New group forms to discuss Carson City issues

School funding and its impact on education will be the first topic of a free discussion forum starting up Wednesday in downtown Carson City.

Ideas On Tap plans to tackle all kinds of issues in an open, informal venue where everyone can speak their mind.

The event, being organized by Carson City resident Mike Smith, will be held the first Wednesday of every month from 6-7:30 p.m. in the lounge at Battle Born Social.

Smith said he hopes to engage everyone in a public discussion of topics that matter to the community.

“I want it to be an informal, relaxed atmosphere. I want people to have civil discussion and treat each other with respect even if you don’t agree. I want to foster a better understanding of each other,” said Smith. “That’s the whole premise of Ideas on Tap.”

To do that, Smith plans to host each meeting, usually with a panel of people knowledgeable on the issue who can address the topic and then take part in a discussion with attendees.

Carson City School District Superintendent Richard Stokes, for example, will sit on the first panel to discuss school funding just weeks before the new school year starts, said Smith.

Going forward, Smith said other topics might include voter apathy or a discussion of why the Board of Supervisors meets during the day when it’s difficult for most citizens to attend.

Smith plans to solicit ideas for new topics from participants at each meeting, choose one, and bring together the right people or information to discuss it at the next event.

“I’ll invite the experts,” he said.

The events are free and people can order drinks and food from Battle Born in the lounge, if they want, or simply attend.

Smith said the goal is to open up the lines of communication again.

“It’s about getting to know people and building community capacity,” he said.