Letter: No more backroom deals in Douglas County, vote McKalip

I have been watching the District 1 Commissioner race with interest and just read Commissioner Tarkanian’s latest newsletter. He mentions that numerous county leaders are against him because he is not part of the “good old boys” club. In other newsletters, he has stated that he does not do “backroom” deals and he is transparent. Not true!

I have always found it better to not only judge people by what they say but also by how they act. After watching a couple of commission meetings, I know why so many community leaders have a problem with him. He is often rude to fellow commissioners who don’t agree with him on a particular issue. He talks down to county staff, advisory board members, planning commissioners, members of the district attorney’s office, and anyone else who shares a different point of view. He wants so much to have his way of thinking pushed through that he forgets that he needs to work with other people.

If one of his issues does not get passed, he tells everyone in his weekly newsletter why a certain commissioner was mistaken or that they must have a “hidden agenda”. I can’t believe this type of behavior builds any kind of trust. At the April 18 commission meeting, Commissioner Sharla Hales even had to take time during closing public comment to ask Commissioner Tarkanian to stop spreading lies about her and her family.

Actions speak louder than words when it comes to “backroom” deals and transparency. Commissioner Tarkanian got exposed a couple of months ago for making a backroom deal for a powerful friend while making plans to intimidate fellow commissioners to get them to change their vote.

It seems to me that Commissioner Tarkanian says one thing while doing another. He has not earned my vote. It is time for a change. I will be voting for James McKalip.

Raymond Plimpton
Gardnerville