Mesquite Monthly

The five candidates for Mesquite mayor recently answered the following three questions proposed from this newspaper.

The candidate’s responses are listed in alphabetical order.

The questions are:

1. What would you like to see for Mesquite in the next four years?

2. What is the best way to accomplish this?

3. What makes you the best person to get this done?

Bill Ennis

Bill Ennis

1 ­— My vision is a thriving, inclusive community where economic growth and development go hand-in-hand with improving the quality of life for all residents. I see a Mesquite that leads in business innovation, housing affordability, and community engagement. The ability to have a strong leadership team in place, to retain top city officials such as a City Manager, City Attorney and other key role positions, and to have more transparency within the city government.

2 ­— By leveraging my experience in executive leadership, I plan to create a business-friendly environment that not only attracts new enterprises but also supports the growth of existing ones, ensuring a thriving local economy. To bring in selected businesses that will help grow and sustain the tax base, so that a balanced budget is a true balanced budget, not having to take from one area to get a “balanced budget.”  I will collaborate closely with developers, non-profits and government programs to increase the supply of affordable homes, ensuring that all residents have access to quality housing options. I believe in transparent governance and plan to involve residents through regular town halls, surveys, and an open-door policy at the mayor’s office, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in all major decisions.

3 ­— My unique blend of leadership in large organizations, having served in the U.S. Navy for 42 years leading commands of over 4,000 personal worldwide and implementing budgets of $375 million, and a proven track record of turning financial negatives into positives equips me with the necessary skills to bring innovative solutions and tangible results to our community’s pressing issues. Along with my deep-rooted commitment to community service and extensive leadership experience, including my time in the U.S. Navy and being on the Finance Committee in Saratoga Springs, Utah, drive me to serve Mesquite. I aim to leverage my skills to enhance economic development and address our housing challenges.

Ronald Gagliano

Ronald Gagliano

1 ­— To make the city more transparent regarding all city business, hiring practices and eliminating the double standard that exists for new businesses. To review and revise city zoning and ordinances that are presently vague and ambiguous. To mitigate the growth that IS coming regardless of if we want it or not and to make sure it benefits all Mesquite Residents and rather than a select few. It is beyond our control, growth is coming. We need to plan now so when it gets here we are not caught unprepared.

2 ­— To bring in affordable housing for all who need it rather than constantly being stonewalled by special interests and city bureaucrats. I will work with city council members for the betterment of the community and use my extensive experience and knowledge to approve or deny any new developments.

To hire people with experience in the areas needed, by changing the way the city vet potential employees.  To list publicly, potential  employees for  upper management  positions, for all to see and comment on, something that is already being done around the country.

To bring in businesses to the industrial area of town that will benefit everyone and not just those who get the land at a discounted rate.

3 ­— I have been a successful business owner for many years and have experienced the ups and downs along with the challenges owning a business brings. I can confidently say that if we as a population have learned anything it is that business owners make better leaders than the career politicians that stay in office only for the benefits they receive rather than the desire to better their community.

I am 64 years old and have three kids 13, 18 and 35 years old so I realize both ends of the spectrum when it comes to keeping the integrity of a retirement community as well as the needs for the younger population. Because of my businesses and dealings with the city, I have boots on the ground and have experienced the issues that come with dealing with the city. I am running for mayor because I am passionate about our community and want to make a change that will benefit all, no matter what walk of life they may currently find themselves in.

Al Litman

Mayor Al Litman

1 ­— In 2017, the city council, myself, and a professional facilitator spent several days brainstorming and developing a medium range vision for Mesquite that would take us to 2030.  In four years, we will be nearly there. We, not just the mayor, are working towards the vision.  We see Mesquite on the way to completing the following .  We call this, our four pillars of success.  We will have increased our housing inventory that will meet the needs of our expanding workforce, we will have expanded our recreational and sports tourism offerings that will diversify our economy.  We will have seen the completion of several large mixed use developments that will create a hub in the downtown, along with an arts district.  We will have increased and enriched our existing pipelines to create a better prepared workforce. Through the expansion of the S.T.E.A.M. Center this pillar will be well underway. We will have maintained our small city character, our family values, and still be rated the safest city in Nevada.  Will there be bumps in the road?  Probably, but I am prepared to face them successfully in reaching our vision.

2 ­—The best way to accomplish this is to remain on the path to success that we started by not changing our vision until we have achieved it. Too often in the past councils forgot where they were going and became side tracked. As mayor, I will see that we remain steady in our direction so we can achieve this vision of success.

3 ­— In the years I have been mayor, I have never made false promises just to obtain votes. I am not under the influence of any group. I have no personal agenda to fulfill, and no special interests that would cause me to change directions. I have the experience needed to reach our vision and am a critical thinker that puts Mesquite ahead of any personal ego. Along with this is common sense. I know I have that skill set. A competent mayor must have excellent communication skills, both in writing and verbally.  I have those skills.  A competent mayor should have strong management skills.  I have those skills, but most of all, a competent mayor must be able to relate to the people and I have those skills. The duties of the mayor bring he or she into frequent contact with government officials from local to federal. Their support is essential in maintaining a city.  I have the skills to do this and have for the past 10 years.

