Churchill County Commission District 2 candidates

This story was updated to include Ken Harmon's answers, which were received after deadline.
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In today’s LVN, Tanya Freeman, Myles Getto and Tom Riggins offer their viewpoints on questions presented to them by the The Fallon Post and the Lahontan Valley News. Kenneth Harmon did not respond to our requests.
They are running for County Commission District 2.
The term for the commission seat is for four years.

Myles Getto

 

Myles Getto: Candidate for Commission District 2
Myles Getto is a fourth generation Fallon farmer, farming the same ground his great grandparents settled in 1911. A Churchill County High School graduate, Getto was actively involved in 4-H and Churchill County FFA and became vice president of CCFFA his senior year.
At age 19, Getto applied to be on the Churchill County Planning Commission and was selected to the position. He has spent the last two-and-a-half years working on Planning Commission learning and becoming fascinated with politics and local government. He now wants to expand his political career to help guide his generation's future.

Why should water be a priority for the Lahontan Valley?
Water is the lifeblood of Churchill County, whether it be used for agricultural purposes that fuels our thriving agricultural economy, recreation at Lake Lahontan, recharging our powerful aquifer, or used by the hundreds of species of animals that make us the Oasis of Nevada. With the power of the most important resources in the west comes huge responsibility, possibly the biggest responsibility that Churchill County has. Our water will constantly be under attack by outsiders that refuse to understand its importance to us. As urban area outside of Fallon grow, their appetite for water will grow tremendously, it will be the job of whoever is elected to ensure and protect the water that feeds Churchill County, and I am up for that challenge.

During the past five years, great steps have been taken to improve the quality of life in Churchill County. What do you envision for the next 5 years? 10 years?
I envision for the next 10 years to be full of improvements on our quality of life. I would push for more agricultural conservations, a emphasize on water management and what we can do as a community to insure that we remain the Oasis of Nevada. Another very important part of our quality of life is insuring that we continue to expand and developed our economics in Churchill County, whether that be in the Hazen industrial park, the agricultural sector, or in Fallon itself.

What should be the relationship between the county and the Bureau of Land Management?
As we all know, the BLM is a large mass of slow moving paperwork, but is necessary in maintaining and controlling our public lands. Churchill County has been and always will be overlooked, as counties can be in Nevada. It is vital that we make our voices, concerns and thoughts heard, by maintaining a strong, healthy, present relationship with the BLM, that can be accomplished.

What issues facing Churchill County would you prioritize in the area of public health and safety?
As our population grows we will have to see an extension of our current services offered, these of course include the basics such as police force, the fire department, water systems and sewer systems. Each of the aforementioned items have their own challenges that they will face with growth, our police force and fire department will face finding qualified individuals to staff a growth phase. And our water and sewer system will, of course, face droughts and dry spells that we all have grown accustomed to. Churchill County also has additional boards and committees that will make appropriate recommendations in reaction to whatever the future may hold for Churchill County.

How should the county handle its relationship with the Navy due to the range expansion and modernization?
It is vital that the County Commissioners have an open and vocal relationship with NAS Fallon. NAS Fallon makes up a large part of the demographics of Churchill County. As similar with the BLM, it is vital that Churchill County Commissioners expresses their concerns, ideas and thoughts with NAS Fallon on the proposed range expansion that affects many different sectors and many families' way of life. It is very easy to get lost or left behind in these matters and they must be taken very seriously, and yet again I am up for that challenge.

Should the county approach growth as planned growth or full speed ahead?
Slow economic growth will be the most beneficial to Churchill County, that being said we are already behind. Corporations that have deeper pockets than all of us combined have set their eyes on Churchill County, and if you think they’ll stop at city limits, you’re lying to yourself. All the while undercutting our local businesses, contractors, builders and architects. They bring outside workers that don’t care to see quality homes being built, that don’t go home to a house here, or spend their money at our local businesses. While they are relieving housing pressure, I think they can do more in terms of supporting our local businesses. If elected I would like to work with these companies to be more willing to use our local business and companies to help produce these homes.

How important (or not) is it for the county and Western Nevada College to work together?
I believe that it’s very important that the county maintains a working relationship with WNC, granted I would like to see WNC include more applicable classes that are current and relevant to our economy, those would include but not limited to, mechanics, agricultural related degrees, defense industry degrees, etc.

