The times, they aren't a-changin'

Welcome to this week's Reno News & Review.

I'm watching the KNPB/RGJ mayoral debate. Only two or three of these people who feel they're qualified to lead the city seemed to have at least considered what the issues are and how they might solve them. Firefighters? Homeless? Marijuana dispensaries? Health benefits for new employees?

What the hell is going on with these people? Anjeanette Damon seemed to be the only one who was prepared to discuss simple questions, and she was just asking them. Why couldn't we at least have some candidates speak English? And what was with those people who had to look into the audience to see whether to raise their hands on yes or no questions.

The biggest issues of the day, and it appears they have never had conversations on these topics before.

This is inane. It's obvious that they see Hillary Schieve as the person to beat, attacking her for decisions past City Councils have made, but if we were to judge her on the intelligence of her responses, instead of the beauty of her campaign signs, I'm not sure that would be the case. In fact, it seemed funny that the two themes I heard most were “we need change” and “I'm so plugged in.” Sometimes, it was the same person who was making both claims.

I've interacted with about a third of the candidates at some point and on some level. We don't really play the corporate-player game around here, so if we're interacting, it's one on one, and it's not about being a member of some club I wouldn't join. Some of these candidates I've even considered friends or allies at one time or another.

Can I point out something obvious? Every time I hear one of these people tell me their business bona fides qualify them to be mayor, I want to gag. Every single problem this city has—and I am not exaggerating—goes back to an overbearing business influence on our city government. Government is not business, and decisions that are good for business have been horrible for our city's citizens.