Governor Tim Walz visits northern Nevada in a time of trouble

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz arrived in Reno about an hour off schedule.

This is his first visit to Northern Nevada as Kamala Harris’s running mate.

Washoe County is the purple county in the purple state of Nevada, in his limited time here he needed to make a solid impression.

His first stop, Washoe County Democratic Headquarters.

Standing room only here to see the Governor; but at the front of the room something different.

Organizers here had put the word out to bring items for those impacted by the Davis Fire. Within a matter of hours water, baby items, and snacks came pouring into the office on Terminal Way.

Walz told the group, this is what community is all about, helping neighbors in times of need.

“Turning this office into… that is what it is all about,” Governor Walz told the group. “Campaigns and politics are a means to the end. The end is a better, fairer society where all of us take care of one another.”

Initially his visit here in Reno was to take on a much different tone.

A rally was scheduled at the Grand Serra Resort on Monday afternoon. But in light of the fire which has impacted thousands of northern Nevadans, it just didn’t seem appropriate.

And Walz was ready with a message that fit the situation at hand.

“To make sure we have the ability show that value; the ability to collectively work together. The idea there is value in that,” said Walz.

He spent only a few minutes here with party faithful.

His next stop was to firefighters who are helping put out a fire that has proved formidable to local fire agencies.

For approximately 45-minutes, this is where Walz chose to spend most of his time. As a governor he understands what crews can be up against. He himself has declared state of emergencies.

He talked to as many personnel as he could from firefighter to chief, even being handed a baseball hat and t-shirt.

“I think we are just grateful he came by and showed his support, and it was really important to us,” said Adam Mayberry with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. “You know he shared some stories about fires that he has experienced in Minnesota.”

Walz didn’t come empty handed, pizzas were brought in as a thank you from the Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee.

Walz said he would return to the Truckee Meadows, soon.

Hopefully at a time when the community isn’t having to look over its shoulder for the next evacuation order.

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