Deep Thoughts, Cheap Shots & Bonbons
Hope everyone had a
Holiday Season filled with joy and cheerful moments that create lasting
memories. My wish to all:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Nevada Appeal on
December 28th had the following article, “Balancing Development, Services”
written by John Barrette. The context covered what each Board member thought were
the highlights in 2014, as well as their priorities for 2015. Informative and
covering a broad spectrum of topics, three Board members classified the 1/8 of
a cent sales tax as their number one highlight of 2014.
Although I voted
against the 1/8th cent sales tax, it was approved by a majority of the Board,
and so we move forward into 2015 in full support of seeing these capital
projects completed. As I have stated previously: regardless of how a Board
member votes if it’s a: bill, an ordinance or an agenda item that gets passed
by the majority of the Board, then it is our duty as a Board member to fully
engage with other Board members insuring that everything dealing with this
agenda item gets fully vetted before proceeding forward. All members of the
Board regardless of how they voted have further obligations - insuring the
project is done correctly, and continually monitoring staff as the project
moves forward. Even after the project is completed, the Board has the final
duty to report to you the citizen the outcome of the project. So, essentially
my work has just begun.
Regarding
the Nevada Appeal, I ask:
Humorously, why are the
pictures of the Board members so outdated?
Seriously, why not
provide all Board members the opportunity to have a guest column on a rotating
basis?
The Appeal is
advertising for a full-time reporter; again seriously, why not hire the author
of Carson City Politics (www.carsonciypolitics.com)
1. The project behind
the Nugget, I have every reason to believe, is a “GO.” Previously, it had been
on the NNDA website (now removed). At present, it is listed at MacCompany's
website (www.maccompanys.com) This proposed project is privately funded with an
estimated 200 million dollar valuation. At this time, it requires no tax
dollars.
2. Our streets are
currently in poor condition, and they will get worse, due to lack of funding.
My
Ride-A-Long with Carson City Sheriffs
The night began with
fascination as to how an officer performs and conducts their duties. I was held
spellbound for the first few hours. Each call on the radio had a riveting and
captivating effect on me. To some degree I learned what actually occurs within
our community. I had conversations with numerous officers and the common topic
was the age of vehicles and equipment they use daily. Replacement and upgrades
of equipment is long overdue and critically needed. Where the funding will come
from is the million dollar question, and probably the cost too.
I would like to
publicly state: our Sheriff Department is the reason we live in such a great
community. They deserve all the credit for making our daily lives safe.
To each and every one
of our Sheriffs - THANK YOU!
Hot
Topic Coming Before the Board on January 5th
Want to see how this
Board will operate in the next two years? Then this is a must attend meeting. Individual
Board members will be assigned to the various
16 appointments available on Committees and Commissions. Fundamentally,
each Board member should have an equal number of appointments. The process on
how these positions will be filled, however, remains a mystery to me. Although
I have asked, I've not received what I consider a competent response. I have
suggested that a spread sheet be shown at the meeting so the public can see
what each Board member's priority placements are. Another member stated it
should be based on seniority basis. The previous time this came before the
Board a member would nominate another member or volunteer to serve, then
another Board member would second, then the Board as a whole would vote. For
goodness sake, I do hope we can move to a higher level of competency in
decision-making, but at this juncture, it’s any ones guess. These appointments
are high stakes for the community’s future. Just as each Board member has been
elected to serve and represent their Ward, each should be given an opportunity
to serve your interests on these committees.
In
Closing
It is not a mystery
that I am the lone vote against some of the hottest topics at Board meetings. In many instances there are numerous
conversations generated from that vote tally, either in support or disapproval
of my position and my vote. I am contacted by citizens both the pro and con -
which I continue to encourage. My sole aim is to represent the majority opinion
of constituents in Ward 4 and the community as a whole.
My
contact information:
JShirk@carson.org
Tele:
(775) 720.5761
Please forward this to family, friends and neighbors
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