Growing up in rural Nevada, I have seen Washoe County grow. I can remember when the Spanish Springs community was developing. I remember when NDOT widened the I-80 freeway by the University of Nevada, Reno. The growth of the county has not been without growing pains. We are seeing a lot of congestion on our roads, and a lack of infrastructure. 

We live in a desert and in a constant state of drought. Our land and air and water are precious resources that need to be protected. While serving on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council, I was honored to see the implementation of the Truckee River Water Operating Agreement. This historic agreement ensures all water-users on the Truckee River are working together on the management of the river. This also means the Truckee River should not be over allocated.

We need to be responsible with our growth and development. It seems the county is quick to approve developments, and think about the infrastructure after the fact. We need to be good neighbors and think about the cumulative effects of these decisions. This also means not leaving our rural communities out of the discussions and ensure they are not an afterthought.

Our elders, children, and people with disabilities deserve equal protection and care. I am a firm believer that all our citizens deserve to be respected and cared for, especially those that cannot speak for themselves. My sister is a person with disabilities, and growing up I helped my mother take care of my sister. She taught me about compassion. As your Washoe County Commissioner, I will advocate to ensure our elders, children, and people with disabilities have access to adequate services. 

I have worked part-time at Orangetheory Fitness for the past two years. My fitness journey has been a life-long journey. From my heaviest at 320 pounds to where I am now, I am proud of my fitness goals that I have accomplished. It is a constant work in progress. I love the affects working out has on my health and overall wellness and well-being. As your Washoe County Commissioner, I will advocate for programs that promote healthy-living and wellness. This includes both physical and mental wellness.

It was stated during a North Valleys Community Advisory Board meeting that the current District 5 Commissioner has not had the chance to serve as the Chair of the Washoe County Commission. It is important that all the District Commissioners have equal opportunities to serve in the leadership roles as Chair and Vice Chair. To help address this, I would advocate for a rotating schedule for the Chair and Vice Chair positions for each District. This takes the politics out of who is in the position, but rather allowing each District to serve in the roles as Chair and Vice Chair.

It is important for the citizens of Washoe County to be informed about what decisions are being made. I understand that not everyone can attend the Washoe County Commission meetings in-person or do not have the time to review a 3-hour meeting online. As Washoe County Commissioner, I will commit to holding quarterly town hall meetings throughout District 5 to inform the citizens on what is happening with the Washoe County Commission. These town halls will allow citizens to ask questions and get more information-in a more open setting.

I would also advocate time for the Community Advisory Board (CAB) representatives to meet with the full Washoe County Commissioners. The CABs are the backbone of the county, and serve a vital role in working with their representative communities. It is time for our communities’ voices to be heard.