Community Engagement Strong at Smith Valley Candidate Event: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Smith Valley NV – May 9th, 2026

On a warm Saturday afternoon, community members gathered at the Smith Valley Fire Protection District for a “Meet the Candidates” forum sponsored by Citizens to Protect Smith Valley, LLC. The event drew strong community participation, with at least 100 residents attending to hear from local candidates ahead of the upcoming Nevada Primary Election scheduled for June 9, 2026.

Leslie Sonne served as master of ceremonies for the afternoon program, guiding candidates through a moderated question-and-answer session that allowed each participant the opportunity to address voters and share their positions on important local issues.

Before the formal program began, attendees were able to speak directly with candidates during a meet-and-greet session held from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. The moderated forum officially began at 4:00 p.m., with candidates answering questions in grouped sessions according to their respective races.

The first candidates to take the stage were sheriff candidates Brad Pope and Tim Shaffer. They were followed by commissioner candidates for District 2, including Cole Mortensen, Mark Phillips, and Micah Triplett, along with District 5 candidate Davy Stix.

District attorney candidates Mark Kruger and Mario Walther also addressed the audience and answered questions from the moderator.

Commissioner candidate Scott Keller was unable to attend the event. In his absence, Joanne Lawson of Citizens to Protect Smith Valley, LLC. read a prepared statement on his behalf. Lawson and Judy Harker also served as timekeepers throughout the forum, helping ensure each candidate had equal speaking opportunities.

Organizers expressed appreciation to Chief Nightingale and the Smith Valley Fire Protection District for hosting the event and providing the venue for the community gathering.

With the Nevada Primary Election approaching on June 9, the forum offered local voters an opportunity to become more informed and engaged with the candidates seeking public office.

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