Sunday, May 19, 2024
RENO — So far, Reno voters seem to be having a more relaxed election season than last year.
In the mayoral and city council elections of 2023, all races were contested, and there was plenty of campaigning and rallying on social media. This year, there doesn’t appear to be much politicking on Facebook, and though three seats are up for re-election, only one race is contested.
Current Reno City Council member Joy Jenkins is running to retain her spot in Place 5 but is being challenged by Planning and Zoning Commission Secretary Justin Williams. Jenkins was appointed to the council last year after former member Jeff Davis stepped down.
Meanwhile, Mayor Pro Tem Shelli Swift and P&Z Chairperson Kevin Vandenberg are running unopposed for Places 3 and 1, respectively, and are expected to win by default. Current council member Hernando Herrera originally filed to retain his spot in Place 1 but is no longer listed on the ballot.
Reno City Council can approve new ordinances and make decisions on development in the city. Members are also in charge of adopting a city budget every year as well as the tax rate.
Election Day is Saturday, May 4, and early voting runs Monday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 30.
The Tri-County Reporter asked the candidates vying for Place 5 on the Reno City Council to tell us about themselves and their goals. Check out their responses (by last name alphabetical order):
Name: Joy Jenkins
Occupation: Before retiring, I was the office manager at HealthFirst in Azle, now Texas Health.
In 100 words or less, tell us about your education: After graduating from Brady High School, I attended Tarrant County College for one year. I also gained a lot of knowledge through my informal education, which came from working and raising a family. Working taught me how to manage my time efficiently, problem solve and communicate effectively with others. Raising a family taught me the importance of patience, empathy and selflessness. These life skills have shaped me into the well-rounded person I am today.
In 100 words or less, tell us about your community involvement: Giving back to my community has always been important to me. I have volunteered for Relay for Life and have also volunteered for the Azle High School Drama Booster Club during my granddaughter’s senior year. In addition, I have organized and/or participated in canned food drives to support the Community Caring Center and community events such as the Scenic Wood Fourth of July celebration, Reno Trunk or Treat and Reno’s Founder’s Day. Giving back to my community has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience, and I plan to continue making a positive impact in any way I can.
In 100 words or less, tell us about your family: My husband, John, and I have been married for 50 wonderful years. We are blessed with three children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. As our family grows, we are grateful that most of them have chosen to remain in this area we call home.
In 300 words or less, describe why you are running for a place on Reno City Council, and what experience you are bringing to the position.
I am running for Reno City Council because I have seen firsthand the changes and growth that have taken place in our area. While some of these changes have been positive, others have left citizens feeling disregarded and their concerns overlooked. I will represent those who have been ignored, ensure that their hard-earned money is used efficiently and that their community remains recognizable amidst the growth.
During my time on the council, I have worked closely with my fellow council members and the mayor to pass a tight budget, propose a tree ordinance and challenge developers to build out their subdivisions in ways that represent the quality of life we expect in our great city.
Additionally, I have pushed for financial and records transparency. I believe citizens have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. My experience in management, problem-solving, balancing budgets, customer service and communication has equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively serve the community. I am not afraid to ask important questions and push for change when needed. I know the importance of being good stewards and leaving the world in a better shape for the future generations. We cannot be reactive to growth and change. The decisions we make now will impact the future of our city, and that is why it is crucial for council members to be proactive and address issues that directly impact the lives of citizens.
In 300 words or less, what goals do you have that you feel will help serve residents in Reno?
As a member of the city council, my main focus will be to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. We must work to address any potential issues that may arise in the future and close any gaps in our current ordinances that could potentially harm us in the long run. By doing so, we can create a solid foundation for the future and protect our community from unforeseen consequences.
I am particularly passionate about the preservation of our environment. By enhancing developer’s agreements to include a tree preservation ordinance that eliminates clearcutting, we can protect the natural beauty of our city for future generations.
In addition, I believe it is crucial to clarify requirements for new developments in our community. Some of these regulations would include specific ingress and egress requirements to address traffic flow concerns, encouraging developers to invest in our community by donating land or money toward the creation of parks and nature trails, for new developments to retain our rural atmosphere.
In conclusion, my time on city council is dedicated to making our community a better place for everyone. By closing gaps in our ordinances, encouraging environmental preservation and working with developers to create sustainable and attractive neighborhoods, I am confident that we can achieve this goal. I am committed to serving the needs of our community and making decisions that will have a positive impact for years to come.
Name: Justin Williams
Occupation: Construction
In 100 words or less, tell us about your education: (Williams opted not to answer this question.)
In 100 words or less, tell us about your community involvement: Resident/father/currently sit on Planning and Zoning
In 100 words or less, tell us about your family: (Williams opted not to answer this question.)
In 300 words or less, describe why you are running for a place on Reno City Council, and what experience you are bringing to the position.
The current council votes against growth. If we do not grow and bring in new families, the city will go bankrupt.
We barely have an infrastructure, and we barely have code enforcement.
I want to help clean up the city, get rid of the crime and drugs and make Reno a great place to raise children.
The north side of town gets all the attention. It’s time to make it even all across the board. Keep Reno clean.
In 300 words or less, what goals do you have that you feel will help serve residents in Reno?
Goals: crack down on unsightly residences. Patch and repair potholes and roads. Bring in new residents. Bring back unity to city council. Work with police and fire to make sure they have all the resources that they need to best perform their duties.
CLEAN UP RENO.
