2016 marks an exciting election year, especially for the residents of Sparks. With three seats coming available on the City Council, a District 4 county commissioner and Justice of the Peace in the works, this is a year where your vote truly makes a difference in local politics. In the June 14 election, voters received ballots that were affiliated with their respective parties and precincts. These primary election results offers insights into what is in store for Sparks’ November 8 general election.
CITY COUNCIL
Ward 1 — In the primary election, voters cast ballots choosing candidates for Ward 1 specifically. Three candidates who were on the ballot to replace Julia Ratti included Donald Abbott, Adam Khan, and Denise Lopez. Lopez received 54.82 percent of the votes with Donald Abbott coming in second place with 25.25 percent of the votes. Both Lopez and Abbott will be on the ballot in November 8th’s election.
• More About Denise Lopez- Receiving 699 votes from the primary election, 27-year-old Denise Lopez will run head-to-head against Donald Abbott in the primary election. Originally from Michigan, Lopez studied political science and sociology from Saint Mary’s at Notre Dame before moving to Northern Nevada. She is a member of several multicultural and anti-violence organizations and is an advocate for leadership development and coalition building.
• More About Donald Abbott- Clinching 322 votes behind Denise Lopez, 26-year-old Donald Abbott was born and raised in Sparks. Holding two AA degrees from Truckee Meadows Community College, Abbott focused in HVAC and renewable energy. According to his website, Abbott believes that a city is more than sidewalks and buildings. He is working towards defining what makes the City authentic and promoting its uniqueness.
In November’s general election, voters citywide will have an opportunity to pick their preferred candidates in Wards 1, 3 and 5. The candidates to fill the two remaining open seats in Wards 3 and 5 will head straight to the general election.
Ward 3 — In Ward 3, incumbent Ron Smith who has been on the city council since 2006 will be running against John Rhoads.
Ward 5 — Since Ward 5 incumbent Ron Schmitt has reached the end of his term limits, he couldn’t re-run, so the three candidates on the ballot for the general election include Kristopher Dahir, Thomas P. Lean, and John Walter.
In the primary election, Vaughn Hartung ran against Republican Maurice Washington to represent District 4 as county commissioner. Hartung won the primary with 54.96 percent of the votes and will continue to run unopposed in the general election. Originally elected in 2012, Hartung currently serves Sparks, Spanish Springs and Wadsworth.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
Appointed to the Sparks Court in 2003 and retained in 2004 and 2010, Kevin Higgins ran unopposed in the primary election, receiving 12,493 votes. Higgins will continue to serve his community as the current Justice of the Peace.
ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 13
Republicans Samantha Brockeslby and Kent Bailey ran against each other vying for a position in State Assembly District 13. Kent Bailey clinched 69.94 percent of the votes and will continue to run against Libertarian Brandon Jacobs and Democrat Julia Ratti in the general election.
ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS 30, 31, and 32
Assembly District 30 Democrat Mike Sprinkle (incumbent) will be running unopposed in the general election along with Assembly District 32 Republican Ira Hansen. In District 31, former Assemblyman Skip Daly, D-Sparks, will run against incumbent Jill Dickman, R-Sparks.
CITY ATTORNEY
Chet Adams will be running unopposed in the general election.
WHERE TO FIND WASHOE COUNTY VOTER AND ELECTION INFORMATION
There are currently 241,313 active registered voters in Washoe County. To find any updates, additional information, election turnout reports, primary election results, and more, visit https://www.washoecounty.us/voters/.
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