Devon Reese: The Sorry State of Apologies

Councilmember Devon Reese is running for mayor so suddenly he’s being kind. Reach out to Executive Director Ross Armstrong from the Nevada Commission on Ethics, and Reese was certainly not being kind on Tuesday, so is this a new thing, a change of heart, or just Reese wanting to be mayor. If he owns anyone an apology it is Armstrong after his rant, and it’s on video.

Hold on tight, Reno. City Councilman Devon Reese is suddenly in the business of apologies — and we’re supposed to buy it. He offered up a half-hearted “sorry” over the Lear Theatre flap, but let’s be real: this isn’t remorse, it’s rehearsal. Reese isn’t apologizing to fix his behavior — he’s auditioning for the role of Nice Guy Mayor 2026.

This is the same Reese who just torched Ross Armstrong at the Nevada Commission on Ethics and now wants to whine to the Nevada Bar because, heaven forbid, someone hold him accountable. This is the same Reese who calls residents “mentally ill” if they dare disagree, and cries “doxing!” any time public criticism makes him squirm. Thin skin, thick ego — classic combo.

And suddenly, the man’s cutting $5,000 checks from his discretionary fund to prop up a Lear Theatre “summit.” Sure, he bragged about it at Harvard, so why not use taxpayer dollars to fund ha meeting? At least this time the cash didn’t go toward another one of his Ivy League junkets. Congratulations, Reno — we only paid for the stage, not the plane ticket.

But here’s a thought: if Reese is so big on apologizing these days, maybe he should start with Mike Leonard, the 72-year-old he all but verbally mugged in a wine bar with Mayor Hillary Scheve. Oh wait — that doesn’t score him campaign points, so don’t hold your breath. Maybe they should give Leonard some Spooge.

Reese’s apology tour is nothing but political cosplay. He’s not sorry — he’s sorry he got caught looking like himself. Reno deserves better than a slick “rebrand” from a councilman who’s been burning bridges faster than he can pave them. Reese simply isn’t mayor material.