It’s great to be the best

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Man, too much to cover this week.

OK, old business first. We had our debate among the candidates for the Reno City Council table. Watching the debate later on SNCAT, my honey said I looked twitchy when I was up at the podium, and I’ve got to admit, I was feeling a little high-strung. I’m a print guy, pure and simple, and I’ve got looks that were made for radio.

On the other hand, our format, 90-second-to-2-minute answers, worked wonderfully. The candidates, when they chose to speak directly to the question, were substantive. RN&R news editor Dennis Myers did a great job moderating. Sue Voyles of the RG-J did a fine job summing it up at http://edit.rgj.gannettonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061013/NEWS10/610130403/1016. RN&R intern Molly Hofmann puts her critical eye on the event on page 10.

Now, the Sparks candidates have asked SNCAT to conduct a debate for their City Hall races, and SNCAT has asked if we’d help out. Writing, as usual, on deadline, there are few details, but if SNCAT is able to get it on, the debate will likely be at the Sparks City Council chambers at 8 p.m. on Oct. 26 and broadcast live. Same format: Speed Debating.

Moving on: It’s that Best of Northern Nevada time again. Jeez, these things take a lot of work. Of course, it’s a labor of love. David Jayne, our art director, started working with artist Rick Sealock months ago. It looks really good. Congratulations to all the winners! As usual, it would be great to second-guess the public, but businesses and individuals who were able to get out the vote won in less-competitive categories. For the first time, every single e-mail address was verified, and I think this is the most accurate measurement of the Best of Northern Nevada we’ve ever done.

It’s a big job to put this thing online. Thanks to our operations team, including Ric Marques, Kelsey Falle and Aaron McCormack.