Investigator announces run for sheriff's seat

With a lifetime of law enforcement under his belt, Wayne Fazzino believes that background has prepared him for the position of Carson City sheriff, he said Wednesday in announcing his candidacy.

"I can make a difference in what's going on in this community," he said.

The 48-year-old Carson City resident currently works for the Nevada Attorney General's Office as an investigator. Prior to coming back to Nevada, Fazzino had a number of jobs all closely related to law enforcement.

In 1975 at the age of 21, Fazzino was a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department for two years. That turned into a full-time position with the department he held for a year before leaving to take a job with the Reno Police Department. He worked there for 19 months and then left that job to work as an investigator with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office in the 1980s for four years.

After a few years Fazzino decided he wanted to be near his growing daughters, Dara and Megan, and took a position as an investigator with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office for 16 years.

In 1999, he and his wife, Debbie, moved to Carson City where he began working for the attorney general.

Although only recently returning to the area, Fazzino thinks that will benefit him in the election and in office.

"I truly believe it's going to take someone from the outside to put this department back in line," he said.

"In a small community like this there are too many promises. The friendships are too tight in that department. You develop too many ties with people and you may want to elevate your friends even if they're not the best for that position."

His biggest concern, he says, will be the deputies.

"I will work diligently to cultivate (the talent in the department) and develop a clear path for career advancement by merit and not through political ties," he said.

"There are a lot of inequities right now and one of the big ones would be the way the deputies are treated," Fazzino said. "If we don't invest in our front line staff, they will not be there to protect us during critical times."

As sheriff, Fazzino said he would call upon deputies to help supervise department sponsored programs that will enhance community safety, especially for children and seniors.

"I also want to develop a cooperative program that will utilize the experience and skills of retired law enforcement personnel living in our community," he said. Adding those retired officers can assist in developing a plan on terrorism which he believes is sorely lacking.

Fazzino is no stranger to a campaign. His brother Gary Fazzino was elected twice as mayor of Palo Alto, Calif.

He said he's researched prior election campaigns for the office of sheriff in Carson City and knows how "ugly" they can become.

"I can make a difference. I am not seeking this for private gain or popularity. I can make a difference and help protect the people of this community."

Fazzino's wife, Debbie, employed with the Child Support Division of the state Welfare Agency, said she supports her husband's aspirations.

"Obviously it's a big challenge for him, but I feel that he is definitely a great candidate and I think he would do a great job," she said. "Ready or not here we come."

"I feel confident that I can lead the Carson City Sheriff's Department in meeting essential goals. I also strongly believe that it is imperative for the sheriff to develop a harmonious relationship with city officials for the betterment of the citizens. I can do that," he said.

How will he run his campaign?

"Just be honest. I'm a moral person. I am not running against any one individual. I'm not going to get into a fight. My goal is to represent what the people want. I think I can get through this and still be a nice guy."