Geno Martini says Parkinson’s disease will not stop him from serving the remaining three years of his final term as Sparks mayor. As he told the Sparks Tribune: “I fully anticipate I’m going to be here long enough to do that, and I’m going to work hard at getting through it.”
The easy-going and humble mayor said last Friday that the time had come to publicly disclose that he has the disease, a progressive disorder of the nervous system. There’s no cure for Parkinson’s, but medication can relieve the symptoms. The symptom most commonly associated with the disease is trembling. It also causes stiffness and slows movement.
Mayor Martini said he decided to make the announcement because his condition was becoming more noticeable. He cleared his schedule on Friday for interviews with the media and was open and honest about his condition.
The mayor is handling his situation with dignity, class and humor, displaying the traits that have made him a respected and well-liked leader in his hometown. He is leading this community by setting a good example.
We have no doubt that Mayor Martini will continue to effectively exert his leadership skills and do what he feels is in the best interest of the city while completing the remainder of his final term.
Parkinson’s may slow him down physically when it comes to all the ceremonial duties that the mayor carries out. But it won’t dampen his affection for Sparks and his loyalty to the city.
The mayor said he is blessed to serve in the greatest job in the world and is overwhelmed by the love and support he’s received.
We join others throughout the city and the region in expressing our support and extending our thoughts to the mayor and his family.
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