Nevada Appeal Candidate Guide: Carson City Board of Supervisors Ward 4

Carson City Supervisor Ward 4 is a four-year term. Voters are asked to vote for one candidate. The top two vote-getters will advance to November's general election. If one candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, that candidate is elected.

Amy Clemens

Residence: Carson City

Occupation: Financial adviser

Age: 40

Contact: www.clemensward4.com; Clemensward4@gmail.com; 775-721-7400

Education: Bachelor of science from Western Michigan University

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking.

I have worked in the finance field since 1996. I will bring my abilities as a analyst and money manager to the position on the Board of Supervisors. I am raising my family in Carson City and plan to retire here.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

I am a business owner and understand the struggles of making my way in the world. I believe the it is the city's responsibility to bring jobs to Carson City. We can no longer sit idly by and hope for the best. We need an new person on the board that will push for revenue, cut taxes and help our city to grow. I am that Candidate.

Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?

I have the business, practical and educational background to fulfill and exceed the expectations of the voters in Carson City. I commit to be diligent in my research and commitment to bring Carson City to a thriving business center that it should have been long ago. I will be the representative of the people. I have no personal agenda. I want Carson City to be a fantastic place for our child and our grandchildren.

Jim Shirk

Residence: 5 Arizona Circle, Carson City

Occupation: Realtor

Age: 60

Contact: 775-720-5761; ilovecarsoncity@gmail.com; www.electJimShirk.com

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking?

My real estate and business knowledge has afforded me an insight and perspective about why people move here and more importantly why people stay. I have the ability to innovate and bring people together as demonstrated by my leadership in the creation of the Carson City World Trade Center Memorial. We need to start making correct decisions in planning and setting realistic and measurable goals. Reaching these targets will generate more compelling reason for families to settle here and make Carson City a destination for business. I am enthusiastic and will take great care in meeting with the community in keeping abreast of the issues and priorities that concern all of us.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

There must be more practical solutions for long term development in our entire community not just one area of the city. My opponent has raised city service fees all the while failing to provide a balanced budget and now proposes to increase your property taxes to cover this deficiency. This is not a solution to the problem. Carson City does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. To create a new tax to build a new library is unacceptable. We should be focusing on improving our community which will attract businesses and a skilled labor force. One example is by expanding the sports tournaments which brought $17 million in revenue. Manufacturing encompassing 14 percent of our employment base is another. Together we can make the necessary changes that are crucial to sustainable growth for our community.

Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?

Carson City is a great community full of remarkable people. I am extremely proud to say this is my home. We all want sustainable revenue growth to fund services and pay for improvements. Our common goals can only be achieved by fiscally sound principles. I will be that leader and make the right decisions for our community. Together we can make Carson City even better. I will continue to spend time with my community to learn what policies are important to them so I will be an effective leader. Making the right decisions for the community is my first and foremost priority. Vote for Jim Shirk.

Molly Walt

Incumbent

Residence: 900 Crain St.

Occupation: Educator

Age: 43

Contact: molly@mollywalt.com; 775-297-5007; www.mollywalt.com

Education: University of Montana Western - BA in elementary education and history and social science; University of Phoenix - MA in education/administration and supervision.

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking.

In 2008, I was elected to Carson City Board of Supervisors. I am actively involved in my role serving on numerous committees throughout Carson City.

I am a mother of four school age children and have been married for 20 years. I have been teaching in the Carson City School District since 1994. As a fiscally responsible supervisor; I challenge our government departments to maximize efficiency.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

The most important issues facing Carson City are the lack of economic drive and a solid foundation to attract business growth. We can achieve this by continuing to focus on connecting people with job opportunities and training and leveraging public buildings as catalysts for economic development and quality of life; sports, recreational, and learning opportunities are key to our community's success. As supervisor, I am focused on making Carson City a great place to live and own a business.

Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?

I am serious about the work necessary to create healthy life styles, multi-generational recreation spaces, true Nevada culture and the learning ecosystems that citizens of all ages deserve. This in turn delivers public safety and sustainable future. I remain focused on the hard work of creating lifelong learning and business opportunities for each citizen who wants them. Since taking office I've focused on supporting and helping grow small businesses by fostering tourism, through supporting the marketing efforts of our sport's tourism, history, and natural beauty. I continue to focus on quality of life through parks and recreation, by addressing facility needs. My efforts will continue to focus on action-oriented approaches that deliver results in creating a heart of our community in downtown, through the City Center project.