Sparks Mayor Geno Martini has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, according a press release sent Friday morning.
Martini released a statement Friday morning saying:
“I am one of more than a million Americans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012. I have done my best to manage the matter privately, but have come to the realization that I now need to make this announcement. I feel great and remain strong and healthy and am continuing to receive great medical care from local physicians. While the disease has slowed me down a bit physically, I am committed to serving as Mayor through the end of my term (November 2018). I will remain engaged and involved in our community to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life for our residents. I am blessed to have a loving and supportive family, a first-rate dedicated staff at the City of Sparks, and to serve in the greatest job in the world. I love my hometown and its people, and I am grateful and overwhelmed for everyone’s love and support.”
Martini has served as the City’s 24th Mayor since February, 2005.
In July 1999, Martini was appointed to the Sparks City Council to complete an unexpired term, representing Ward 3. Martini was elected Mayor Pro Tempore by the City Council in July 2003 and served in that capacity until February 2005, when he was sworn in as mayor. He was elected to full terms in 2006, 2010 and 2014. Mr. Martini is currently the longest-serving mayor of Sparks.
Mayor Martini presides over the Truckee Meadows Water Authority and serves on the Board of Directors for the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities, the Truckee River Flood Management Authority, and the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Governing Board. Mr. Martini serves on several other boards, including the Western Regional Water Commission.
Martini is a life-long resident of Sparks, graduating from Sparks High School as Student Body President in 1964, and is a graduate of the University of Nevada in 1972. In 2009, he was inducted into the Sparks High School Hall of Fame. He retired in 2005, following a 30-year career in the banking industry.
Mayor Martini has received many awards and accolades most recently the 2014 Politician of the Year Award presented annually by the Human Services Network. Other awards have included the Sparks Chamber Citizen of the Year Award and its Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been awarded the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hope Award and the Nevada Chapter of Associated General Contractors SIR Award (Skill, Integrity and Responsibility.)
He is active in a number of civic organizations including serving on the Board of Governors of Northern Nevada Medical Center and is the past president of the Sparks Chamber of Commerce.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve Friday morning made the following statement after learning that Sparks Mayor Geno Martini has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease:
“I was saddened to hear of Geno’s diagnosis this morning. Geno has long been a committed partner in helping to improve the greater Reno-Sparks area and I know he will continue to be moving forward. I, my fellow City Councilmembers, and the entire City of Reno send our thoughts and prayers to Geno, his family and the City of Sparks.”
The Washoe County Commissioners, through Commission Chair Marsha Berkbigler, issued the following statement after learning about Sparks Mayor Geno Martini’s announcement today regarding his health.
“Sparks Mayor Geno Martini has been a strong leader in Sparks for many years. He has worked hard for the citizens of this community. I’m sure he will do everything in his power to continue showing the commitment and great leadership we have all appreciated during his tenure. The Washoe County Commission appreciates Mayor Martini’s partnership. We wish him the best and we will continue to fully support him any way we can,” said Washoe County Commission Chair Marsha Berkbigler.
The City of Sparks contributed to this report
