Election 2026: Boulder City candidates answer questions
Six Boulder City residents are seeking either reelection or to become a new face on the Boulder City Council dais.
Two are running for the four-year term of mayor and four are seeking the two four-year seats of council member.
Recently, all six were set the same five questions regarding issues in Boulder City. These candidates will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election.
MAYOR
Joe Hardy (Incumbent)
Retired family physician and associate dean clinical education Touro University Nevada
■ Age: 77
■ Years in Boulder City: 44
Q: What motivated you to run for or seek reelection to the city council?
Transparent effective track record of public service from Boulder City Council 1999-2002; Nevada state legislator 2002-2022; mayor Boulder City 2022 to present.
Q: Looking at the next four years, what do you feel is the biggest issue facing Boulder City?
Aging public infrastructure needs funding.
Q: From a Capital Improvement Project standpoint, what does Boulder City need most?
Potable water secured for our residents.
Q: Data centers are debated locally and nationwide. If one is not built on city land, will Boulder City need additional revenue sources to fund projects such as new police and fire stations?
Neither taxes or redevelopment funds could be used to the extent needed. Leasing land is much preferred to selling land.
Q: What makes Boulder City special, and if elected, how would you protect those qualities?
There is no other city with so much history so well preserved that has so many services, long history of personal safety, quality educational opportunities for our children, recreational opportunities for all ages, accessible airport and hangers, a veterans cemetery and home, a new Railroad Museum, a commitment to preserve the environment, an active senior center, a state-of-the-art library, safe places to walk and play with dogs, property rights protections from short-term rentals, utility payment programs to help less fortunate people, emergency aid and Lend a Hand for injured or healing people, a reimagined hospital with a quality emergency room, a city council all rowing in the same direction and able to amicably discuss and decide on tender topics without anger or animosity. Yes, the entire current city council has done the above and will continue to do so. We have proven where we stand and will continue to serve the city and citizens we love.
Mayoral candidate Brent Foutz did not respond to the Review’s questions.
CITY COUNCIL
Cokie Booth (Incumbent)
Q: What motivated you to run for or seek reelection to the city council?
A: I love this community and want to improve residents’ lives wherever I can. My service includes being named the Boys and Girls Club’s Woman of the Year, serving on Nevada’s cosmetology board under two governors, and serving on both the Boulder City Planning Commission and City Council. These roles represent only some of the ways I have given back. My motivation comes from family and my love of Boulder City.
Q: Looking at the next four years, what do you feel is the biggest issue facing Boulder City?
A: Preserving Lake Mead and ensuring residents have reliable water and power are critical, but water is by far the city’s biggest issue.
Q: From a Capital Improvement Project standpoint, what does Boulder City need most?
A: Our top priorities should be upgrading the electric grid and improving wastewater disposal. We currently discharge wastewater into the desert instead of returning it to Lake Mead for credit—an extremely wasteful practice, even given our small size compared with Las Vegas. We should also upgrade the grid to 12 kv for more efficient power transmission. Reliable water and power are essential to life in the desert we love.
Q: Data centers are debated locally and nationwide. If one is not built on city land, will Boulder City need additional revenue sources to fund projects such as new police and fire stations?
A: Because the city can lease, but not sell land, it is at a disadvantage relative to businesses that prefer ownership. Solar is a strong fit because major transmission lines are already in place, and staff should be pursuing solar and battery storage companies. City staff should actively contact potential tenants and consider residents’ recommendations for businesses that might lease the land. Along I-11, we have room for a warehouse, factory, or the suggested recreational center.
Q: What makes Boulder City special, and if elected, how would you protect those qualities?
A: The people, historic small-town charm, nine months of beautiful weather, varied dining, access to boating, biking, off-road, golf, flying, and other recreation set it apart. We must uphold the charter, care for the city, and preserve what residents value. I found paradise here 40 years ago and want others to experience it too.
Chris Gatlin
Retired BC business owner of 30 years
■ Age: 68
■ BC resident: 63 years
Q: What made you decide to run or seek reelection for the city council?
