Mayor announces, Capitol Beverage owner a definite maybe

Ray Masayko announced Monday he will seek a second term as Carson City's mayor.

"Ask my bosses to give me this job for another four years," he said.

Masayko, 55, made the announcement quietly Monday afternoon, ending speculation to what he called the "worst kept secret in town."

Masayko had considered running for the Assembly District 40 seat occupied by Carson City school teacher Bonnie Parnell.

"More than anything, I have a commitment to this," Masayko said. "I couldn't make a snap decision just because of the stature of the people who asked me to run (for Parnell's seat.)"

Being Carson's mayor was Masayko's first foray into the political arena. He was elected in 1996, capturing 51 percent of the vote to defeat opponent Pat Quinn-Davis. Since his election, he said he and the board of supervisors have kept the freeway on track "despite delays and a few butterflies" and have focused on creating "efficient and cost effective government."

"I like doing it," he said. "It takes both time and effort which I have. I have the time necessary to serve the constituency. My desire and focus are with doing this job for Carson City voters."

During his tenure he said there has been more of a focus on enhanced public safety and long-range planning for the city. He also said communications between residents and city government officials has increased.

"We changed the way we do business," he said. "We're listening to what (residents) have to say. We're very diligent in responding to constituents."

Masayko had just retired from Sierra Pacific Power Co. after 19 years when he decided to run for mayor.

"The job was vacant, and I had just retired," he said. "I spent my life in customer services and wanted to give something back to the community. I had the time and some skills."

Masayko declined to comment on his potential opponents.

"I'm a candidate for the job, but I'm not running against anyone," he said. "I'm just asking my bosses to re-elect me for another four years."

Kurt Brown, a Carson resident since 1973 and owner of Capital Beverages, said Monday he was asked to run for mayor as well.

"I have been contemplating it," he said. "I'm serious enough to have given it some serious thought. I'm very gratified that people have that much confidence with me."

Brown said he was considering running because "the current mayor has not given the city a vision of what Carson needs or where Carson should be going."

"At least I think I would have a vision for the city. There would be some direction, and there's none now," Brown said. "I'm a listener. I have leadership qualities. I have the ability to work with different groups."

Brown was mum on when he would announce his intent to run or not.

Tom Fettic, a former Carson City supervisor and state assemblyman, said recently he is considering a run for mayor. He said he plans on making a decision before the May 1 filing date.

City supervisors Pete Livermore and Kay Bennett considered running for mayor, but both have bowed out.

Bennett has cited the time demands of a growing business with the airport in Silver Springs as a reason for leaving her supervisor post after 12 years. Livermore, supervisor for Ward 3, said he believes he needs to finish the term and the job to which residents elected him before seeking a higher office.