As we get closer to Election Day, the Sparks Tribune and 39 North will be hosting a Candidate Night on Oct. 4. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Nugget Casino Resort Celebrity Showroom, this is an opportunity for Sparks residents to meet their candidates and hear about their stance on important issues related to the region. Here is a snapshot of who is running:
State Senate District 13:
Kent Bailey, Brandon Jacobs, Julia Ratti
Residing in Reno, Bailey holds a BA degree from the University of Arkansas with a focus in political science. He is running for State Senate District 13 to help build stronger neighborhoods for businesses to succeed.
No information can be found on Libertarian Brandon Jacobs and his website appears to be nonfunctional.
Currently serving on the Sparks City Council since 2008 representing Ward 1, Ratti is an entrepreneur, government official, and volunteer of various nonprofit organizations. She is focused on environmental sustainability, strengthening neighborhoods, and maintaining critical city services for Sparks.
State Assembly District 31:
Richard “Skip” Daly, Jill Dickman
Representing Assembly District 31 in 2011 and 2013 legislative sessions, Daly is running again because he believes that the district is entitled to a representative who will put the interests of the state ahead of extreme partisanship.
In an open letter to voters of District 31, Dickman says, “As a business owner, I hold my breath every time the legislature is in session, waiting to see what taxes, fees, or regulations will be passed and how they are going to impact us.” One of the reasons she is running is because she says small, job-creating businesses in the district are grossly underrepresented in our legislature.
Sparks Justice of the Peace, Department 3:
Matt Lee, Jessica Longley
Lee currently works as a lawyer at the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office and has prosecuted major felony crimes. Prior to his time as a DA, he was a law clerk for Judge David Hardy of the Second Judicial District Court.
Longley is a third generation Sparks resident who has a strong commitment to the law, her family, and her community. With over 15 years of experience working within the criminal justice system, she has worked as a victim/witness advocate, juvenile detention youth counselor, and as an intern for the City Attorney in prosecuting code violations.
Sparks City Council Ward 1:
Donald Abbott, Denise Lopez
As an organizer for the Democratic Party, Lopez has spent much of her time over the last 10 years advocating for survivors of domestic violence, working to protect and create services for Americans’ health care, and mentoring students in underprivileged schools.
Abbott is a 26-year resident of Sparks and is running for City Council to help maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure. Working as an estimator for a local HVAC company for 10 years, Abbott is also an avid photographer who likes to shoot the scenery of Sparks.
Sparks City Council Ward 3:
John Rhoads, Ron Smith
Although there is not much information available about Rhoads, he is a current resident of D’Andrea and passionate about what the future holds for the former golf course and facilities.
Seeking reelection to maintain his seat for Ward 3, Smith likes business, politics, and people. Since originally elected in 2006, he has served on the Regional Transportation Commission as vice chair. He believes that his influence on pushing to improve the efficiencies of Sparks’ roadways is one of the reasons why the projects are
getting accomplished.
Sparks City Council Ward 5:
Kristopher Dahir, John Walter
As a Nevada resident for over 35 years, Dahir is running for City Council to help ensure that the quality of life for the Sparks community is protected during this strong growth period. He believes in promoting public safety, supporting economic growth, focus on infrastructure needs, and find commonality with the people of Sparks despite differences.
As a Sparks’ local for 27 years and military veteran, Walter places great value on the morals and ethics instilled in him during his time of service. As a facilities manager for some of Sparks’ largest properties, he knows how to look at financial investments from a logical perspective. Once elected, Walter says he will continue to build programs to give locals the opportunity to give back and further develop pride in the Sparks community.
Sparks Candidate Night, sponsored by the Sparks Tribune and 39 North, will begin with the nominees giving opening statements followed by questions from the audience. President of 39 North Kim Ciesynski says, “We don’t know much about the candidates so this gives residents an opportunity to find out more about them. We’re hoping for a nice turnout on what I think is really important for our community.”
CJ Miller says
Why are candidates from AD 30 not participating?