Sparks Council says attorney’s past would not have changed their vote

Friday, Jan. 17, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

But that knowledge would not have changed their regard or opinion of Adams' ability to do the job, they said.

Adams admits he had a problem with alcohol, but said he has since changed his ways and regained control of his life.

His criminal history from Oregon and Nevada includes two drunken driving convictions, several public intoxication offenses and one charge of resisting arrest that was dismissed, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported on Friday.

The last violation was in 1985 - 12 years ago. Since then, colleagues and officials said Adams' record has been impeccable and he has proven himself to be an effective leader and attorney.

"Yes, I have screwed up in the past, and as painful as this all has been - and as much as I have to lose - the voters should be aware of it," Adams told the newspaper.

"I'm not going to hide from it anymore. I have worked hard to turn my life around and to be an asset to the citizens who have entrusted me," he said.

Adams was appointed city attorney earlier this month to fill the unexpired term of Steve Elliott, who won election to Washoe District Court. He has said he plans to run for a full, four-year term when city elections are held in June.

Adams said he told Sparks Mayor Bruce Breslow and City Manager Terry Reynolds of his past before agreeing to accept the mayor's recommendation to become the city's lead counsel.

Both Breslow and Reynolds said it was not up to them to inform other council members.

"I'm not sure it's even relevant because of the length of time involved," Reynolds said.

Other council members said the information would not have swayed their opinion of Adams.

"Maybe it would have been better if we had known, but it wouldn't have made a difference," said Councilman Tony Armstrong. "He is honest, hard working and faithful. That's the kind of guy Chet is."

Councilman Phil Zive said he did not appreciate learning of Adams' past from an outsider.

"But I have never doubted Chet's ability," Zive said. "If he is strong enough to get through this in the past, then he is a strong person."

Councilwoman Cindy Henderson said the criminal history was nobody's business.