Hunter Rand for Sparks, Ward 2

Hunter Rand, candidate for Sparks City Council, Ward 2, poses for a formal portrait in a light blue shirt and navy blue blazer, featuring a Nevada flag lapel pin.

Beyond safety, I am dedicated to strengthening emergency services, including better collaboration with REMSA, REACH, and other regional partners. I believe that by improving mutual aid agreements and systems and continuing to invest in contemporary dispatch systems and technology and ensuring business compliance with fire codes, we can keep our community safe while also ensuring our emergency services are better equipped to respond to crises.

I am passionate about maintaining the integrity of our neighborhoods. We will uphold land use and neighborhood plans that prioritize residents over profit-driven changes, and I will ensure that Ward 2’s and our city’s growth is fair and sustainable, while always looking towards the future.

Running to be the next Ward 2 council member isn’t just about addressing the issues of today; it’s about preparing for tomorrow. Together, we can make Sparks a place where everyone feels supported, empowered, and proud to call home.

Hunter Rand, candidate for Sparks City Council, Ward 2 stands in a hangar in front of a REACH Medical and Fire helicopter.

I am running to be Ward 2’s next council member because I believe in a future where safety, fairness, and compassion guide every decision we make as a community. Sparks is a place where we take care of each other, our neighbors, and I want to ensure our city reflects that in everything from public safety to economic fairness. My platform, SPARKS TOGETHER, is built on the principle that by working as a team—residents, businesses, and city officials—we can create a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community.

Public safety is a top priority for me. I support using technology and data-driven approaches to enhance community safety while protecting civil rights. I will advocate for regular reviews of any public safety tools to ensure they are effective, affordable, equitable, and aligned with our community’s values in Sparks and Ward 2. Additionally, I am committed to improving our fire services, pushing for increased fire engine crews, and working towards a regional fire service consolidation to maximize efficiency and response times.

Sparks Together: Building Our Future

An aerial photo of Sparks, Ward 2, facing North East at sunset.

SPARKS TOGETHER is about building a Ward 2 and a city where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered. Through careful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and compassion, we can create a community that not only thrives but also looks out for one another. By taking care of our neighbors and working together, we can make Sparks an even better place to live, work, and grow.

    • Technology Effectiveness Audit:
      I support a thorough, independent review of any public safety technology to ensure it delivers real value to our community. It's important to assess whether these tools actually reduce crime, protect civil liberties, and are worth the investment. By relying on objective data and transparent evaluation, we can make smart, balanced decisions that prioritize both safety, accountability, and affordability.

    • Increased Fire Crews: Advocate for four-person fire engine crews, aligning with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, to enhance our city's emergency response capabilities. With increasing costs I will use my position to help secure funding from various sources that are being underutilized and/or not utilized at all.

    • Regional Fire Service Consolidation: Advocate for a regional, consolidated fire service to improve efficiency, response times, and resource allocation, ensuring better protection for our community.

    • Business Compliance with Fire Codes: Strengthen enforcement and support for businesses to comply with fire codes, reducing risks and ensuring safer commercial environments for employees, residents, and visitors.

    • Enhanced Regional Dispatch and Mutual Aid: Support the integration of regional dispatch services to improve coordination and response during emergencies, including enhanced mutual aid agreements between neighboring municipalities.

    • Improving REMSA Services: Collaborate with REMSA to enhance emergency medical services in Sparks while maintaining a single EMS franchise. This will ensure that city services and EMS work in harmony to provide the best possible care.

    • Campus Security Officer Program Model: Explore the feasibility of applying the successful UNR Campus Security Office program to Sparks' parks and city-maintained facilities, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents while keeping law enforcement spending at similar levels.

    • Ambassadors Program: Consider implementing a similar program to the Reno Ambassadors Program in Sparks to increase public safety and assist in community engagement.

    • Illegal Fireworks Enforcement: Attempt to strengthen efforts against the use of illegal and dangerous fireworks. I will work with regional partners to reduce their proliferation, ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods.

    • Zero Tolerance for DUIs: Advocate for the implementation of a strict no-tolerance policy on DUIs, increasing enforcement and promoting safer streets.

    • Improved Code Enforcement: Enhance the city’s code enforcement operations to ensure compliance with all local regulations, leading to a cleaner, safer, and more orderly Sparks.

    • Risk Management Review: I will work to lead a comprehensive review of the city’s risk management programs under the city manager. This initiative will focus on reducing liability, lawsuits, and settlements, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.

    • Land Use and Neighborhood Plans: Uphold and enforce existing neighborhood plans without allowing profit-driven amendments driven by lobbyists that don’t consider pre-existing neighbors. I believe in protecting the integrity of our community's land use and ensuring that developments align with the community's vision.

    • Supporting Seniors: Committed to ensuring dignity, safety, and inclusion for our older residents, prioritizing policies and programs that help older adults stay active, connected, and secure in our community. From improving access to transportation and healthcare resources, to creating more opportunities for social engagement and age-friendly public spaces, we believe our seniors deserve the respect and support they’ve earned. I will work to ensure they are not just cared for—but truly valued—in every aspect of city life.

    • Long-Term Solutions for Growth and Funding: The Lands Bill provides a temporary solution for funding and growth issues in Sparks, I am committed to partnering with state legislators to address the root causes to find a long-term solution. This will ensure we continue to provide the best services to our community for the long term.

    • Improving Language Access: Dedicated to making city services, emergency responses, and public information accessible to all residents, regardless of the language they speak. We will work to expand language access programs, ensuring that non-English speakers can fully participate in civic life and access essential services without barriers.