First, I would like to thank the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada, Sierra Nevada Forums and AAUW Capital (NV) Branch and the Nevada Appeal for setting up this election forum.

As a candidate for the Mayor of Carson City I bring forth a better alternative, than suffering through another four years of traveling down the same old damaged streets that got us here. 

As your MAYOR – I will share information and ideas with citizens and work with them on agenda items. Together we can help to set up priorities and action plans for the community.

As Mayor, I support giving citizens a voice in the decision-making process that will shape our community, it is a top priority. Because citizen engagement will make our community better.

Some politicians realize there is political mileage in building more homes in their community. Which is evident by how much money my opponent has received from this group.

Developers should be charged for each new dwelling a flat fee that would go towards street repair in the community.

My opponent’s recent postcard boosted that she secured $16 million dollars in new federal road grants. I believe that City Staff should receive the credit for obtaining these funds. Yes, my opponent most likely will signed a one-piece of paper to receive these funds.  To be clear – not one penny of this $16 million dollars may be used on any of our deplorable Carson City Streets.

My opponent has allowed the Carson City Street deficit to increase to $21million dollars during her term. Decisions and taking any type of action were never taken. Her solution – was to create two new taxes. These new taxes will have little effect on the $21million dollar shortage. If my opponent is re-elected the new city-wide general improvement district tax (GID) could mysteriously appear.

Budgeting is one of the most important things local government does, budget reflects the vision, strategies, and priorities for the future of our community.

Budget decisions have a direct impact on citizens’ day-to-day lives, public participation in the budgeting process I highly recommend and encourage.   

As your Mayor City I believe in: Openness; Transparency and Accountability. I am very mindful of these facts and that the money within the City Budget comes directly from you the citizens and that the city government sole purpose is to “serve you the citizens”.

The more our city government can provide in the way of transparency, the more it increases trust, honesty, and integrity.

As your Mayor –   

I will restore respect and credibility to the office of Mayor

Lead by making local citizens interests and concerns a top priority

Need to create a check and balance on the spending of taxpayer dollars

Keep the community current on issues and trends affecting city government and their community

Support Carson City small businesses

Create an organizational culture to attract new businesses

Public Safety is the top priority

As your Mayor, I will work with the Board of Supervisors to reassess our priorities and continue to do so throughout each and every year. We can no longer defer making decisions, no more kicking the can down the road. When we see a crisis coming, we cannot fail to find solutions to each and every problem in a timely manner. 

Growth within our community presents challenges, maintaining our rural small-town charm must prevail. There is a strong attachment to our slower pace of life, we are a close-knit community. The needs of the residents who support their community with their hard-earned tax dollars, must be our top priority. It is family first and foremost.

Vote Jim Shirk for Mayor this will be a vote for the much-needed change for a better tomorrow.