Bagwell to seek McKenna’s supervisor seat

Lori Bagwell, a Carson City restaurant owner and former government worker, announced Thursday that she plans to run for the city’s Board of Supervisors.

She will seek the seat representing Ward 3 that is held by John McKenna. McKenna intends to seek re-election, saying the city is in transition and that there is more work to be done.

Bagwell didn’t mention McKenna in her news release, focusing on her own credentials.

“As a volunteer for various charities, civic committees and a small-business owner, I am well aware of the challenges facing the people of Carson City, as well as the government,” she said. She said her vision is one of sensible growth, treasuring the past while moving forward in a cost-effective manner “without extensive fee and tax hikes.”

Bagwell and her husband, Jim, own Charley’s Grilled Subs at Carson Mall.

A 45-year resident of Carson City, she worked in state government for two decades and spent six years working at the Association of Counties. She has served on the Board of Equalization, which handles property tax issues, and the Redevelopment Advisory Citizens Committee.

McKenna, a certified public accountant, is in his first term and said he intends to seek a second. He was a longtime member of the Carson City School Board before winning the Ward 3 supervisor seat.

“I’m going to run,” he said. “We’re still in transition. I don’t like to leave things unfinished.”

The five-member board is made up of a mayor and four supervisors. Each supervisor comes from one of four wards, but all five on the board are voted on citywide by the entire electorate in both the primary and general elections. Only wards 1 and 3 are up for grabs in 2014. Karen Abowd is the Ward 1 supervisor. Official filing for the post doesn’t begin until March.