Keith Lockard

Please share briefly what inspired you to run for this office and why you feel you’re qualified for the position.

Early in my professional career I recognized a calling to public service through local government employment and related community board/commission service. For more than 40 years I had responsibilities for public infrastructure planning, design, and construction. I have served on the following Washoe County boards/commissions - Planning Commission, Library Board, Library System Blue Ribbon Committee, Community Support and Development Advisory Board, Human Services Advisory Committee, and 2040 Regional Transportation Plan Steering Committee. My campaign theme is Responsive Leadership for a Sustainable Future. Campaign donations may be mailed to VoteKeithLockard-PO BOX 19262-Reno- NV 89511

As more Nevadans are facing homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic how do you plan on dealing with homelessness in your county?

Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is leading a task force on homelessness. If elected, I would work with her, other task force members, stakeholders, and citizens in responding the problem of homelessness.

The Registrar of Voters/County Clerk reports to the County Commissioners. With the rise of misinformation regarding the integrity/security of our elections and threatened acts of violence towards our election officials, what would you do to combat the misinformation and how would you provide support to the Election Department?

This issue came before the Washoe County Commission in February and March, 2022. I gave testimony to the Commision against the misinformation and in support of the work of the Registrar of Voters.

Nevada has historically protected the right to abortion, including protecting the right in statute 30 years ago by a vote of the people. However, there remain barriers to access in the state. Do you support not only the right to abortion but policies that improve equitable access to abortion care?

Yes.

It is well documented that patients of color face greater obstacles to obtaining sexual and reproductive health care than non-Hispanic white Americans – a pattern that results in worse health outcomes overall for BIPOC patients. Do you not only acknowledge systemic racism’s role in public health disparities but will you pursue policies that seek to rectify the historical harm of systemic racism and advance equitable access to health care?

Yes.

There is a need for transgender specific and inclusive shelters and housing options that are coordinated and supported by Continuums of Care (CoCs). What can you do to ensure people who identify as transgender, who experience homelessness and who are precariously housed at higher rates than any other population, have dedicated homelessness and housing services to address their urgent needs?

See response to prior question regarding the problem of homelessness.

LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented and undercounted and under supported in child welfare and juvenile justice. Do you support the implementation of LGBTQ+ specific policies and procedures that enforce the need for comprehensive data collection, tailored family reunification services, improved policies and procedures and a transparent and easy to access grievance process for LGBTQ+ youth?

Yes.

We have seen rental rates increasing at a very alarming rate, in some instances upwards of 30%. How do you see the County Commission taking action to keep Nevadans in their homes and not being priced out?

Housing availability and rental rates is a community problem that is currently of concern to elected leaders of Washoe County, Reno, Sparks, area stakeholders and citizens. If elected to the Washoe County Commission, I would have a role in cooperatively identifying and implementing policies and actions in response to this problem.

Nevada has one of the largest shares of federal public land of any state in the country, providing important wildlife habitat, places to hunt, camp, fish and hike, and acting as the foundation of a billion dollar outdoor industry. Even so, some lawmakers have promoted policies that seek wholesale transfer of federal ownership of our national lands to states. A) Would you support or oppose these land transfer policies? B) Would should the State of Nevada’s role be in the management and ownership of federal land?

A. I oppose the wholesale transfer of federal land to the state (ie. "Sagebrush Rebellion"). B. It is not the role of Washoe County to interfere with the management of federal land. However, Washoe County is a legitimate stakeholder in the consideration of specific land exchanges and management policies of public lands within their jurisdiction.

State investments in conservation provide resources for a wide range of public benefit, like the management of wildlife and state land, and the creation and maintenance of trails and other recreational facilities. In 2019, the Legislature approved $217 million of bonding authority for conservation purposes, including for the acquisition of land for new state parks. A) Do you support or oppose state investment in conservation? B) Has Nevada’s investment in land conservation been too little, too much, or about right, and how would you change it?

A. Yes, I do support state investment in land conservation. B. I anticipate that the adverse impacts of climate change have increased the need for land conservation measures. I was an active supporter of the Parks, Libraries, Trails and Open Space Bond measure (Washoe County Question One) in the November 7, 2000 general election, which won approval of the voters in Washoe County.

How will the county ensure that low-income communities of color and impacted communities are centered when writing county climate plans?

Through careful review of county and regional plans.

How will the county address decades of environmental injustices that have placed low-income communities of color in the most polluted and hottest neighborhoods?

See answer to prior question.

Will you practice a just transition approach to Nevada’s clean energy & sustainability plans while holding accountable those who must consult and collaborate with Nevada’s Tribal Nations on decisions which may negatively impact their indigenous lifeways?

Yes.

What is your knowledge of the unique needs facing the “urban Native American” diaspora residing in southern Nevada?

Washoe County is not located in southern Nevada.

What is your stance on transitioning to all paper ballot elections? And the hand count of paper ballots?What is your knowledge of the unique needs facing the “urban Native American” diaspora residing in southern Nevada?

I oppose transitioning to all paper ballot elections and hand counting of paper ballots. This an outdated, costly, and unnecessary practice.

How will you resist official or unofficial, public or private pressure to alter, manipulate, or baselessly reject the results of an election?

With a strong will and a loud voice.

How will you resist and counteract official or unofficial, public or private disinformation concerning the results of an election?

With a strong will and a loud voice.