to try to convince the group why they are the best person for the supervisor job.

Horton, a semi-retired commercial and graphic artist and 16-year Carson City resident, said after 16 years of community service, running for supervisor is a natural progression for him.

His biggest concern is long-term economic stability.

"From my vantage point, everything we have to deal with like quality of life depends on us being able to afford it and sustain it," Horton said.

A 20-year Carson resident, Sharp, 65, has been in the marketing and consulting business for years. Sharp thinks his 15 years of experience working behind the scenes in the political realm gives him knowledge and an edge over his opponents.

"I don't think they've had the luxury of that exposure," Sharp said. "I think I'm the best candidate to sit there because of that exposure.

"I'm always willing to talk to anybody who's willing to listen," he added. "It's going to give me a chance to address the chamber and see what their priorities are. If I had to choose my three major issues facing Carson City at this time, it would be public safety, traffic and retail sales."

Staub, who's lived in Carson City since 1960 except for his college and law-school years, said he'll "bring fresh blood to the board."

With a background as an attorney and teacher, Staub said he will bring a more diverse background and different perspective to the board.

"I suppose the only thing we're trying to do is get our message out," he said. "I look forward to letting the people get to know me as an individual. It's a positive step to put a name with a face.

"I want to talk about transportation issues, on-going economic development and good, solid planning in Carson City. I want to try to show the differences between myself and my opponents. I've been been successful as an individual, and I think any elected board should strive to bring new blood in."

If you go:

What: Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce meet the candidates for city supervisor luncheon

When: Wednesday, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St.

Cost: $15 for chamber members and $18.50 for non-members.

Call 882-1565 for information and reservations.