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August 9, 2008
submitted
On Tuesday, August 12, the voters of Fernley will “hire” several persons to be their City Council representatives for the next four years. Maybe it would be prudent for us to step back from our passions and friendships and take a look at the “job description” for this important position.
The NRS 266, general city law states that all powers of the city shall be vested in an elective council, referred to as ‘the council,’ which shall enact local legislation, adopt budgets, determine policies, and appoint the city manager, who shall execute the laws and administer the government of the city.” That’s the job of a council person.
The basic qualification for the job is that the council members elected by wards shall be residents and qualified voters of the respective wards from which they are elected. That’s a pretty low bar. Surely, we Fernley residents are looking for more than that and more than what has been presented to us in the local paper’s limited candidate profiles.
We need an effective council person who has a grasp of the law-making process and appreciates the importance of each and every vote that is cast. Each decision affects someone’s life or livelihood.
We need an effective council person who is curious about the budget figures and is willing to dive in to see how money streams can change the course of our city’s future. Working with a budget of more than millions of dollars is not for the “figures challenged” person.
We need an effective representative who understands that broad policies either empower or stifle creative progress toward a better community for all residents. A view larger than one’s own life experiences is most important.
We need an effective council person who is able to maintain a relationship of mutual respect and accountability with the city manager. The city manager cannot move the city forward without the support of the council. The council can accomplish nothing without the support of the city manager. Civility is essential.
We need bright, creative and educated persons who can use the nuts and bolts of government to implement the dreams circulating in the heart of Fernley. We need leaders who can work together, are honest and not underhanded and egotistical, who don’t represent special interest issues, and who are committed to what is best for all in Fernley.
I believe the candidates that have these abilities and can use them to implement policies and legislation and budget lines for real change (not just a mayoral campaign slogan) and are Elayne Logue Ward 1, Don Howard Ward 2 and Bob Smith Ward 4. These candidates have avoided the funding of special interest groups, have real business experience and clean background checks and reliable references. All things one checks when hiring a candidate for a job.
Respectfully submitted,
PJ Soto
Concerned Fernley Resident and Voter
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