A five-way sheriff's race

A five-way race for sheriff will provide some drama for Carson City elections this fall, but otherwise we're a bit disappointed in the number of candidates for office.

We have to agree with Supervisor Robin Williamson, who will run unopposed for re-election, when she says residents are either satisfied with the direction of the city or apathetic.

The third explanation she offered -- "It's a lot of work" --Eis perhaps the truest. Because of the hours and headaches involved in holding local office, we do appreciate those who have decided to campaign and who are willing to serve if they win.

But we also believe residents are generally satisfied by the performance of their elected city officials.

Oh, there are certainly controversies, questions and doubts at every turn. From the Fuji Park and fairgrounds issue to traffic flow to downtown development, many people have their disagreements with the decisions being made.

For those people, Neil Weaver, who is making a third bid for office by running for supervisor against incumbent Pete Livermore, will provide the alternative and generate ample debate on issues. Good for him. But as far as supervisor candidates, that's it.

School board is all decided. So are district attorney and treasurer. In a three-way scramble for the assessor's job, we're having a hard time imagining there will be biting issues to dissect. For clerk-recorder, Mary Ann Dickens will have a hard time unseating popular incumbent Alan Glover.

That leaves most of the action to the sheriff's race. After four years in which Sheriff Rod Banister has been practically invisible to his constituents, it will be interesting to see who emerges from the pack to offer leadership for Carson City's law enforcement.

With three candidates from inside the department and two from outside, we expect to get some fresh perspectives on how it should be run.