City elections on tap today

Tom Gardner

Tuesday, June 3, 1997 | 11:32 a.m.

A handful of city elections are being decided today across rural Nevada, including one in which an Ely Council member is seeking a full term after his appointment put the jobs of three fellow members in jeopardy.

George Chachas, who was recalled as mayor in 1994 and fell short in a run for the commission last November, was appointed in February, sparking the recall targeting Charlie Basso, Georgiann Timko and Dorothy Phillips.

Basso and Phillips successfully challenged the recall in court. Timko is not seeking re-election on Tuesday. Phillips has two years left in her term.

The election pits Chachas against Randy Conner, who said the Council needs new ideas. Basso tested his political support against Jean Kneese. Timko's seat was contested by Lettie McLaughlin and John Ferrari. He left the Council in 1995 after serving four years.

In Elko, two incumbents are among the five candidates seeking a pair of four-year at-large seats on the Board of Supervisors, as Elko's Council is technically called.

Lee Hoffman seeks a third term and John Ellison, a second. Other candidates are Nora Hatfield, who served on the board from 1991-1995, and newcomers Carl Meyer and Jim Conner.

A hotly debated issue technically is only an advisory issue. It also is today's only county-wide measure. It asks whether Commissioners should increase the sales tax 1 percent for a four-year period to build a new hospital.

Winnemucca voters have the only mayoral race in today's election, along with a quartet of City Council contests.

Mayor Paul Vesco is seeking another term in the job he has held for 10 years. He faces Humboldt County Republican Chairman Mark Allemang.

Paul Miller is stepping down, leaving his Council seat up for grabs among Sharlet Berentsen, Dewey Huckaba and Don Smit. Tom Smith also is leaving. His seat is sought by Mike Loupas, Joann Standbury and Andy Toth.

Another opening is sought by Joe Echevarria, Patty Herzog and Clarice Thompson in the district now held by Terry Miller. The only sitting Council member who is up for election this year is Joyce Sheen, who's opposed by Clyde Bennett. Sheen was appointed to her post last year.

Lovelock Council members Ron Hardy and Mike Giles each face two challengers on Tuesday. Hardy is up against businessman Harold Baker and former Lovelock Police Chief Bernie Schneider, who now works at the Lovelock Correctional Center.

Prison employees Don Glover and Kim Terry face Giles.

Yerington City Council member Jack Pursel did not seek another term, while Ross Whitacre hopes to be elected to the seat he received by appointment two years ago. The top two vote-getters among Whitacre, Teresa Linch and Madeline Sanford will be sworn in July 1.

Two unsuccessful candidates, an incumbent and a political newcomer squared off for two Carlin City Council seats.

Merle Glasser ran for mayor in 1995, Kathie Christensen ran for Council that same year, Ron Grube was appointed to the Council, and first-time office seeker Dick Paananen were in the four-way race.