Mosquito, Vector and Weed Control; Public Administrator

The following candidates are running for Churchill County Mosquito, Vector and Weed Control. The Lahontan Valley News sent candidates questionnaires about their interest in the position and qualifications.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Joe Jordan declined to send in either a questionnaire or photo.

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking:

Lattin: As a former reporter for the LVN, I was able to see how the different local boards and councils conducted business. Once I left the paper I decided I wanted to be an active citizen and contribute to our city and county. While I don’t have experience in the abatement of noxious weeds or mosquitoes, I have had experience in facilitating meetings and overseeing budgets, and served as the chairperson for the Fallon Chamber of Commerce in 2011. I’ve been sitting on this board for close to four years now, and was vice-chairperson for two years. In January, my fellow board members nominated me board chairperson.

The previous four years have enlightened me about the challenges facing the District, and they are more than just eliminating noxious weeds and mosquitoes. I’m looking forward to continuing the good work the district’s staff and current board is doing.

Lingenfelter: As a Construction Supervisor at CC Communications, I have experience and knowledge in budgets, project planning, and employee management. I believe this background provides the qualifications necessary for this position.

Spencer: I am a current board member and former Nevada game warden.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected:

Lattin: This district has a very limited budget which has seen a dramatic reduction in recent years due to decreased property tax revenues. However, the scope of work demanded of the district hasn’t decreased because we’re still treating the same amount of acreage, especially in regard to mosquito and vector control. Managing staffing levels will be a top priority in the near future because that is where a bulk of the budget is spent.

The district purchased land in January 2014 to construct a new facility because the current facility is outdated and too small to comfortably accommodate the district’s needs. The land was purchased through a Fish & Wildlife land auction at a very reasonable price, but construction of the new facility and other infrastructure will need to be strategically timed and budgeted over the course of several years so as not to leave the district’s top priority of public safety underfunded.

Another major issue facing the district is the ongoing “dance” with the union representing five of the district’s eight non-management employees. The current board was successful in negotiating a three-year collective bargaining agreement in 2013, thus eliminating the annual cost of negotiating, both in time and money. However, this very active union still demands a large amount of management’s attention that could otherwise be spent on eradicating noxious weeds and vector issues.

Lingenfelter: Effective use of tax dollars and budget accountability, preventing the spread of West Nile Virus, and minimizing the spread of weeds in Churchill County.

Spencer: Public, health, new facilities if economically possible.

How do you plan to get your platform in front of the voting public?

Lattin: No response.

Lingenfelter: My past practice as a board member and word of mouth.

Spencer: Talk with voters around the area.

Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?

Lattin: I’ve proven myself to be an active and prepared board member and strive each meeting to give everyone a chance to be heard. I understand both the immediate and long-term goals of this district and can help the staff achieve them. As a mother and (almost) life-long resident of Churchill County, I truly have a desire to see the district’s goals of keeping our families protected from vector-borne illnesses become and remain a top priority

Lingenfelter: Because I have a strong work ethic and great interest in ensuring our tax dollars are used effectively. My position as a current Board Member provides greater knowledge and experience with the operations of the District.

Spencer: Board experience

Public Adminstrator

Two candidates are running for this office to succeed Jan Brown, who decided not to run for re-election.

The two candidates are Bob Getto and Stuart Mackie. Only Getto subbmitted his questionnaire for publication.

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking.

As a business owner, my background includes solid working relationships with the general public, lenders, and municipalities. I have strong computer skills, and a deep understanding of information technology and computing

software and hardware.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

Establish a transparent and robust public administration policy and procedure similar to other progressive Nevada counties.

How do you plan to get your platform in front of the voting public?

Print advertising and word of mouth.

Why should voters choose you over the other candidates?

My proven business background and expertise.