Guest column: Civility at work

I attended a League of Women Voters' meeting last week ( October 16th). I may be have been dreaming, but people were mostly civil to each other. It was a refreshing change from so many discussions I've observed over the past two years. . . mostly angry shouting matches. Marilee Swirczek wrote recently about the "shout-out" at WNC which turned unruly when some opponents of the City Center Project started pushing and shoving an invited guest. I'm glad I wasn't there.

The League's planned program discussion was much more civil and the two speakers (one for and one against the City Center project) more respectful than heard on previous occasions.
The four candidates for the Board of Supervisors (BOS) also had an opportunity to make their pitch. It too, with the exception of one candidate, was mostly respectful and civil. Maud Naroll was the moderator and she did and excellent job of keeping people on point.

Phyllis Patton, from the library Board of Trustees, systematically outlined the purpose and need for a new, state-of-the art library, called a Knowledge Discovery Center. Ms Patton also explained that the project includes 105 high tech computers, work, study and meeting rooms in addition to a 180 seat auditorium and 12,000 square ft. of space for youth and teens. During these difficult economic times the City Center Project will work in strong partnership with the schools, the City's economic development endeavors and the Northern Nevada Economic Development Authority. It is a powerful coalition that will help our City grow and thrive at a time it's desperately needed. Ms Patton also corrected some misconceptions about finances, total debt limit and our ability to afford this action. We can.

Her opponent, Maurice White, started off in an attack mode, made points about not being able to afford the effort and emphasized that there were many unanswered questions. Ms Patton stood her ground, answered questions and was ladylike in her responses. Mr. White also stood his ground but toned down his attack mode. At the end the two shook hands and smiled. Civility at work.

I personally believe that citizens should vote "yes" on CC#1. Mr. White raised some legitimate questions but they will be answered as the project moves forward. It is doable at this time because of philanthropic help, because of low interest rates, because of the strong public and private leadership who want Carson City to grow. Now is the time.

The Board of Supervisors' (BOS) candidates discussion was also informative. They were well prepared and most made good points to indicate what they would do if elected or reelected to the Board. Brad Bonkowski was clear and appeared to have a good understanding of the role of the Board of Supervisors. He's an experienced local businessman and I believe would make a solid contribution to the city leadership team. His opponent, Dennis Johnson, struck me as being less clear about what he would bring to the Board. Mr. Bronkowski is the stronger candidate.

I was disappointed in Jim Shirk. I know Jim and work with him on the Carson City Cultural Commission. Generally a good man. But he attacked his opponent, Molly Walt, viciously and inappropriately for doing her job. The BOS are required to submit a balanced budget. They also have to do all they can to maintain productivity of staff. He criticized Ms Walt for supporting a balanced budget and merit pay. Ms 
Walt was doing her job. (See Rob Hooper's commentary in the Appeal of Sunday, October 21st). Mr. Shirk's criticism was unjustified. Additionally, most management specialists will tell you that one does not want to have a potential Board policy maker (Mr. Shirk) spending full time overseeing staff. It appears that this is what he intends to do if elected. It's confusing and not functional.

Molly Walt conducted herself as a professional, well informed, committed to serving the community and making substantive contributions to the well-being of the City and its staff. She should be returned to the BOS.
Remember to vote.

Eugene T. Paslov
Former State Superintendent of Schools
Retired President of Harcourt Education Assessment, Inc.
Current Board member of the Davidson Academy, UNR