What should the city-county relationship look like in governing?
We all consider ourselves Fallonites whether we live in city limits or not. We’re one body with two arms that have to move and work together to accomplish anything. It’s important that the city and county communicate with each other on plans and action that may be taken. If they don’t, it will cause disarray that will split our small town. We are all in this together and the relationship should reflect that.

What do you see the future of the city and county working with the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association?
CEDA has done an excellent job promoting and highlighting Fallon as the amazing place it is. CEDA needs Churchill County and the city for relevant factual information about where the county is moving toward and the county and city needs CEDA to show people what an amazing place Fallon is. I hope to see in the future more local businesses that are centered into our current economies such as renewable resources, diversified agriculture and manufacturing.

Tanya Freeman

 

Tanya Freeman: Candidate for County Commission District 2
I was born and raised in California, but left in 1976 and never looked back. I joined the U.S. Army and served 2 years then was Honorably Discharged. From there I moved to Alabama having enjoyed my time stationed there. I lived in northeast Alabama for a few years, moved to Colorado and spent a number of years in the medical field, then changed directions and joined the Ironworkers Local 27 and completed their Journeyman program. I have lived in several western states and enjoy the rural lifestyle. I landed in Churchill County over 20 years ago and started my own business doing home repair and Water Treatment Distribution, licensed by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.

Why should water be a priority for the Lahontan Valley?
Water is the lifeblood of this community. Without water we have no ranching, no farming, no support industries.

During the past five years, great steps have been taken to improve the quality of life in Churchill County. What do you envision for the next 5 years? 10 years?
I haven't seen any “great steps.” I have not seen an improvement to the quality of life of county residents in outlying areas. I want to see road improvement to support the expected increase in population. Our available healthcare needs dramatic improvement. Our schools need major changes. Longer term, we need responsible expansion that will invite a diversity of businesses to Churchill County.

What should be the relationship between the county and the Bureau of Land Management?
The federal Bureau of Land Management owns or controls 81% of our state. I want to see the land opened up for more county use.
What issues facing Churchill County would you prioritize in the area of public health and safety?
We need to expand our public awareness through open meetings to discuss health and safety issues relating to our community. We need to get the community involved and educated. Our issues are diverse and include fire prevention and defensible space, teen pregnancy, STDs, and drug and alcohol abuse and addiction treatment resources.

How should the county handle its relationship with the Navy due to the range expansion and modernization?
Rather than the Navy expanding we should work together to refurbish and rebuild the existing range and modernize it.

Should the county approach growth as planned growth or full speed ahead?
Growth should be planned and with caution and public input at every step. Major changes to that plan should be voted on by the people.

How important (or not) is it for the county and WNC to work together?
It is important that the county work with the college to expand educational opportunities in technology especially as it applies to agricultural, and other Career & Technical Education subjects. Our children — and adults — deserve all the opportunities possible.

What should the city-county relationship look like in governing?
Churchill County and the City of Fallon need to work hand-in-hand even more than they currently are. We love living in our Oasis of Nevada but that also means we are somewhat isolated and need to work together for this area to constructively grow.

What do you see the future of the city and county working with the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association?
All three should be working together to attract a diversity of businesses in the area to give our young people a reason to return from educational opportunities elsewhere and build lives and businesses in our community.


Why should water be a priority for the Lahontan Valley?
As goes water, so goes agriculture. As goes agriculture, so goes the lifeblood of Lahontan Valley. As western Nevada grows, pressures and demands on water will only increase. I believe a coalition or collaboration of municipal, agriculture, and other water users needs to be created to protect our resource. There is strength in numbers.

During the past five years, great steps have been taken to improve the quality of life in Churchill County. What do you envision for the next 5 years? 10 years?
Common sense management of growth will be a key factor. We have large agriculture areas that need to be protected. Open space such as parks, hiking trails, and river corridor access will become larger considerations. One factor that should be included in any new project consideration is inclusion of pedestrian and bicycle baths, from a safety and aesthetic standpoint.
 
What should be the relationship between the county and the Bureau of Land Management?
Open communication should remain with BLM officials. That said, BLM issues that directly or indirectly affect county or private property interests should be challenged.
 
