Q&A with Eureka County Commission candidate Steel Raine

Eureka County Commission candidate Steel Raine responded to questions posed by The Sentinel to inform voters of his intentions and objectives if elected.

1. How would you approach overall fiscal responsibility? What are your spending priorities? What would you continue to spend on? What areas would you cut or reduce?

I will carefully scrutinize every dollar of public spending. County funds come directly from the people, and with that comes a serious obligation to use those resources wisely and transparently.  It is essential that every expenditure supports essential services.

It is the duty of government to secure the citizens’ inalienable rights to life, liberty and property.  At the county level, these rights translate into essential services that directly support the well-being and safety of our community.

Essential services include:

Reliable public access to water, effective sanitation systems such as sewer and waste disposal, and safe, well-maintained roads that ensure freedom of movement and commerce.

The protection of the public from threats, both foreign and domestic, through the dedicated work of our Sheriff’s Office, fire department and emergency medical services.

I will evaluate all spending with a focus on efficiency, accountability and value. Funds should only be approved when they clearly serve the core interests of the people of Eureka County.

2. How would you approach land use and development decisions in Eureka County, particularly when considering a mix of in-town parcels such as the proposed purchase of the Alpine Lodge and Louie’s Lounge properties, along with vacant lots on the hill? What factors should guide whether, how and when these areas are developed? Give an example of how you’d like to see developments occur.

Land should be in the hands of the people. The county should not be in the real estate business, except where it can responsibly transition underutilized public land into private ownership for the benefit of local residents.

I believe strongly in the indomitable spirit of individuals and the ability of the private sector to invest in, develop and improve land more efficiently than government. When people have the freedom and incentive to act, communities grow and thrive.

The situation with the Alpine Lodge is a clear example. What had been moving toward a resolution instead stalled due to regulatory barriers that prevented demolition and redevelopment. Situations like this highlight how excessive restrictions can stand in the way of progress. Excessive regulation created this problem; even more regulation will not solve it.

Government has an important role, but it must be carefully limited and focused. When it overreaches, it can unintentionally slow development and hinder the very improvements our communities need. By removing unnecessary obstacles and allowing responsible private action, we can encourage the kind of infrastructure and growth that benefits everyone in Eureka County.

3. Given that Diamond Valley is already over-allocated and under regulation and provides a significant portion of the town’s water supply, and with ongoing and future dewatering activities by I-80 Gold, how would you approach water management in the county to balance agricultural needs, mining operations, municipal supply and long-term sustainability of the aquifer?

The Nevada State Water Engineer has authority over water rights. County government has minimal authority in this arena. The state water engineer has already begun implementing a water rights buyback program, purchasing rights from willing sellers who will sell at the lowest price to reduce overall water consumption in Diamond Valley. This approach reflects a market-based effort to address long-term water sustainability challenges.

Also, some farmers have explored alternative uses for their land, such as leasing fields for solar energy development. This kind of transition can also contribute to reduced water usage while providing an additional source of income for local landowners.

These examples show that practical, locally driven solutions, whether through voluntary programs or private-sector innovation, will solve the water shortage without public mandates.

4. What ideas or actions do you have right now to better support and work with all communities in Eureka County — including Crescent Valley in the north end —particularly when it comes to services, infrastructure, communication and overall quality of life?

The people of Crescent Valley urgently need a functional sewer system. In some cases, residents are forced to rely on buckets as lavatories, while failing septic systems overflow and create serious sanitation and public health risks for neighboring properties.

This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a fundamental issue of health, dignity and basic infrastructure. Situations like this should be a top priority for county leadership. It raises a serious question of priorities when residents are facing unsafe sanitation conditions.

Public officials have a responsibility to address core infrastructure first.

5. Does tourism benefit Eureka? How do events, historic preservation and Main Street impact its economy or growth? If you think tourism isn’t valuable, please explain.

Tourism plays an important role in supporting local businesses, and the historic roots of our community are valuable and should not be forgotten. However, I believe the preservation of that history is best handled through private individuals, private organizations and local businesses that have both the interest and flexibility to maintain it effectively.

Public funds, by contrast, should be prioritized toward the essential infrastructure that directly protects the lives, health and rights of citizens living in the county today. This includes roads, water systems, sanitation and public safety services.

By focusing public resources on core needs while encouraging private stewardship of historical preservation, we can both honor our past and responsibly meet the needs of the people.

6. What is your five-year vision for Eureka County, and what specific priorities would you focus on to achieve it?

I will strive to reduce costs through value engineering and more rigorous review of public expenditures. I believe there is currently insufficient scrutiny of spending proposals, with approvals sometimes given without a full understanding of necessity, alternatives or long-term value.

I am committed to eliminating wasteful or unnecessary spending. Every expenditure should be intentional, justified and clearly aligned with the core needs of Eureka County residents.

Looking forward, I would support long-term infrastructure priorities such as developing a centralized sewer system for Crescent Valley and improving public access to public lands.

Eureka County is currently benefiting from strong economic conditions due to the price of gold constantly reaching new all-time highs. During this time, the county government should aim to build financial resilience to secure our future for the inevitable downturn that will happen when the price of gold drops. In 2024, property taxes were raised due to budget pressures during a strong economic period for the county. Moving forward, I believe the county must prioritize fiscal discipline to avoid similar measures in the future.

Where possible, I would also support returning value to taxpayers through practical measures such as reducing water fees, providing a free dump permit to property tax payers (which they pay for with their taxes) and reducing property tax to historical levels.