Incumbents defend themselves at forum

Incumbent supervisors defended themselves and their decisions against criticism by challengers at a forum Wednesday night, saying the city has acted as responsibly as it could.

Andy Salm, challenger for Ward 4 supervisor, for instance, said "Carson City cannot afford its old spending habits" and that city needs to "rein in redevelopment with taxpayer interest instead of special interest."

Dennis Johnson, challenger for Ward 2 supervisor, said he's seen waste such as the V&T Railway "fiasco" and "back room dealings" that made him want to run for office.

But incumbents, Ward 2 Supervisor Shelly Aldean and Ward 4 Supervisor Richard Staub said the city has cut spending and staff in order to pass a health budget.

He said it was "disheartening" to hear incorrect criticisms, especially when the board of supervisors have done so much work to make city government efficient.

He said he doesn't like giving businesses incentives, but Carson City has to compete with other Northern Nevada counties.

"It is the nature of the political playing field," he said.

Molly Walt, challenger for Ward 4, said there needs to be better criteria for how business incentives are spent, but that they are important to the city.

"Everyone wants to fill these empty buildings," she said, "but we do have competition."

Paul McGrath, former Carson City sheriff and candidate for Ward 4, said he used to support these things, but money from the fund isn't being spent well.

"It's tax dollars," he said, "that's the bottom line."

There are two candidates in Ward 2 and four candidates for Ward 4.

The primary is Tuesday.

- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.