Damon Harrell On The Issues

The Lakes course isn't "Unused land" - it's protected open space that keeps our neighborhood livable, beautiful and valuable. Turning it into dense housing would permanently destroy green space and drag down surrounding home values. Once gone... it's gone.

As a conservative candidate for Sparks City Council Ward 4, I believe in:

• Protecting private property values
• Preserving open space and quality of life
• Saying no to short-sighted development that benefits a few at the expense of families and homeowners.

I support responsible infrastructure that improves access to jobs and strengthens our regional economy. Thousands of local residents work at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, and better connectivity deserves thoughtful consideration.

However, I cannot support the current proposal as presented by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County.

This plan raises three serious concerns for Sparks families:

Property Values

For most residents, their home is their largest investment. Increased industrial traffic, noise, or congestion near residential neighborhoods could negatively impact property values. Before moving forward, we need independent analysis and binding protections for homeowners.

Neighborhood Traffic

This cannot become a shortcut for industrial traffic through family communities. Traffic studies must fully address cut-through risks, school zone safety, emergency access, and long-term infrastructure costs. Sparks neighborhoods should not carry unintended regional consequences.

Protection of Golden Eagle Regional Park

Golden Eagle is one of our city’s most valued public assets. Any proposal that risks degrading open space, increasing congestion near the park, or altering its character requires full environmental review and meaningful public input.

Growth is coming. The question is whether we manage it wisely.

Government has one fundamental duty when it comes to your money: respect it.

Every dollar the city spends was earned by someone who worked hard for it — a small business owner, a single parent, a retiree on a fixed income. That means we have a moral obligation to treat taxpayer dollars with discipline, transparency, and restraint.

Fiscal responsibility starts with priorities. Public safety, infrastructure, and essential services must come first. Nice-to-have projects should never outrank core responsibilities.

It also means living within our means. No reckless spending. No budgeting based on wishful thinking. No pushing today’s bills onto tomorrow’s families. If revenue slows, spending must adjust — just like it does in every household.

We should require regular performance audits, zero-based budgeting reviews, and clear public reporting so residents can see exactly where their money is going. Efficiency isn’t anti-government — it’s pro-taxpayer.

Economic growth is the best long-term revenue strategy. By supporting responsible development, protecting property values, and creating a business-friendly environment, we expand the tax base without raising rates.

Finally, fiscal responsibility requires courage. It means saying no when necessary. It means asking tough questions before approving contracts. And it means remembering that this isn’t the city council’s money — it’s yours.

Sparks deserves leadership that budgets carefully, spends wisely, and plans for the future without burdening the next generation.

That’s the standard I will uphold.