"There are several projects I've been personally involved with in getting going, like Legends and redevelopment areas and completing Oddie Boulevard, that I would like to see through to the grand opening," Schmitt said. "I've gained a lot of knowledge in city, state and national affairs and wish to continue to bring my expertise."
Schmitt is among the five candidates for city government who have submitted paperwork since the filing period opened Monday.
Sparks residents who would like to become involved with city government, or incumbents in office hoping for re-election, can now file at the Sparks City Clerk's office. The filing period closes May 16.
Voters will have the opportunity to fill seats for three City Council members, the city attorney and municipal judge district 1.
As of Monday, candidates include Schmitt and fellow incumbent council member Ron Smith, City Attorney Chet Adams, Municipal Court Judge Barbara McCarthy and business owner Julia Ratti, who is seeking Councilman John Mayer's Ward 1 position.
Council members serve four-year terms.
Schmitt said he would also like to continue working to bring forth ideas for developing the Victorian Square area now that the city and Trammell Crow have dissolved their agreement for a condominium project. But there are other aspects to city government in Sparks of which he is particularly proud.
"I think we've come a long way with our quality of standards with residents and businesses," Schmitt said. "We also work cooperatively with regional planning for long-term growth."
Ward 3 Councilman Smith, the newest member on the council with two years of experience during his first term, said he's enjoyed learning about city affairs and effecting many of the commercial changes that have established Sparks' reputation as a good community in which to live.
"We've been focused on the branding of Sparks," he said. "Sparks is doing so many good things and we want people to know we're not 'East Reno' and there are a couple of things programs where we're doing exactly that.
"I work really hard and I've got seasoned people to help me with a campaign, and I love the people (of Sparks)," he said.
Smith won against Judy Moss in the regular election in 2006 and has served a shortened term but, like Schmitt, he feels there's more to do.
"This is a good time for the council and the City of Sparks," Smith said. "We have the Legends, the Golden Eagle (Regional Park) sports complex — all kinds of things — and we're making tough decisions. This is when Sparks is changing and moving forward and I really want to be a part of it."
Smith said so far during his tenure coming to an agreement about financing the Legends development has been one of the most trying tasks, especially when government entities move at a slower pace than expected. But all in all, he finds his position as a city leader rewarding.
"It makes me proud to see Golden Eagle and Legends, things that other people aren't doing," Smith said. "I have people coming up to me and they say, 'You guys are doing a good job,' and that means more to me than anything."
City Attorney Chet Adams is seeking a third four-year term and said his expertise on municipal law and the inner workings of Sparks makes him best suited for the seat.
"My office has achieved a criminal prosecution rate of over 96 percent, and on the civil side we've paid out one-half to 1 percent of all claims brought to the City of Sparks, and we've given our clients as much training and advice on preventative law," Adams said. "And we've helped the city grow; we've been extensively involved in the RED Development project. We have our fingerprints all over everything ...."
Adams said it's "ultimately up to the voters" to decide whether he should remain in office. Last year, the council was required to release an investigative report regarding alleged misconduct by Adams
Previous tensions between the city attorney and the council arose after the Lazy 8 controversy in 2006 when councilmembers first opposed the construction of Harvey Whittemore's proposed casino in Sparks. Adams recommended settling out of court a $100 million lawsuit threat Whittemore lodged against the council.
Adams said in times of conflict and disagreement with other leaders, as a member of the executive branch of city government he should remain independent so he can best perform as a legal expert.
"I do not think the citizens of Sparks want a city attorney who's simply going to rubber-stamp the ashes of the legislative branch," Adams said. "I think the way our charter is set up is to recognize that the city attorney has to be independent and has to be able to provide legal advice, irregardless of whether they're popular or politically expedient or commercially valuable to any business in the community.
"If that's the type of city attorney they want, then I believe I have a very good chance (at re-election)," he added.
Last year's legislative session, in which there was discussion of whether to change Sparks' charter to make the city attorney position appointed rather than elected, was a very trying time for Adams.
On the other hand, Adams said he is proud that he has been able to represent the Sparks Police Department and law enforcement officials "who put their lives on the line every day."
New to the electoral process, Julia Ratti, owner of Strategic Management Services, said she intends to campaign on public safety, investing in parks and recreation and helping to develop the downtown district.
"I just think we need to take a step back, assess the market and see what we can do to make things better," Ratti said. "But I still believe there will be a time in Sparks' future where we can play downtown ... and moving City Hall downtown is a good thing."
Ratti said since November, when she unofficially declared her candidacy for the seat, she has spent time talking to citizens about their priorities.
If elected, Ratti would fill Mayer's seat. Mayer will have reached his term limits by the end of the year.
The position of municipal judge is a six-year term.
To file, applicants must be a resident of Sparks as of April 16, 2008, be a registered voter with the City of Sparks and reside in Sparks — or ward, if a candidate for City Council — for their term.
For more information, visit www.ci.sparks.nv.us.
Post a Comment