Guy W. Farmer: I am sticking with ‘none of the above’

Early voting started Saturday, so I’ll offer a few election thoughts today. I’m voting for “None of these candidates” for president, and you know why.

Some of you have lambasted me for sticking with “None,” but I can’t in good conscience vote for any of the presidential candidates on the Nevada Ballot. Meanwhile, I’ll be wearing my new “I already hate our next president” T-shirt. Next question.

I’m voting for GOP Congressman Dr./Gen. Joe Heck to replace longtime Democrat Sen. Harry Reid. I remember when Reid’s anointed successor, former Nevada Atty. Gen. Catherine Cortez — Masto, tried to politicize gaming control — a definite no-no in the Silver State — and when she carried out an unsuccessful political vendetta against former Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki.

I support our Carson City Congressman, Republican Mark Amodei, even though he’s shaky on Yucca Mountain. He’s a pragmatic politician who tries to get things done in Washington, D.C., an almost impossible task in that elitist and polarized federal enclave.

STATE AND LOCAL RACES

Turning to state and local races, I favor Republican Al Kramer for the District 40 Assembly seat formerly held by my friend “PK” O’Neill, who fell victim to the no-taxers. I know and like all of the candidates for Carson City mayor and Board of Supervisors, so I’m going to tread carefully here. The mayoral race between incumbent Bob Crowell and challenger Chris Carver is all about leadership of one kind or another. If you like the way things are going in our town you’ll vote for Mayor Bob, who handles ceremonial duties flawlessly. But if you seek a different direction, retired special ops officer Carver is your candidate.

I’m supporting my friend and former Appeal colleague John Barrette in his race against Supervisor Jim Shirk, a fine fellow whose convoluted vote explanations usually manage to confuse everyone. And his “I love Carson City” mantra has grown old and tired. All of us love Carson City, Jim; that’s why we live here.

I’m neutral between Supervisor Brad Bonkowski and his challenger, Maurice White. Bonkowski, a successful real estate broker, is smart and personable. White, a likeable and conservative city government activist, describes himself as a “blue collar” candidate who will respect the will of the people on controversial issues like the Downtown Project and the Vintage development. Take your pick.

BALLOT QUESTIONS

If I thought Michael Bloomberg-financed Question 1 on gun control would keep guns out of the hands of criminals and crazy people, I’d vote for it. It won’t, however, so I’m voting “No.” Gov. Brian Sandoval, Atty. Gen. Adam Laxalt and most Nevada sheriffs, including Carson’s Ken Furlong, oppose Question 1 and I respect their judgment on this hot-button issue.

Question 2 would legalize “recreational” marijuana, which is a terrible idea. My friend Jim Hartman, president of Nevadans for Responsible Drug Policy, tells me this measure was written by and for “Big Marijuana.” Existing medical pot shops and liquor distributors like Larry Ruvo would have 18-month sales and distribution monopolies and there’s no opt-out provision for Nevada’s 17 counties even though some of them don’t want to host this sleazy business. And then there’s the scary issue of marijuana “edibles” — brownies, cookies, gummy bears and other drug-laden goodies attractive to children.

Marijuana is still categorized as a dangerous Schedule One drug by President Obama’s Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), so what’s the rush when medical marijuana is already legal in our state? Vote “No” on Question 2.

Whether you agree with me or not, the important thing is to vote on or before Election Day, Nov. 8. I’ll see you at the polls.

Retired diplomat Guy W. Farmer has been a Carson City voter since 1962.