Will Wes Duncan Bring Some Sunshine to Washoe County's District Attorney Office?

Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan’s campaign photo.

Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan has announced his candidacy for Washoe County District Attorney, setting the stage for a potential showdown with incumbent Chris Hicks. While Duncan's tenure in Sparks has been marked by a commitment to transparency and community engagement, Hicks' record on public access to records has been less than stellar.

Under Duncan's leadership, the City of Sparks has implemented initiatives such as the "Safer Sparks and Community Tour," aimed at engaging with residents and addressing local concerns. His office has also been proactive in raising awareness about issues like fentanyl use through campaigns like "Shattered Lives: The Deadly Fallout of Fentanyl." sparkstrib.compublicnow.com

In contrast, Hicks' administration has faced criticism for delays and denials of public records requests, some examples are concerning county employees' work locations and remote work arrangements, radon in the Washoe County Second Judicial District Courthouse, etc. Some media outlets, residents, and even a Washoe County Distrcit Court Judge have reported being told they would be waiting months for access to such records, raising questions about the office's commitment to transparency, and causing people to ponder what the county is keeping hidden.

As the election approaches, voters will have to decide whether they prefer the status quo or a new direction that prioritizes openness and accountability. If Duncan's track record in Sparks is any indication, Washoe County could be in for a refreshing change.

Wes Duncan’s campaign press release.