Candidates Night for those seeking a local office is Tuesday night at the Fallon Convention Center beginning at 6 p.m.
The Fallon Post, Lahontan Valley News and Lahontan Broadcasting are sponsoring the event along with the Churchill County Republican Central Committee. Rachel Dahl, publisher of The Fallon Post, and Steve Ranson, editor emeritus of The Lahontan Valley News will be the panelists. CCRCC Chairman Gary Smith will be the moderator.
Profiles for candidates may be found later this week in the Lahontan Valley News and The Fallon Post. The responses will also be posted online and on each newspaper’s Facebook page.
Smith said if any statewide candidates or their representatives are invited to bring campaign literature to hand out in the lobby or to talk their local constituents.
The following local candidates did not draw an opponent, but they will be on the general election ballot. Robert Getto, public administrator; Art Mallory, district attorney; Tasha Hessey, recorder; Denise Mondhink-Felton, assessor; and Linda Rothery, clerk/treasurer.
Kelly Frost was re-elected to the Fallon City Council in June.
For those who are unable to attend, Candidates Night will be aired on KKTU (99.5 FM) and streamed live on the internet at network1sports.com. beginning at 6 p.m.
Candidates are vying for three offices: Fallon City Council Ward 3, sheriff and the Churchill County School Board. The order for the night begins with city council at 6 p.m. to followed by sheriff at 6:45 p.m. The school board wraps up the evening at 7:30 p.m.
The three races are nonpartisan.
Two candidates are seeking the city council seat vacated by James Richardson. The two-term councilman is not running for a third and final term. Paul W. Harmon and Geoffrey Knell filed for city council. In his returned questionnaire, Harmon said he’s a person who can make sound decisions to make Fallon safe and a good place to call home.
“I feel that with an open line of communication I can help the mayor and council in making sound decisions to continue to make Fallon safe and a proud place to call home,” said Harmon, who’s currently employed by the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Knell did not submit his questionnaire.
Sheriff Richard Hickox is seeking his second term as the county’s top law enforcement officer. During his career with the CCSO, he has also held the rank of deputy, corporal investigator, sergeant, investigations sergeant and captain. Hickox said he enjoys his role as the county’s sheriff.
“I love this community, I love being part of this agency and I have proudly been that voice and that defender for 24 years and would love to continue to serve, protect and give back to my community,” he wrote in his questionnaire.
Daniel Sharp is challenging Hickox. Sharp did not turn in a questionnaire that included questions on law enforcement background, training, personnel shortages and leadership style.
Incumbents seeking another term on the school board are Matt Hyde and Amber Casey-Getto. Newcomers seeking a seat as a trustee include Julie Goetsch-Guerrero, Walter Henderson, Joe McFadden, Bill Post and Ivy Ward. The school board race is nonpartisan.
Hyde has been a trustee for the past eight years and if re-elected, he will serve his third and last term.
“I have been a board member with a focus on student achievement from day one,” he said in his questionnaire.
Hyde is also a member of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Control Board member for region II. He said the NIAA control board is a three-year commitment and he hs two years remaining.
Getto is serving her first term on the board. She and her husband John farm more than 1,200 acres in the Lahontan Valley and are co-owners of Desert Oasis Teff & Grain.
I am running for re-election because I am determined to continue the work put in place by the board,” she stated in her questionnaire. “Over the past two years, the governance team has worked diligently to realign policy and set goals that focus strictly on student achievement.”
Julie Goetsch-Guerrero, a 22-year county resident, is the administrative services manager for Churchill County and also has experience on a number of civic organizations.
“My experience has given me a solid foundation coupled with a vested interest in the improvement of our school district,” she said in her questionnaire. “I would be humbled with the opportunity to represent our community and put my knowledge and skills to use as a trustee.”
Walter Henderson is a retired employee of the Churchill County School District and classified employees’ representative. He did not submit a questionnaire.
Joe McFadden, who moved to Fallon as a student in 1998, is a managing member of McFadden Electric.
“I feel there is a need for grounded, logical leadership that aligns with Fallon values,” he replied in his questionnaire.
My goals are to ensure every student is given the highest level of education possible, make sure graduating students have the tools to lead a successful life and pursue a strong stance on the anti-bullying and discipline policy.
Bill Post began his career broadcasting (TV and radio) but recently, he finished his time as a state representative (assemblyman) in the Oregon Legislature before relocating to Churchill County.
“I see quite a few issues that need to be addressed in our school district and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work for our kid’s futures, for our teacher’s benefit and for the overall good of this great community,” he said in his questionnaire.
Post said he loves Churchill County and wants to make a difference.
McFadden and Post said in a previous release they would not accept Public Employees Retirement System benefits such as health insurance. McFadden said the money can be used to meet teacher and classroom supply needs. Post said he’s covered on his wife’s policy.
Churchill County High School graduate Ivy Ward said she credits her experiences in the valley for her success.
“I am running for school board because I believe that I can help improve our school district,” she wrote in her questionnaire. “I care about our kids, and I want them to have a great experience going to school. Our teachers need to know that we support them and our parents.”
Key dates released for general election
• Mail ballots for the 2022 general election must be sent out by Oct. 19.
• The last day to update voter registration and request a mail ballot is Oct. 25.
• Early voting begins Oct. 22 and ends Nov. 4 in the commission chambers at the Churchill County Administration Building, 155 N. Taylor St.
• The general election is Nov. 8 at the Fallon Convention Center and also on the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Reservation.
• The last day for the clerk’s office to receive a ballot by mail is Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked.
• The last day for mailed ballots to be received and counted by county election officials is Nov. 12.
• The last day for voters to “signature cure” or address any issue with the signature on their mail ballot is Nov. 14.
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