By: Alan Snel
Bill Lenhart is a land developer but he also appreciates the environment.
They’re not mutually exclusive of each other.
That’s why Lenhart, founding partner of Las Vegas-based Sunbelt Development & Investment Partners, Inc., supports Jared Fisher’s run for governor.
Lenhart believes there’s a balance between development and preserving the environment and that Fisher also knows how to strike that balance between business and the environment.
“I know his character and I support that,” said Lenhart, who lives in Summerlin.
Fisher held a fundraiser event at the office of Las Vegas dentist Joe Willardsen, who hosted the event because he was pleased with doing business with Fisher.
“I’ve done some business with Jared and sponsored some of his shop events and he has been really good to work with,” Dr. Willardsen said.
“He has a good track record. He’s a leader in his industry in energy use and with his business model,” Willardsen said. “He has passion, drive, discipline and likability and he’s the type of guy who can talk with everyone, whether they’re in a suit or bike shorts.”
That’s one of Fisher’s political strengths —his ability to appeal to both sides of the aisle because of his love of business entrepreneurship and environmental conservation.
One of Fisher’s backers, Ross Smillie, likes Fisher’s integrity and mental toughness and said that’s what he would like to see in Nevada’s next governor.
Smillie was with Pauline Van Betten, who noted that Fisher can manage so many tasks without getting stressed out.
“He can manage so many things so gracefully and he never gets unraveled,” Van Betten said.
Chuck Rooker, of Las Vegas came to the fund-raiser to show support because he likes the fact that Fisher supports veterans.
“He’s a businessman and in today’s political climate people want something different. They’re tired of the same old thing and career politicians,” said Rooker, a Nevada national guardsman.
“He’s also very personable,” Rooker said. “A lot of politicians try to be personable, but come across as phony. He’s sincere.”
Even fellow Blue Diamond residents came out. Steve Enger and his wife, Jody Lyman, said they are building a new restaurant in Blue Diamond called Cottonwood Station and said Fisher can relate to them because they’re also starting a small business. Fisher also lives in Blue Diamond.
“He really set the bar. He’s a really likable person,” Jody Lyman said.
“We’re excited to be behind someone who has tangible answers,” Steve Enger said.
