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Agenda Item
3. Public Comment. Comment heard under this item will be limited to three (3) minutes per person and may pertain to matters both on and off the Commission agenda. Unused time may not be allocated to other speakers. The Commission will also hear public comment during individual action items with comment limited to three minutes per person. Comments are to be made to the Commission as a whole. Virtual Public Comment may be taken when facilities are available.
A speaker's viewpoint will not be restricted; however, reasonable restrictions may be imposed upon the time, place, and manner of speech. Irrelevant statements, unduly repetitious statements, and personal attacks that would objectively antagonize or incite others are examples of speech that may be reasonably limited.
The Board of County Commissioners carries out the business of Washoe County and its residents during its meetings. The presiding officer may order a person be removed if the person's conduct or statements disrupt the order or safety of the meeting. Warnings about disruptive conduct or comments may or may not be given prior to removal.
Furthermore, certain disruptions of a public meeting are criminal acts as defined under NRS 203.090 and/or NRS 203.119 which may result in prosecution in appropriate cases.
The Washoe County Commissioners appoint members of the Board of Trustees of Washoe County Library System in accordance with NRS 379.022. The Board of Library Trustees is responsible for advocating for the library in our community. So it came as a shock when I read on KUNR that board member Gianna Jacks and Nichelle Hull of the Wake Up Washoe County movement have been colluding to dismantle library programs and smear the reputation of Washoe County Libraries and their staff.
Board members are subject to the ethics agreement "codified in NRS 281A.010 et. seq." According to their own bylaws, trustees "shall comply with the Code of Ethical Standards of NRS 281A.400 et. seq." Accepting political donations and bypassing normal meeting procedures to benefit Nichelle Hull and Wake Up Washoe County is a blatant violation of the ethics standards. Furthermore, this may not be the only money Gianna Jacks has taken from an anti-library group.
In light of such evidence, we can no longer trust that Jacks will faithfully fulfill the duties of a Library Trustee Board Member. As a longtime Washoe County resident and library patron, I am calling for her immediate resignation. Gianna Jacks must be removed from the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees for public trust to be restored.
I am going on the record today to ask the commission to continue the library's funding at its current pace for the next two years. The libraries promote literacy in youth, free meals during school breaks, technology classes for Seniors, and countless other programs provided at no cost to those who attend them. As one of the last bastions of a shared town space, please keep libraries funded, so that they can continue to serve the public as they have for so many years.
Cutting library services would be catastrophic for the community. Less than half of third graders can read at grade level in Washoe County. They are behind in every proficiency for students to succeed and live rich, full lives. Furthermore, local businesses hoping to hire skilled workers will see a reduction in qualified applicants. Education is essential to the growth of our community. Partnerships with the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Northern Nevada Literacy Council, and other early literacy/adult education organizations would have opportunities reduced as they won’t have libraries and staff available to provide support. However, cuts like these will severely hinder their ability to serve the public for years.
It is with great pleasure that I fully recommend small business owner and veteran Tami Rougeau to the open position on the Open Space and Regional Parks Commission. Tami represents district 5 which according to the commission only has 1 representative. District 1 has 3, District 2 has 3, but district 5 only has one.
Tami is one of those individuals that cares for the community and utilizes the parks and open spaces we have on a constant basis. She understands what it takes to keep our parks safe by encouraging and promoting public recreation and the development of safe recreation.
Tami is highly involved in her community and sits on numerous boards and commissions within her spier of influence. With her experience she could interpret the recreation program to the general public and officials with ease. She understands our Mater Plan and is a very well-groomed speaker.
Please appoint her to the position, you won’t be disappointed.
The Washoe County Commissioners appoint members of the Board of Trustees of Washoe County Library System in accordance with NRS 379.022. The Board of Library Trustees is responsible for advocating for the library in our community. So it came as a shock when I read on KUNR that board member Gianna Jacks and Nichelle Hull of the Wake Up Washoe County movement have been colluding to dismantle library programs and smear the reputation of Washoe County Libraries and their staff.
Board members are subject to the ethics agreement "codified in NRS 281A.010 et. seq." According to their own bylaws, trustees "shall comply with the Code of Ethical Standards of NRS 281A.400 et. seq." Accepting political donations and bypassing normal meeting procedures to benefit Nichelle Hull and Wake Up Washoe County is a blatant violation of the ethics standards. Furthermore, this may not be the only money Gianna Jacks has taken from an anti-library group.
In light of such evidence, we can no longer trust that Jacks will faithfully fulfill the duties of a Library Trustee Board Member. As a longtime Washoe County resident and library patron, I am calling for her immediate resignation. Gianna Jacks must be removed from the Washoe County Library Board of Trustees for public trust to be restored.
Sincerely,
Dr. Justine Overacker
I am going on the record today to ask the commission to continue the library's funding at its current pace for the next two years. The libraries promote literacy in youth, free meals during school breaks, technology classes for Seniors, and countless other programs provided at no cost to those who attend them. As one of the last bastions of a shared town space, please keep libraries funded, so that they can continue to serve the public as they have for so many years.
Cutting library services would be catastrophic for the community. Less than half of third graders can read at grade level in Washoe County. They are behind in every proficiency for students to succeed and live rich, full lives. Furthermore, local businesses hoping to hire skilled workers will see a reduction in qualified applicants. Education is essential to the growth of our community. Partnerships with the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Northern Nevada Literacy Council, and other early literacy/adult education organizations would have opportunities reduced as they won’t have libraries and staff available to provide support. However, cuts like these will severely hinder their ability to serve the public for years.
It is with great pleasure that I fully recommend small business owner and veteran Tami Rougeau to the open position on the Open Space and Regional Parks Commission. Tami represents district 5 which according to the commission only has 1 representative. District 1 has 3, District 2 has 3, but district 5 only has one.
Tami is one of those individuals that cares for the community and utilizes the parks and open spaces we have on a constant basis. She understands what it takes to keep our parks safe by encouraging and promoting public recreation and the development of safe recreation.
Tami is highly involved in her community and sits on numerous boards and commissions within her spier of influence. With her experience she could interpret the recreation program to the general public and officials with ease. She understands our Mater Plan and is a very well-groomed speaker.
Please appoint her to the position, you won’t be disappointed.
Rob Pierce