Opinion: Kristie Wells
I have been fortunate over the past year to work alongside a passionate group of professionals, citizen journalists, and community advocates, all dedicated to strengthening the bond within our Village.
Together, we share a common goal: to provide reliable and factual information that empowers our community. Our mission is simple yet powerful—to keep everyone informed about the meetings, activities, and events that shape the future of Incline Village and Crystal Bay, ensuring that all residents have the knowledge they need to be engaged and active participants in our town’s development.
At the heart of our efforts is a desire to see a vibrant, respectful community with elected officials who support the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) platform and its mission to serve everyone—not just a select few. IVGID was established in 1961 to provide essential water, sewer, and trash services to the area, but its role has expanded over the years to include recreation services and venues that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
We believe Incline Village and Crystal Bay should be governed for the benefit of those who work and live here, and that IVGID must prioritize a proactive, community-centered approach. Our vision for the future of IVGID focuses on the following key areas:
- Proactive investment in infrastructure: It’s critical to maintain and improve the capacity and efficiency of our water, sewer, and other utility services. We support action-oriented leadership that addresses these needs without unnecessary delays.
- Oversight with accountability: Trustees should focus on oversight and strategic guidance, allowing the General Manager and staff to execute plans effectively. Once annual and long-term priorities are set, leadership should step aside to let the team carry out the work.
- Fair treatment of employees: IVGID employees deserve competitive compensation and benefits, an environment free from harassment, and the tools they need to succeed.
- Preservation of community assets: The Incline Village Beach Deed must be upheld to maintain exclusive access to our beaches for parcel owners. At the same time, we should explore options for allowing employees access without compromising the deed.
- Investment in recreation: Improving key community assets like the facilities at Incline Beach and Snowflake Lodge, expanding the Recreation Center, and enhancing golf and court facilities are essential to ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.
- Equitable access to venues: Our recreational venues should primarily serve residents, their guests, and employees, with visitor pricing aligned with market rates. A reasonable annual facility fee for parcel holders will help fund necessary investments in these assets.
- A portfolio approach to venues: We believe in a model where profitable venues help subsidize those that cannot generate revenue on their own, ensuring the sustainability of all our facilities as a cohesive network rather than isolated entities.
- Transparency and accountability: We expect the Board of Trustees to actively partner with and be accountable to the community by maintaining transparency. This includes releasing reports before meetings and engaging parcel owners through committees and open discussions.
- Adherence to Nevada Open Meetings rules: The Board should comply with state regulations and regularly report on trustee discussions regarding upcoming agenda items, ensuring transparency in governance.
As we approach the IVGID Board of Trustees election, we believe the candidates who best align with this vision are Mick Homan, Michaela Tonking, and Michelle Jezycki. Their dedication to these principles will help guide Incline Village and Crystal Bay toward a future where the needs of the entire community are met, and where IVGID operates with integrity, transparency, and a focus on long-term success.
Vote for a community-driven vision. Vote Homan, Tonking, and Jezycki for the IVGID Board of Trustees. Early voting starts this Saturday, October 19th. You can find those details here. (Get Info)
