City, school and judicial officials sworn in at courthouse ceremony

Mayor Robert Crowell, beginning his second term, and two supervisors elected to first terms were sworn in Monday along with two judges and three school board members.

Supervisors Brad Bonkowski and Jim Shirk, both in real estate, assumed office a few minutes after saying they want more information before commenting further on whether to narrow Carson Street, the main north-south street through Nevada's capital city, from four to two lanes.

Like the mayor, they appeared to prefer enjoying the morning with families and friends as they began shouldering the chore of steering Carson City into the future.

"It's important to keep a steady course," Crowell, re-elected without opposition, said moments after District Judge James Todd Russell swore him in. Using nautical terms, the Navy veteran, attorney and mayor added the goal is to keep the "bow headed into the wind" on the city's behalf.

Also sworn in were Justices of the Peace John Tatro and Tom Armstrong, as well as Carson City School Board members Laurel Crossman, Stephen Reynolds and Joe Cacioppo.

In an exchange prior to the mayor's swearing-in, Judge Russell noted he and Crowell had grown up in the same Carson City neighborhood and Crowell said it was a privilege to have the oath administered by Russell.

Alongside the mayor during the ceremony were his wife, Susan, son-in-law Buzz Harris and daughter Caroline, along with 14-month-old grandchild Ashley.

With Bonkowski, the new Ward 2 supervisor, were family members Andie and Mallory Wilson. Shirk, Ward 4 supervisor, had his family along as well: spouse Michele and daughters Gianna and Lila.

Moments before the ceremonies began, both the supervisors-to-be said they will seek more information before talking about how they might vote on the proposal to narrow Carson Street to two lanes and then allow parallel parking.

Plans call for that when the freeway bypass on Carson City's east-central side is done and another street parallel to Carson is widened, but some downtown businesses are pressing for it this year.

Bonkowski said business people contacting him in recent days were running about two-and-a-half to one in favor, but added, "I need more information."

He agreed with Supervisor John McKenna that a board vote last week to proceed with staff refinement of plans was "just a step in the process."

The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to have staff refine plans from conceptual to a more detailed stage, plus seek funding for the estimated $150,000 to micro-pave and repaint the street.

McKenna the next day said he might not support the change until the freeway bypass is fully completed.

Shirk on Monday said he intends to seek more information, and will sit down with City Manager Larry Werner as part of that goal.

In the judicial swearing-in ceremonies, Judge Russell swore in Tatro and then Tatro swore in Armstrong. Tatro said they have a good working relationship.

In the other ceremonies, Crossman was sworn-in as District 2 school board member, Reynolds as the District 5 member and Cacioppo as the District 7 member.