Mayoral candidates Ray Masayko and Marv Teixeira politely schmoozed for votes with a luncheon crowd of Carson City's upper crust Tuesday afternoon, each outlining their distinctive platforms for election.
A second-level banquet room at the Nugget Casino was packed with about 100 people for the political forum, hosted by the Carson City Noon Rotary Club.
Business owners and community leaders, including Carson City Supervisor Pete Livermore, Sheriff Kenny Furlong and Carson City Manager Linda Ritte,r sipped coffee, nibbled on fruit, and smiled as they watched the candidates sweat.
Incumbent Ray Masayko adjusted his tie when he lost the coin toss and Teixeira opted to speak second. He took one last look at his notes, cleared his throat, and began with praise for service clubs.
"You take pride in your projects," Masayko said to the well-groomed entrepreneurs and politicians. He told an innocuous joke, and got a few laughs.
He said "service above self" is his motto, and he wants to leave the city better than he found it.
He extolled the virtues of an open and accountable government, stressing that he is always accessible and responsive to his constituents.
Quality of life and civic service, low taxes and resident safety, Masayko said, are top priorities for the city.
Other crucial issues, he said, are ensuring the V&T Railroad and Highway 395 freeway projects stay on schedule.
"Thinking regionally," or working with other governments on issues affecting Carson City is key to the city's economic success, he said.
The sheriff's Musser Street facility is in inadequate condition, he said, and the city needs to firm up plans to rebuild it.
Masayko reiterated his availability.
"If you call me," Masayko said, I will get back to you and tell you what my views are and listen to your views."
Marv Teixeira, a blunt and quipping former Carson City mayor, opened with an appeal to women voters.
Last time he ran for mayor, he said, there was only one woman in the Rotary Club audience, and he is glad to see so many more.
He launched into an assault on the city's economic and physical condition prior to his taking office in 1989.
"We were struggling to make payroll," he said. "Downtown looked like Beirut. It was pathetic."
Teixeira emphasized teamwork, and not him alone, achieved a mountain of city improvements, including construction of the Carson City courthouse and jail, an increase in sales tax revenue, plans to build the Carson freeway, a new fleet of city vehicles and attraction of large retailers and downtown beautification.
"You might ask why I'm running again," he said. "Well, I'm an old beater, I love my community, my kids and my grandkids and I've been here 43 years."
He said he is disappointed with current city government, and its abandonment of development plans for a section of the fairgrounds adjacent to Fuji Park. The comment solicited no reaction from Masayko.
"We haven't made progress in some areas, and we've regressed in others," Teixeira said.
The city has spent too much taxpayer money on lawsuits and legal fees, he said, and officials aren't making adequate efforts to keep retailers from migrating to Douglas County.
Two large furniture retailers have abandoned their Carson City locations, he said, and retail sales revenue is down by $20 million this year.
"We're going to visit every retailer in town and ask them their long-term goals, short- term goals and concerns," he said. "If any retailer hints at leaving, we're on a plane to corporate. We cannot sit here and hope they come to us. We need to take care of business."
He said his "proven leadership, dedication, experience and passion will get Carson City back on track."
Contact Robyn Moormeister at rmoormeister@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