Nicklaus Montey

Nicklaus Montey

1 ­— I envision Mesquite as a vibrant, inclusive community where our seniors, retirees, and families all enjoy a high quality of life, supported by low taxes, robust public safety, and thriving local businesses. Economic development will be a key focus, with efforts to attract new businesses and create local job opportunities. Enhancing public engagement and ensuring efficient use of city resources are also top priorities.

2 ­— To achieve this vision, we need to:

• Maintain low taxes to ease the financial burden on our residents, especially those on fixed incomes.

• Properly fund our public servants to ensure safety and efficient services.

• Balance the budget through responsible spending and reducing waste.

• Promote economic development by attracting businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs.

• Create local opportunities by fostering partnerships between the city, businesses, and community organizations.

• Ensure better use of city resources through continuous improvement and accountability.

3 ­— My dedication to public service, coupled with a clear understanding of Mesquite’s unique needs, positions me to effectively lead our community. I bring experience in strategic planning, fiscal management, and community engagement.

My commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness will ensure that every resident feels valued and heard. Together, we can move Mesquite forward, making it an even better place to live and retire.

Terry Spriggs

Terry Spriggs

1 ­— From the various listening sessions I have held with Mesquite voters, there are three areas of concern that keep topping the list: 1) transparency in our local government. It came as a surprise to many that the City of Mesquite seems to have unfilled vacancies for important jobs such as city attorney and city manager. According to the city’s website, one of those jobs (city attorney) shows no activity on the city attorney calendar since February 2022. People have asked, where’s the transparency? As your mayor, I will provide the transparency and leadership our voters are requesting. 2) Concerns about growth. Some have asked: “Is Mesquite growing too fast?” Others have asked: “Is Mesquite growing fast enough?” And some have even suggested turning Mesquite into a mini version of St George. As your Mayor, I will support growth that is well-reasoned and seeks to maintain our small-town character. 3) Concerns about housing. An 8NewsNow article from December 2023 said that Nevadans need $13,300 more just to live like they did in 2021, according to a recent analysis. A Google search today says that in 2022, the average home buyer in the Las Vegas Valley had a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $1,461; due to higher prices and mortgage rates, that same home as of March 2024 would now have a monthly payment of $2,151, representing a jump of 47.2 percent. We can assume similar cost increases for Mesquite. As your mayor, my larger concern over the next four years will be a housing slow-down, and a potential economic downturn for Mesquite, and our economy as a whole. Mesquite deserves a leader who understands and is willing to factor in these important economic realities so we can position our community for success, now, and moving forward.

2 ­— The best path forward is increased transparency. Voters have told me they want access to better, more reliable, and more informative communication. For example, the weekly video from the mayor’s office, as well-meaning as it is, reaches less than 1% of our population. Over the past 12 months, viewership has averaged approximately 150 views per video, and is declining.

To improve transparency and communication, I will launch a mayor’s e-mail newsletter, so you’ll be able to opt-in and stay informed with regular e-mail communications.

3 ­— I listen. One thing I’ve learned during this campaign is our businesses, workers, families, and retirees want to be heard, not told. They want to be asked, not second-guessed. Mesquite wants a mayor who expects the best for our city. Someone who is prepared for the challenges that could arise over the next four years. Someone who will provide the kind of leadership Mesquite requires today, tomorrow, and moving forward. Please visit my website: MoveMesquiteForward.com to watch my video and learn more about my dedication to this amazing community we have all chosen to call home.

Jesse Whipple

Jesse Whipple

1 ­— Develop a plan for housing. Not just one type of housing, but a variety, from government-assisted housing to single-family residences and starter homes.

Further our sports tourism by maximizing the use of our facilities benefiting visitors and locals.

Work towards the development of our downtown area.

Pinpoint the needs of our citizens and target those business that could fulfill those needs.

Keep our Police and Fire Departments and other First Responders fully staffed or nearly as possible. 

2 ­— I would like to use our land assets to get the housing we want. Whether that be using that land for the housing or exploring options to trade it for land that would better suit our needs. Working with our local contractors and our building department to explore ways to incentivize homeownership for those looking to make their homes and careers in Mesquite.

I believe we have been neglecting our parks and recs department. I think they have great ideas about the development of our recreation tourism and I think with the right support they can thrive. With the addition of new staff and the freedom to implement new revenue generating ideas and perhaps the addition of new facilities.

I think the answer to the development of our downtown is collaboration. We need to create a plan that not only benefits the city but will also benefits the businesses that would come to the downtown. I would talk to other cities and see what’s worked for them as well as work with contractors to see what the city can do to make their ventures profitable.

I would work with our citizens to see what they feel the needs of our city are. What kinds of businesses we need. Then we would develop an action plan to get those businesses to Mesquite. Mesquite has a lot to offer and I would do my best to sell those businesses on our great city.

I will work closely with Chief Andrus and Chief Chesley to assure our Police and Fire Departments have the resources they need.

3 ­— I have never been in politics and I will have a lot to learn. I’m sure I will make mistakes and fail; I have done that before and I know how to learn from setbacks and keep going. I’m willing to learn and to work with our great city council and city employees to get things done. In business I’m always trying to get the most for my money and I will take the same approach as mayor. My approach would be to work with businesses to get what we want first, and spend tax payer money second. I feel my greatest strength is my ability to work with others, I know I’m not always right and I’m willing to go with the best ideas. I grew up in this city, I love this city, and I am invested in this city.