A: Many students of my Constitution classes, realizing and understanding the proper role of government have asked me to run for office. One preface of good government is the willingness of individuals to serve when called. Even when it may come at a cost. Elected officials must serve with honor and integrity without agenda so they may represent all the people.
Q: Looking at the next four years, what do you feel is the biggest issue facing Boulder City?
Water and other resources have become huge issues, not only for BC. We can no longer assume we are fine because we do not use our allowed portion of water or a judge rules for or against us. The river does not care. We may have years that are better for river flow, but those years will probably not be consistent year over year especially if all concerned continually increase demand. As uncomfortable as it may be we must identify and address the real problem of our overburdened river.
Q: From a Capital Improvement Project standpoint, what is most needed in Boulder City? (This does not include projects in the private sector.)
There has been much discussion regarding new emergency response facilities, primarily on the lake side of the city. I would like to see planning for incrementally addressing these needs as funds become available. We must prioritize improvements for proper government function rather than government and resident desires.
Q: Data centers have been a topic of debate not just in Boulder City nationwide. If one is not built on city land, and annual revenue that comes with it is not there, what’s a way Boulder City could generate needed revenue for projects like a new police station of fire station?
Our city only has one resource, other than taxes, for the generation or revenue, land either through sales or lease. Typically, the city has sold land for housing and small-to-medium business within the town site. Leases have been more dominant in the industrial area created through solar energy development, battery storage and other. Each use of these resources must be beneficial to the city. While the latest discussions revolve around data centers, any industry must address issues concerning to the city residents. The primary issues around the data center were water and power use. We have a limited supply of effluent water that could and should be used constructively. Therefore, we contractually offer that use but hold firm that there is no more. No games, no miscalculation if it is not enough, the industry cannot continue. Power consumption can also be calculated addressing the wholesale rate the city pays on the market do, as not to affect rates paid by residents or available power, which could affect distribution. We already place restrictions on our small-to-medium businesses in the downside and require compliance. This should be no different in the industrial zone.
Q: What makes Boulder City a special place to live and, if elected, what will you do to help preserve that?
Having grown up here, BC has always been a special place. Schools have always seemed better than average. Our controlled growth has done much to maintain the atmosphere of the town. Purchasing the Eldorado Valley lands for revenue generation, recreation and conservation has helped to fund things for the residents that otherwise may not exist. The council must view and research proposals from within and outside. We must look at different angles trying to find truth of what is proposed and accessing what is in the best interest of the city. There is much good in our city but sometimes we get it wrong and when we do we pay a price and hopefully learn from our mistakes.
Adam Schultheis
Retired public-school teacher of 36 years.
■ Age: 64
■ Nine-year resident of Boulder City
Q: What made you decide to run or seek reelection for the city council?
A: I decided to run because I care about Boulder City and want residents to have a stronger voice in decisions that affect our town. I taught here for 11 years and through my Americana Man patriotic and parade performances, I’ve met many wonderful people in this community. Since I have knocked on approximately 3,500 doors, and talked to around 2,000 voters, I keep hearing concerns about data centers, city spending, and whether the council is listening. I want to protect what makes Boulder City special and make sure people’s concerns are heard.
Q: Looking at the next four years, what do you feel is the biggest issue facing Boulder City?
A: I believe the biggest issue is protecting Boulder City’s future as a small town. The push for data centers in the Eldorado Valley is the clearest example. Residents are asking serious questions about water, power, noise, heat, pollution, toxic chemicals and what our community would actually gain. I oppose data centers in Boulder City, and I believe the council should listen to residents before making decisions that could change our town for years to come.
Q: From a Capital Improvement Project standpoint, what is most needed in Boulder City? (This does not include projects in the private sector.)
A: I would put water infrastructure at the top of the list. We live in the desert, so taking care of the pipes and systems we depend on is a basic responsibility. I would want a clear list of what needs repair, what each project will cost, and which project is most urgent. We should take care of the essentials before spending money on projects that can wait.
Q: Data centers have been a topic of debate not just in Boulder City nationwide. If one is not built on city land, and annual revenue that comes with it is not there, what’s a way Boulder City could generate needed revenue for projects like a new police station of fire station?
