Minden's prosperity linked to rest of Valley

Minden's prosperity is linked to that of the rest of Carson Valley, Minden Town Board candidates said on Monday.

A half-dozen candidates, who are seeking three seats on the board, discussed their vision of the town's future at a forum.

Matt Bernard, Charles Condron, Robb Hellwinkel, Bob Pohlman, William Souligny and Roxanne Stangle fielded questions from current town board chairman Bob Hadfield before an audience of about 30 residents.

"The economic climate isn't good," Hellwinkel said. "We have to incentivize business to come to the county and the state."

Hellwinkel quoted a commissioner who once said the county's greatest export is its youth.

Pohlman said education was a critical means of attracting new businesses.

"The county really has a good education system," he said. "We need to get better educated people here who can fill jobs when businesses come in."

Souligny said the key to attracting business was to keep the town's infrastructure up.

He said the town's old industrial core could be a long-term asset.

"Long-term I would love to see the V&T chugging through the Valley like it once did."

Stangle said the entire Carson Valley needs to be prosperous for the town to prosper.

"Very few business people support our local businesses," she said.

Bernard said it is impossible to look at the town alone.

"I don't think you can look at just Minden," he said. "Douglas County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state."

Condron agreed with Bernard, saying a coalition that consists of the county, Gardnerville, Genoa and Minden will be required.

"We need to put together a plan that promotes Carson Valley," he said.

In all, seven people filed for the town board in spring, with one being eliminated in the primary.

The current town board members Hadfield, Dave Sheets and Ross Chichester are term-limited. Ray Wilson and Bruce Jacobsen left the board because of term-limits in 2008.