WENDI M. RAWSON

NAME: Wendi Rawson

AGE:  51

PARTY AFFILIATION:  Republican

DAY JOB:  

Owner and operator of Engine 8 Urban Winery

EDUCATION: 

AA degree in Computer Business Management.

HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN SPARKS:  

Off and on 50 years

WRITE A BRIEF (TWO TO THREE SENTENCES) SUMMARY OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENABLE YOU TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THIS OFFICE: 

As a small business owner and operator, I have navigated the complex process of launching a brick-and-mortar business, including adhering to city, county, and state regulations. Additionally, I have hands-on experience managing daily operations, budgeting, hiring, maintaining payroll, and quickly adapting business strategies under crucial circumstances.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF ELECTED? 

Restore fiscal discipline, protect our neighborhoods and quality of life, and support small business and smart economic growth.

IN JUST A FEW SENTENCES: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING THE CITY, AND HOW WOULD YOU FIX IT?

The biggest problem facing our city is a revenue shortage. I will fight for Sparks to receive its fair share of already generated revenue rather than asking our residents to pay more taxes.
The current C-Tax structure is nearly 30 years outdated. Our community has roughly doubled in size, and the old formula no longer works for Sparks.

CONSUMER PRICES, GAS PRICES, AND HOUSING COSTS ARE HISTORICALLY HIGH, WHILE WAGES HAVE NOT KEPT PACE. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO HELP CITIZENS WHO ARE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY?

While I understand that the mayor's office does not directly oversee wages or housing costs, I would like to advocate for expanding programs that assist residents facing financial difficulties.

Sparks currently offers a few helpful initiatives, but I believe we can continue to strengthen and improve these services to better support our community.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF AI, AND THE PROLIFERATION OF DATA CENTERS? WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE SPARKS TAKING IN EACH?

Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, much like the constant cycle of new technology upgrades. As data centers rapidly expand, we must be mindful not to leave our community with large, vacant facilities in the coming decade.

My priority is ensuring that we make the best long-term decisions for our citizens first.

IN ONE SENTENCE: WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU? 

I am compassionate, hard working, I fight for what's right, I am not a career politician -- I am a concerned citizen.

YES OR NO: WILL YOU ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THIS ELECTION, WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE?  

Yes