Kathleen Taylor's Title Game

How about Councilmember Kathleen Taylor use her elected title.

Reno Councilmember Kathleen Taylor is hosting a public forum, but don't call her "Councilmember"—she's billing herself as "Vice Mayor Kathleen Taylor."

Here's the thing: nobody elected her to that position. Vice mayor isn't a democratic choice—it's a rotating assignment that gets passed around the council like a ceremonial gavel. One day you're Councilmember Smith, the next day you're Vice Mayor Smith. It's not exactly a mandate from the people.

So why is Taylor leaning so heavily into a title that's essentially council members taking turns? Could it be that she's eyeing the mayor's office and wants voters to think there's some natural progression from vice mayor to mayor?

It's a clever bit of political positioning, really. By prominently featuring "Vice Mayor" in her public communications, Taylor creates the impression of upward mobility and executive experience. Never mind that the vice mayor position is largely ceremonial—it sounds important, and that's what counts in politics.

This strategy only works if residents don't understand how city government actually functions, because they just don’t care. They see "Vice Mayor" and think "Oh, she must be next in line" or "She must have been chosen for this important role."

It's not technically lying, but it's definitely misleading. Taylor is counting on voters not knowing the difference between being appointed to a ceremonial position and actually earning electoral advancement.

If Taylor is indeed planning a mayoral run, this title inflation makes perfect political sense. Why run as "just another councilmember" when you can run as the "current Vice Mayor"? It suggests leadership, experience, and readiness for the top job—even though the vice mayor position requires no special qualifications and carries no real additional authority.

Here's what would be honest: "Councilmember Kathleen Taylor, currently serving as Vice Mayor, invites you to..." That acknowledges both her elected position and her temporary assignment without inflating either.

But honesty doesn't win elections. Creating the impression of inevitable succession does.

So the next time you see "Vice Mayor Kathleen Taylor" in the headlines, remember: that's not a promotion voters gave her. That's just political theater designed to make her mayoral ambitions look like a natural next step.