Reno Mayor Hilary Schieve

Nevada’s Next Governor?

Hilary Schieve—Reno’s self-declared champion of business, a maestro of municipal maneuvering, and a potential future contender for the governor’s seat. But before we all start dusting off our campaign signs and practicing our best “I voted” selfies, let us take a moment to ponder the legacy of this fine steward of public trust.

In 2012, Schieve took her first steps into the political arena, stepping into the City Council after a brief career in the resale clothing business. Some might say there’s no better preparation for public office than swapping out second-hand Levi’s, but it seems the business of running a city is quite different from running a Plato’s Closet.

She ascended to the mayor’s office in 2014, and what a ride it has been!

Three election victories, one term-limit loophole, and enough developer, casino, and PAC money to make a Vegas bookie blush. Naturally, none of this came without the help of well-placed friends, including Jessica Sferrazza—the daughter of a former mayor, top lobbyist, and occasional political Houdini who attempted and failed to eliminate term limits before slipping into a lucrative gig with a developer she once helped.

Schieve’s political reach extends across more committees and boards than a seasoned poker player’s winning streak. Whether it’s tourism, transportation, housing, or stadiums, she’s had a hand in them all—regardless of whether or not she’s had a clue what she was doing. But governing, like poker, is not always about knowing the game—it’s about knowing who’s at the table.

Now, like any ambitious politician, Schieve has had dreams of expanding her powers. In 2017, she sought to elevate herself from mere mayor to a “strong mayor” with veto authority—backed by her good friend, career political fixture Tic Segerblom. The state Senate approved, but alas, the Assembly did not. A setback that did not stop her from declaring her unshakable support for term limits–provided they did not apply to her.

Her hiring practices have raised more eyebrows than a prospector who found fool’s gold in a casino. When the time came to appoint a police chief, she overlooked qualifications in favor of a union leader who had—coincidentally, I’m sure—donated $10,000 to her campaign. Later, when Reno needed a city manager, Schieve dispensed with the formalities of applications and interviews, bestowing the role upon Jackie Bryant, an act of executive efficiency.

Then there’s the question of money—both the city’s and hers. In 2017, she boasted of saving Reno taxpayers $10,000, which was quite a feat considering she also spent $10,000 on a State of the City party. This particular brand of math has left many wondering if Reno’s finances are handled with the same meticulous care as a gambler’s last nickel in a slot machine.

Schieve has also shown an enthusiasm for the digital frontier, backing blockchain initiatives and attempting to turn Reno’s beloved Space Whale sculpture into an NFT—because nothing says “civic duty” quite like speculative digital art investments. Unfortunately, like many who jumped on the NFT and Bitcoin bandwagon, she rode the market straight into the ground, only to find herself securing a mortgage modification right before the 2022 election.

Coincidence? Perhaps.

A stroke of financial genius? Unlikely.

Her leadership during times of crisis has been equally remarkable. When riots broke out in 2020, causing $600,000 in damage, Schieve’s response was having police stand down—because nothing discourages criminal activity quite like a hands-off approach. Then came COVID-19, during which she arbitrarily decided which businesses were “essential” and which were not, ordering shutdowns without legal basis, bankrupting small businesses, and sending out secret observers to impose fines.

There’s no word yet on whether those same observers were available to check in on the rising cases of alcoholism, depression, and suicide that followed.

And now, with talk of a gubernatorial run on the horizon, one must ask—does the state of Nevada need more of this brand of leadership? With a track record of fiscal mismanagement, political favors, and economic misadventures, Schieve has left her mark on Reno. Whether that mark is a badge of honor or a warning sign depends on whom you ask.

So, as we reflect on the legacy of Mayor Hilary Schieve, let us remember that the road to higher office is paved not with good intentions but with well-connected allies, generous donors, and a steadfast belief that the rules apply to everyone—except, of course, those writing them.