Reno’s New Ward 6 on the 2024 Horizon
A map we made for April Fools’ Day with an arrow pointing to a hypothetical Ward 6 in the works seemingly fooled some. We made it look like Reno planners were carving up our city map to make sure Devon Reese could still have a clear road to run even if his current at large seat was eliminated.
After the Hillary Schieve-led lobby effort met headwinds in Carson City though, the proposed SB12, reinstating the at large council seat, has been effectively squashed, according to City of Reno staff.
So it’s back to the drawing board for a new Ward 6, for real this time.
“This is the best news I’ve heard all day,” former mayoral candidate William Mantle wrote yesterday on our Facebook. “I believe the redistricting has to be focused on carving Ward 3&2 as so much of the [city’s] growth has come from these areas and [current at-large councilman Devon] Reese is represented by Kathleen Taylor in Ward 5.”
But like our April fools’ map, will Reno planners be so blatant as to do what many fear they might try to pull off?
The votereese website is still up and indicates: “Now more than ever, we need strong leadership guiding the future of Reno. Councilman Devon Reese is running to be re-elected to the office of Councilman and is counting on your support to win.”
He’s already had a donation campaign kickoff event in March at the Elm Estate with supporters a who’s who of the current political, marketing and developer elite in town. Without an at large seat, will he now be going for Taylor’s seat if his address remains in Ward 5?
On Twitter, PlanIt Reno wrote: “This is fantastic news to hear! Yay for greater representation of the people! Sorry bud! @votereese”
Previously, Reese has written back in comments: “I’m running for the Reno City Council; whichever seat.”
We shall see how this all plays out. There’s been little local media coverage so far on this development, but we will keep eyes and ears out, as we believe the new ward could help having more diverse voices and votes on Council. Two appointed members, Taylor and Miguel Martinez for the current Ward 3, always voting with Reese, who was also initially appointed and Schieve on important matters, will also have to face up to voters if they want to keep their seats.
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