Reed Mitchell

Name

Reed Mitchell

Occupation

Stay-At-Home-Dad

Political Office

Candidate for State Assembly District 26

Political Affiliation

Libertarian

How would you describe yourself to voters?

I am first and foremost a husband and father. My wife and two daughters bring more joy and purpose to my life than anything on this side of life. My parents moved to Gardnerville from Southern California (sorry about that) when I was one years old. I was a business owner for the better part of a decade, I've worked in construction, worked retail, worked fast food, played music professionally, and most recently I was a stayat-home-dad. In other words, I am not a politician. I believe in the rights of every individual to govern their money, their property, and their bodies. I want to do everything that I can to make this a reality for my community and my state.

What do you see as the top issues in this campaign?

As someone who has lived in Northern Nevada for over 30 years, I have witnessed a gradual erosion of the spirit of liberty that has characterized this state from the very beginning. The horrific response of nearly every state official in charge of handling the Covid-19 pandemic has made it clear beyond reasonable doubt. Nevada needs a fundamental shift back in the direction of individual liberty and self-governance. Crafting legislation that would radically limit the ability of state officials to lock us in our own homes is just the beginning. We need to find market solutions for our failing education system, end qualified immunity, end civil asset forfeiture, and eliminate the barriers that stand in the way of the thousands of individuals wanting to start a new business.

In your opinion, how would you rate the state’s response to the pandemic? Why?

In a word, it was abysmal. We spent nearly two years locked in our homes, and relying on press conferences from our Governor to find out whether or not we were allowed to visit our own parents. As a result of the decrees of our state government many Nevadans experienced a level of suffering and hardship that would have been unthinkable even 5 years ago. People had their businesses, families, and lives ruined by the Covid restrictions, and were demonized as "selfish" for expressing any concern about them. The idea that the decrees implemented by state officials, school administrators, and local authorities did anything to mitigate the virus would be comical if it weren't so tragic.

Education and local government officials have long asked lawmakers to change the way the state assesses property taxes. That includes raising the current tax threshold. Should lawmakers consider raising those thresholds? If not, what is the best way for governments to raise money for local programs?

I am entirely opposed to any increase in state/local taxes. If the government wants to fund a program then it should demonstrate the value of the program and raise money through voluntary means like every other individual, business, or charity has to do.