McKalip files for county commission

Gardnerville Ranchos resident James McKalip filed for District 1 County Commissioner on March 4.

 Eleven years ago, right after moving to Douglas County with his wife of 43 years, Wendy, McKalip began attending County Commission meetings and making public comments on agenda items such as growth and finance.

“I know the issues,” said McKalip, “’and I study the meeting packet.”

Elected as a trustee of the Gardnerville Ranchos GID in 2020.

McKalip currently serves as the chair. The Ranchos is arguably the largest general improvement district in Nevada, and with almost 12,000 residents. It represents 23 percent of the county’s population.

District responsibilities include dealing with a large budget, tackling issues such as water, sewer, road maintenance and open space, as well as negotiating employee wages and benefits.

Looking ahead, McKalip, along with his fellow trustees, implemented a pipeline replacement project that will last 50 years.

McKalip’s community involvement includes three years as chairman of the Douglas County Republican Central Committee, which represents Douglas County’s approximately 22,000 registered Republicans. He resigned from that position to run for commissioner.

He was also appointed twice to serve on the Douglas County Board of Equalization, where property owners and businesses have an opportunity to challenge assessments.

“I think I’m the right guy with the right determination and knowledge to solve long-term problems and work for the betterment of Douglas County,” he said.

McKalip described his philosophy toward serving his community as “striving to make things better than I found them.”