Bill Smith, Boulder City Council candidate

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 | midnight

Name: Bill Smith

Age: 83

Campaign Web site: www.bill4council.com

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Self-employed businessman

Education: Two years of college

Time in Nevada: 19 years

Time in Boulder City: 19 years

Most important issues: There are two key issues in this race. First and most important is Boulder City’s steadily deteriorating financial condition. Our decline into financial insolvency has been apparent for more than five years, but has been mostly ignored by the present administration. There are several reasons for these financial problems, Boulder Creek Golf Course being a major contributor but not the only cause. It is critical that we thoroughly review all income and expenditures and make the tough decision necessary to get Boulder City back on track. We cannot continue to “kick the can down the road,” waiting for an easy solution to come along.

Secondly, the Redevelopment Agency needs to be completely overhauled. In the last several years, millions of dollars have been expended with very few measurable community benefits. This agency has the potential to benefit the entire community if operated correctly.

Our extremely enviable quality of life is in jeopardy if we cannot get our public finances in order.

Qualifications for job: I have the experience and business background to provide the leadership that will be required to get our city back on a solid financial footing. I’ve spent over 40 years running successful businesses from hardware to farms to travel agencies. In addition, I have real estate development expertise that could serve this city well. Having previously served on the council, I am familiar with the policies, procedures and people we will need to utilize to meet our objectives. I am ready to get to work on day one.

What sets candidate apart: I have proven my support for our city in many ways. I served four years on the Boulder City Council. My wife and I have provided the building for our Community College. Over the last 10 years, I have assisted many local organizations to raise nearly $1 million.

I have a successful business background. I have owned and successfully operated a hardware store, a citrus ranch and a travel agency. I have invested in real estate and will be closely monitoring any future city land sales.

I am an experienced public servant, having served in a number of offices: on the Corona, Calif., City Council and on its Redevelopment Agency and on the Boulder City Council from 1997 to 2001.