Saying goodbye to Mayor Masayko

As a blanket of cold snow fell outside, the lobby of City Hall Thursday was transformed into a warm, buzzing party lounge full of rosy-cheeked well-wishers bidding farewell to their favorite politician.

Ray Masayko, Carson City's mayor for the last eight years, serves his last day in office Sunday. He said his final goodbyes in front of the city government offices, where he spent two terms answering phone calls, contemplating policy and making deals.

City employees held an open house reception in his honor, where dozens of Masayko's friends and constituents shook his hand, clapped him on the shoulder and thanked him for his public service.

"He did a good job as mayor," said Carson City District Court Judge Bill Maddox standing by a table full of tasty hors d' oeuvres. "He couldn't have worked harder."

He said Masayko's work on the freeway extension deal with the Nevada Department of Transportation was exemplary of his commitment to the good of Carson City.

"Carson City is losing and Ray is winning," Carson City resident Ed Harris said chatting with his friend Bud Southard, also a Masayko supporter.

"Ray doesn't leave anybody out," said Southard, who met Masayko through the Carson City Navy League, of which Masayko is a member. "He's a nice guy."

Carson City Humane Society President Isabel Young was eager to express her appreciation of the longtime mayor.

"He's always been very supportive of us," Young said. "He never put us off."

Everyone canvassed said Masayko consistently returned his calls, no matter who needed him. He didn't discriminate.

"Ray has been steadfast in looking out for the interest of the average citizen," said Carson City Development Services Director Andy Burnham. "He always asked 'How can you make the government service the average citizen?' and 'How can the city provide efficient and inexpensive service?' That's a neat philosophy to have."

"This is quite an honor," Masayko said between jovial greetings at the lobby's front door.

Masayko and his wife, Dianne, have lived in Carson City since 1984.

Masayko grew up in Hawthorne, graduated from Mineral County High School, and attended the University of Nevada, Reno and Western Nevada Community College.

He retired from Sierra Pacific Power Co. in January 1996, ending a 25-year career as a senior customer services manager, prior to his seeking election as mayor. The Masaykos have four grown children between them and five grandchildren.

As for plans and political aspirations, he said, he doesn't have any now, but "never say never."

"I'm going to re-assess for a while," Masayko said Tuesday. "I'll spend this time in private life."

Contact reporter Robyn Moormeister at rmoormeister@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

swearing-in ceremonies

• Carson City swearing-in ceremony for newly elected city officials at 8:30 a.m. in Judge William Maddox's courtroom, second floor Carson City Courthouse, 885 E. Musser St.

• Swearing-in ceremony for newly elected state officials, at 1:30 p.m. at the Nevada Supreme Court, 201 S. Carson St.

• Douglas County swearing-in ceremony at 8:30 a.m. in the old courthouse, followed by reception and organizational meeting.