What issues facing Churchill County would you prioritize in the area of public health and safety?
Growth and inflation are going to impact law enforcement, fire protection, and public health agencies. There will be a need to expand services as growth occurs, compounded by budget constraints. Making sure there is enough funding to provide the services needed will be a challenge and concern.

How should the county handle its relationship with the Navy due to the range expansion and modernization?
The Navy has been and hopefully will continue to be a good neighbor. Range expansion is needed for national security, but I believe the proposals far exceeded need. Also, I fail to see the need to remove private property ownership, grazing, mining, and recreation access from much of the proposed area. These uses have been compatible with existing ranges, and I don’t see a reason other than in some restricted areas that they can’t continue to be compatible.
 
Should the county approach growth as planned growth or full speed ahead?
If growth is going to happen it will happen whether we want it or not. It is the county’s duty to deal with and manage growth responsibly and with as little impact as possible on existing property owners. As a real estate professional I have seen communities that weren’t prepared for or have tried to stop growth. That doesn’t work. If growth is coming, it must be accepted and dealt with at whatever pace demand dictates.
I would also like to explore the feasibility of business parks or business districts in order to more economically provide county sewer and water service. This would allow sites to be sized to suit the needs of a business rather than the current one acre or more minimum size needed for a county business site.
 
How important (or not) is it for the county and Western Nevada College to work together?
WNC is an important part of the community. Unfortunately, its response to local needs diminished when management shifted to Carson City. I would like to see the college move back toward local management and local needs.
 
What should the city-county relationship look like in governing?
The city and county have historically had a good working relationship with many functions and facilities shared. That should remain.
 
What do you see the future of the city and county working with the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association?
As the area grows there will be more demand for businesses and business needs. CEDA is an important part of that process. The county and city should be working with CEDA to assist local businesses and promote new business growth. The possibility of creating a business park or district should help that effort.

Ken Harmon: Candidate for Commission District 2
I was born and raised in Churchill County and attended Churchill County school district through 12^th grade. I have been involved in agriculture and farming for the last 23 years. I am a fourth generation farmer in Churchill County. I also own a business in Oregon. I am a father of four and plan on staying in Fallon.

Why should water  be a priority for the Lahontan Valley?

Water is our most valuable resource here in Churchill County. We need to make sure we protect that. Farmers also support the aquifer in Churchill County when they irrigate, which also supply water for the wells in Churchill County.

It will be the responsibility of elected officials to make sure we protect this valuable resource

During the past five years, great steps have been taken to improve the quality  of life in Churchill County What do you envision for the next 5 years? 10 years?

We need to manage growth in a responsible way to protect the people of Churchill County and to protect our agriculture. We need to make sure that we listen to the people and protect their way of life here while protecting our other resources.

What should be the relationship between the county and the Bureau of Land Management?

We need to have communication with the BLM to ensure that we protect our public lands while also ensuring that NAS Fallon has what land they need to protect our country without taking away from the people who hunt, fish and use it for recreational purposes.

What issues facing Churchill County would you prioritize in the area of public  health  and safety?

Growth is the biggest factor. We need to protect our way of life by not growing too fast or irresponsible. We need to make sure we have the resources to aid in that growth without overwhelming our public services, police, fire and other resources.

How should the county  handle its relationship with the Navy due to the range expansion and modernization?

Keep in close contact with them to protect our resources and negotiate with them to make sure they have what they need to protect our country while not taking away from the people. We need to find a middle ground.

Should the county approach  growth as planned  growth or full speed ahead?

Planned growth is the best so we can control what happens to our water and sewer systems

Our elected officials have that responsibility to make sure they listen to the people living in the areas of growth. We definitely need to have more housing here but not to the detriment of people in those areas. We need to make sure it benefits all residents of the county.

How important (or not) is it for the county  and WNC to work together?

Our college is very important to our community. It provides classes that are close for our students, jobs for our teachers and a cheaper way of getting a degree that having to drive to Reno.

What should the city-county relationship look like in governing?

We all need to work together to better our community. Communication is key to supporting all residents of the county.

What do you see the future of the city and county working with  the Churchill Entrepreneurial Development Association?

We need to be working together for the needs of the community. CEDA has done a great job promoting Churchill County. It has helped bring new businesses to Fallon and can help with growth.  Communication is the best way to protect our community.