A: I would lease suitable city land to carefully-screened, low-water uses such as light manufacturing or warehousing. The city should seek competitive proposals, evaluate traffic, noise, environmental, and public-service impacts, and publish projected revenue, costs, and risks before signing. Enforceable standards and public oversight would protect residents, while state and federal grants could help fund police and fire facilities. Boulder City could also increase revenue by hosting golf tournaments and promoting Bootleg Canyon for bicycle races, mountain-biking competitions, and other outdoor events. Air shows would also be a great money maker as well. These activities could support local businesses and use existing assets. Together, responsible leases, recreation, tourism, community events such as air shows, and grants can diversify revenue without accepting a data center.
Q: What makes Boulder City a special place to live and, if elected, what will you do to help preserve that?
A: Boulder City is special because it still feels like a small town. People know their neighbors, care about this place, and show up when something matters. I’ve seen that as a teacher here and through my Americana Man performances and parades. If elected, I’ll work to keep our growth ordinance, oppose data centers, conserve water, and take care of our neighborhoods. I’ll support local businesses and tourism, watch how city money is spent, and listen to residents before making decisions that affect our future.
Steve Walton (Incumbent)
Division Chief, HFD (Ret.)
■ Age: 64
■ 28-year resident of Boulder City
Q: What made you decide to run or seek reelection for the city council?
A. I love to serve my community. I have been doing so since moving here in 1998. Examples include as a scout leader, a youth sports coach, Trauma Intervention Program response member, Meals on Wheels, homeless outreach, Sunrise Rotarian, Planning commissioner, church volunteer leader, Congressional Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, and city council. It is in my DNA to give and to serve with compassion and kindness. Specifically, having served at executive levels in municipal government in my professional career; I have specific, proven talents and understanding in how municipal budgets work, how to listen and collaborate with a wide variety of individual perspectives, how to give critical and thoughtful analysis to issues, and to weigh short- and long-term effects. Boulder City deserves no less from our elected representatives.
Q: Looking at the next four years, what do you feel is the biggest issue facing Boulder City?
A. There are myriad ‘big’ issues facing Boulder City in the next four years. The decreasing water level in Lake Mead is a serious issue that can have multiple negative impacts on Boulder City, therefore remaining constructively engaged on regional boards for water resource planning is crucial. We also need to ensure that we have advantageous power purchase agreements in place for the best priced and most reliable electric resources. Wisely preserving the financial strength of our land lease revenue will be essential in stabilizing our city budget and allowing progress on our strategic plan goals. It is a big issue that Boulder City has elected representatives who have shown strategic thinking and planning, who understand how to carefully respond to contemporary realities, who engage community members on all issues and who understand the gravity and breadth of city council service.
Q: From a Capital Improvement Project standpoint, what is most needed in Boulder City? (This does not include projects in the private sector.)
A: From our public budget workshops, and thorough review of our city resources, we recognize that investments in an additional fire substation, police facility upgrades or relocation, maintenance of our aging city buildings, swimming pool completion, suitable public meeting space construction, and of course, utility infrastructure all demonstrate a need for community investment. Council will need to strategically plan for the funding and prudent management of our limited finances.
Q: Data centers have been a topic of debate not just in Boulder City but nationwide. If one is not built on city land, and the annual revenue that comes with it is not there, what’s a way Boulder City could generate needed revenue for projects like a new police station or fire station?
A. Boulder City relies heavily on land lease revenue for our rainy-day fund balances, our capital project funding, and our general operating funds. Many millions come from solar and battery energy land leases. Boulder City could continue with the current course, with an eye to evolving technology that fits into the community’s best interest.
Q: What makes Boulder City a special place to live and, if elected, what will you do to help preserve that?
A. There are many things that make Boulder City Special; principally, the many kind, generous, and caring individuals and groups in our community. In addition, we have ordinances and charter sections that have been established to create transparency and safeguards so that all deliberations and decisions are done openly. Those ordinances include our building and growth regulations. Our committees and commissions are essential to the special environment because we have constant involvement and participation from citizen volunteers. As a city council member, I will continue to support and enhance all of the civic safeguards and inclusions and provide an environment where the best that is in us can flourish.
