October 18 is Candidates’ Night

The 2022 General Election local candidates’ night will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. at the Fallon Convention Center.  

The Fallon Post, Lahontan Valley News, and Lahontan Broadcasting are sponsoring the event along with the Churchill County Republican Central Committee. Gary Smith, CCRCC Chairman will be the moderator with Rachel Dahl, publisher of The Fallon Post, and Steve Ranson, editor emeritus of The Lahontan Valley News as the panelists.

Profiles for the candidates may be found in the Lahontan Valley News and The Fallon Post. The responses will also be posted online and on each newspaper’s Facebook page.

If any statewide candidates or their representatives wish they can bring campaign literature to hand out and they may talk to their local constituents in the lobby.

The following local candidates did not draw an opponent, but they will be on the general election ballot. Robert Getto, public administrator; Art Mallory, district attorney; Tasha Hessey, recorder; Denise Mondhink-Felton, assessor; and Linda Rothery, clerk/treasurer.

Kelly Frost was re-elected to the Fallon City Council in June.

Candidates are vying for three offices: Fallon City Council Ward 3, Churchill County Sheriff, and the Churchill County School Board. The order for the night begins with the city council at 6 p.m. followed by the sheriff’s position at 6:45 p.m. The school board wraps up the evening at 7:30 p.m.

The three races are nonpartisan.

Two candidates are seeking the city council seat vacated by three-term councilman, James Richardson who has reached his term limit. Paul W. Harmon and Geoffrey Knell filed for city council.

In his returned questionnaire, Harmon said he’s a person who can make sound decisions to make Fallon safe and a good place to call home. “I feel that with an open line of communication I can help the mayor and council in making sound decisions to continue to make Fallon safe and a proud place to call home,” said Harmon, who’s currently employed by the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Knell did not submit his questionnaire, however his response to the request is included in this guide.

Two candidates are seeking the position of Churchill County Sheriff. Sheriff Richard Hickox is seeking his second term as the county’s top law enforcement officer with Daniel Sharp challenging him for the position.

In answers to his questionnaire, Hickox replied that during his career with the CCSO, he has held the rank of deputy, corporal investigator, sergeant, investigations sergeant, and captain. Hickox said he enjoys his role as the county’s sheriff. “I love this community, I love being part of this agency and I have proudly been that voice and that defender for 24 years and would love to continue to serve, protect and give back to my community.”

Daniel Sharp did not return his questionnaire.

Incumbents seeking another term on the school board are Matt Hyde and Amber Casey-Getto. Newcomers seeking a seat as a trustee include Julie Goetsch-Guerrero, Walter Henderson, Joe McFadden, Bill Post, and Ivy Ward. The school board race is nonpartisan.

Hyde has been a trustee for the past eight years and if re-elected, he will serve his third and last term. “I have been a board member with a focus on student achievement from day one,” he said in his questionnaire. Hyde is also a member of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Control Board.

Getto is serving her first term on the board. “I am running for re-election because I am determined to continue the work put in place by the board,” she stated in her questionnaire. “Over the past two years, the governance team has worked diligently to realign policy and set goals that focus strictly on student achievement.”

Julie Goetsch-Guerrero, a 22-year county resident, is the Administrative Services Manager for Churchill County and also has experience in several civic organizations. “My experience has given me a solid foundation coupled with a vested interest in the improvement of our school district,” she said in her questionnaire. “I would be humbled with the opportunity to represent our community and put my knowledge and skills to use as a trustee.”

Joe McFadden moved to Fallon as a student in 1998 and is a managing member of McFadden Electric. “I feel there is a need for grounded, logical leadership that aligns with Fallon values,” he replied in his questionnaire. “My goals are to ensure every student is given the highest level of education possible, make sure graduating students have the tools to lead a successful life, and pursue a strong stance on the anti-bullying and discipline policy.

Bill Post began his TV and radio broadcasting career in 1979 and served as a state representative in the Oregon Legislature before relocating to Churchill County when his wife took a job teaching at Numa. “I see quite a few issues that need to be addressed in our school district and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work for our kid’s futures, for our teacher’s benefit, and for the overall good of this great community,” he said in his questionnaire. Post said he loves Churchill County and wants to make a difference.

Ivy Ward, a Churchill County High School graduate, credits her experiences in the valley for her success. “I am running for school board because I believe that I can help improve our school district,” she wrote in her questionnaire. “I care about our kids, and I want them to have a great experience going to school. Our teachers need to know that we support them and our parents.”

Walter Henderson is a retired employee of the Churchill County School District and a Classified Employees Representative. He did not submit a questionnaire due to a family illness but plans to be at candidates’ night.

For those who are unable to attend, Candidates’ Night will be aired on KKTU (99.5 FM) and streamed live on the internet at network1sports.com. beginning at 6 p.m.