Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News is profiling candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and Douglas County Commission. The stories are being published in the order they were received.

Name: Nancy McDermid

Age: 67

Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas

How long have you lived here?: Since 1979 in Tahoe, 2000 in the Carson Valley.

Job/profession: Developer-owner-operator limited service lodging properties

Nancy McDermid

What would you build or tear down on the South Shore to make it great, as in what Whistler is like?:

On the Nevada side, the Lower Kingsbury commercial area to the lake needs to be redesigned and rebuilt. There are some newer properties which are very nice, but most of it and in the Stateline Casino corridor are old, dated and need to be re-done to get more economic life for the next 30-40 years. Doing this would bring the environmental improvements (water quality improvements, etc.) as well as greater economic benefit. We need to continue to look for public-private partnerships to make this happen.

What form of recreation do you participate in?:

Walking, hiking, cycling, golf, swimming, snowshoeing, skiing, kayaking.

What improvements to recreation would you strive to make throughout Douglas County?:

Bikeways on and off road, more trails, greater pedestrian trails, more horizontal and vertical connectivity through trails, a permanent world-class motocross track in the right location, better soaring facilities at the airport, complete the swimming pool at Kahle Park, create sport parks for all ages from toddlers to senior citizens, dog parks.

Recreation tourism is expected to be the driving force of the South Shore economy in the coming years, what do you specifically plan to do to improve bike paths and roads?:

The South Demo project from Stateline to Round Hill Pines for cyclists is one project I fully support. Also, the Sierra Colina and Beach projects have potential for linear public linkage to the lake and to Kahle Park. As for roads, being able to adequately maintain what currently exists is challenging because the funding is shrinking. Again, public-private partnerships could be one way to achieve more paths and improved roads.

How do you plan to boost revenue in Douglas County?:

We are looking at bringing more businesses to Douglas County, businesses that fit our values and quality of life. The LTBPP and the Douglas County Economic Development Vitality Plan are critical for the future financial stability and sustainability of the county. It is vital we implement the components in those plans.

What stands out for you in the 2010-11 budget?:

We balanced the budget through the cooperation of the different elected officials and departments working together. We have not had massive layoffs or furloughs though our workforce is down 15 percent through retirement and not filling positions. Our employees are terrific and are working hard despite being stretched as they maintain their workload and provide services for the residents.

What needs to be done to allow businesses to thrive in Douglas County?:

We can streamline our permitting process, update our does and design standards, support our current businesses by meeting with and asking them how the county can be supportive and add new businesses which fit our lifestyle. We need to be cognizant of government creep with regard to regulations and ordinances which hamper business.

What are the three major issues facing Douglas County and how to expect in four years to make it so they are not major issues when your tenure is through?:

Tourism infrastructure in the county is an area we need to vastly improve upon, and I would strive to work with our private sector to accomplish providing those amenities for our visitors and residents.

Economic vitality — The LTBPP, the Community Assessment and the Economic Development Vitality Plan need to be implemented by working diligently with other jurisdictions, the private sector, different agencies and our residents to make certain these plans do not just take up shelf space.

Quality of life — We will protect our environment while providing greater public access to public land and by being financially responsible, keeping expenditures in line with revenues.

What have you done to help Douglas County be a better community?:

Since coming to Tahoe in the 1970s, I have engaged in numerous activities to help our community thrive. Whether it was my kids’ activities, business activities, fundraising activities, or community volunteer organizations, I have been a tireless, energetic worker. When I say yes to do something, I do not undertake it lightly. I was schooled in my early years by my family to be engaged and make a difference. Two rules I follow: “there are the talkers and then there are the doers” and “always do your best and follow your heart.”

What boards, commissions, or other experience do you have?:

AYSO soccer (coach, referee, commissioner), LTUSD District Advisory Committee, life member of Barton Hospital Auxiliary, charter member and life member of the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League, Soroptimist International (SLT and Carson Valley), treasurer (three years) of Heavenly Blue Angels, treasurer Leadership Lake Tahoe inaugural class, president of Northern Nevada Ladies Golf Association, president Genoa Lakes Golf Association and Silver Oak Ladies Golf Association, Douglas County Republican Central Committee, Sierra Nevada Republican Women, Douglas County Republican Women, DAWG, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Carson Valley Trails Association, to name just a few.

Why should voters vote for you over someone else?:

I have successful business and government experience and the energy to work full time as county commissioner. The last seven plus years is a matter of public record with regard to my decisions as a planning commissioner and county commissioner. I am committed to Douglas County and I offer principled leadership and trusted experience along with the pledge I made four years ago to be accessible to all and beholden to no special interest group, and to work my hardest and smartest to help protect our quality of life in Douglas County.

What would you do to make the lake and valley more unified?:

Douglas county is like a large family; many different individual and unique parts. From Topaz to Ruhenstroth, to Fish Springs to the towns of Gardnerville, Minden and Genoa, to Indian Hills and North County, the East and West Valleys, and Tahoe. All special and all part of the whole. Like families, we need to celebrate our unity and respect our individual characteristics. Perhaps we need to have our visitors authorities and our chambers hold joint meetings and provide events Douglas County.

BlueGo, the public transit, is mired in lawsuits and bankruptcy. Do we need public transit on the South Shore? If so, how do you propose to make it functional?:

Yes, we do need public transit. It is a vital component of the transportation system. The solution for public transit on the South Shore is to have it administered under the Tahoe Transportation District.

What is your stance on the 100-room rule for gaming growth in the county?:

We have five hotel casinos at the lake and two in the valley plus two more which have been approved along with one stand alone casino. Both Washoe and Clark counties require 200-room minimums and Carson City requires the 100 rooms. Thus, Douglas County is compliant with our sister county to the north. Anyone who wants to build a lodging property can do so provided the zoning allows it. A non-restricted gaming license is a privilege granted by the state, and Douglas County requires Tourist commercial zoning for such a license. One of the Master Plan goals is to support existing businesses. This requirement does that.

Consolidation of water agencies is stalled, yet ratepayers are faced with higher bills. What are your thoughts on this issue?:

We must work over the next few months to find more solutions to the water issues. Higher rates are just not acceptable. We are looking at every possibility from grants to out of the box thinking. I would hope to have a committee to assist the board in crafting solutions.

On the November ballot is an ordinance regarding the Minden airport. What is your position on it and why?:

Commissioners are not able to take positions on ballot questions.

Is there any individual, group or organization you would not take campaign money from? Why?:

Clearly not from any illegal entity or unknown person or organization for obvious reasons.

Tell us something about yourself that voters don’t already know:

In my youth I competed in barrel racing; I have climbed Mt. Whitney, I am a member of the NRA and qualified to carry a 9mm Smith and Wesson.