First day of filing kicks off

The first day of filing for political office in Carson City passed with no surprises.

Shortly after 8 a.m., Ward 2 Supervisor Jon Plank refiled for his seat followed by Mayor Ray Masayko.

Masayko and Plank were elected to their posts in 1996.

Verne Horton, former chairman of the Carson City Planning Commission, filed for the Ward 4 supervisor seat being vacated by long-time Supervisor Kay Bennett.

Bennett is leaving her post after 12 years to pursue other business opportunities.

Justices of the Peace John Tatro and Robey Willis also filed for re-election.

Plan didn't commit to a second term in his first run for supervisor, saying he would base it on his performance over the first four years, his health and his ability to work with other members of the board.

"I think I've done a pretty fair job of representing what most people in Carson City want," Plank said.

Plank, 62, has lived in Carson City since 1975. He is retired from the state of Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. He and his wife, Rita, have six children.

Masayko retired after 19 years with Sierra Pacific Power Co. before running for mayor, his first foray into the political arena.

"I like doing it," he had said in March. "It takes both time and effort, which I have. I have the time necessary to serve the constituency. My desire and focus are with doing this job for Carson City voters."

He captured 51 percent of the vote in 1996 to defeat opponent Pat Quinn-Davis.

Willis, 57, filed for his third term as justice of the peace for Department 1.

Willis and his wife of 34 years, Barbara, moved to Carson City 31 years ago. After receiving a bachelor's degree in education from Central Washington State University, Willis taught and coached at Stewart Indian School. He subsequently advanced to educational consultant for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. During this time, he also received a master's degree in education administration from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Willis co-founded both the Carson Police Athletic League in 1980 and the Carson City Booster Club. He served on the Carson Parks and Recreation Board from 1981 to 1984 and the Carson City School Board from 1981 to 1988 where he was president for two terms. He is currently a member of the Nevada Judges Association and served as president in 1993 and 1999, finishing his second term in January 2000. He is the only president in the history of the association who has served two terms. The Willis' have one daughter.

There are three spaces open on both the Carson City School Board and the Carson-Tahoe Hospital Board of Trustees. Filing ends May 15 at 5 p.m.

Candidates for Carson City elected offices started filing May 1. Filing ends May 15 at 5 p.m. Supervisors and school board and hospital trustees must live in the district they represent, but voters cast ballots citywide. For information about what district you live in or for filing information, call Chief Elections Clerk Tammy Caldwell at 887-2087.

Positions open Incumbent Ward/district Filing fee

Mayor Ray Masayko n/a $100

Supervisor Jon Plank Ward 2 $100

Supervisor open Ward 4 $100

Justice of the peace Robey Willis Department 1 $100

Justice of the Peace John Tatro Department 2 $100

Hospital trustee Basil Chryssos District 2 $30

Hospital trustee Tom Metcalf District 3 $30

Hospital Trustee Caleb Mills District 4 $30

School board trustee open District 2 $30

School board trustee John McKenna District 5 $30

School board trustee Gary Ailes District 7 $30