Kara Jenkins

Kara Jenkins - affectionately known by colleagues and friends as "KJ" - has been a bipartisan public servant of the state of Nevada for over 10 years as a Governor appointee under Governors Brian Sandoval, Steve Sisolak and Joe Lombardo. At present, she proudly serves as the Administrator to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. A proud HBCU grad, KJ is a lawyer by education and a Harvard Kennedy School of Government alumna. KJ specializes in mediation and conflict resolution. Finding commonality and creative ways to build bridges is her passion and life's work. KJ has extensive experience in executive oversight of government programs and has built a career around her calling to serve. KJ truly loves ALL people and especially the city of Las Vegas. More than ever, KJ is committed to listening and connecting to residents and representing the city in a way that reflects the NEW LAS VEGAS, while preserving our history. KJ believes that Vegas is a community of amazing people from all walks of life that contribute significantly to the economic vitality of Nevada. As candidate for Mayor, KJ will respect the public safety of our community while supporting all Nevadans, from essential workers, long-time residents, those who have come to Vegas to restart or realize their ambitions. KJ will support the growth Vegas seeing and will be accessible to business owners, animal lovers, and our most vulnerable. If elected, KJ will be the city's 1st Black mayor.

• It's time to celebrate our diversity and honor all who call Las Vegas home. It's also time to pass the torch.
• We need to roll out the red carpet for our locals in the same way we do our guests.
• Las Vegas knows how to rebound. Despite set-backs due to a global pandemic, Vegas is leading the nation in hospitality, gaming and now sports. It's time to celebrate us - the real us. Kara Jenkins represents the NEW, positive voice for our diverse city of innovators from all over the world. Kara is your nonpartisan candidate for mayor that will put Vegas locals first.

I am passionate that the local government can and should be more accessible to the everyday needs of people. Therefore, city hall must be innovative and streamline unnecessary and archaic methods relating to permitting and granting small business licenses. I will campaign for implementing an energy efficient mass transit system for our residents. I will address homelessness and encourage the purchase of properties for housing our vulnerable while keeping our business corridors and neighborhoods safe. I will encourage innovation while taking care of our veterans. I will collaborate with non-profit and private sector stakeholders to support Vegas' growth.

I look up to my beloved father, Darryl Jenkins. My father was a selfless and kind man who never met a stranger. He is no longer with us, but he always insisted that I use my voice for good and to work hard for others. I would like to always carry his spirit with me as I take on the role of mayor.

Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts.

The most important characteristics or principles needed for an elected official include: integrity, candor, common-sense, emotional maturity, empathy, self-awareness, presence and accessibility, collaborative problem solving, innovation and dignity.

The mayor is the CEO of her city and sits among council members to enact ordinances that impact our locals. She also sits on several boards to encourage economic vitality and a safe city that encourages residency and tourism.

The mayor is a nonpartisan seat, meant to keep neutral the everyday living challenges we all face in the city, regardless of politics. The traffic cones are orange - not Red or Blue. Affordable housing and living wages are shared interests. Knowing what our people need and being accessible are qualities needed at the local level and specifically, for the mayor's seat. National matters and rhetoric that the mayor has no jurisdiction over should be handled with great responsibility and emotional maturity. As elected officials, we are role models to responsible and transparent governing. We also must be on-call to answer to matters of security and public safety. An elected official leads by stepping up and sacrificing for her people - all of her people, even those that did not vote for her.

I am kind. Smart. Empathetic. I am fun and lighthearted but extremely focused and mindful of the huge responsibility to lead. I am a confident black woman who has served in government for 12 years. My law background and certification from Harvard has given me the tools to common sense problem solving. I am ready to be an inclusive and relative leader to our residents. I am results oriented. I am ready to work.

The mayor is a nonpartisan seat, meant to keep neutral the everyday living challenges we all face in the city, regardless of politics. The traffic cones are orange - not Red or Blue. Affordable housing and living wages are shared interests. Knowing what the people need and being a presence in the community are currently lacking. However, a mayor who knows her city and people is able to make more informed policies on behalf of the people she serves. She must also possess emotional maturity to stay out of partisan issues that can isolate or divide her residents - while understanding and supporting the Constitution and jurisdictional limitations of the office. The mayor must also look capable and healthy to perform her tasks and instill confidence and admiration amongst her people. She is the city's CEO. She must carry herself with class and dignity while fiercely advocating for her people. The job is 3 terms at 4 years. The mayor must be prepared to serve all 12 years, if elected and re-elected.

I would like people to know that I worked selflessly for their best interests and led with dignity and class.

I will never forget watching Nelson Mandela's release from prison televised. The date was February 11, 1990. I was 11 years old. This opened up an intense conversation with my family about apartheid and justice. I had no idea then that I would be a candidate for office. I have always been concerned of the needs of others and interested in people. Service to others is chicken soup to my soul.

I was a Resident's Assistant (RA) my junior year in college at Xavier University! I was an RA for just that year! My next job was while I was in law school - I worked PT at the law library to offset my expenses for one year.

To Kill a Mockingbird. Art imitating life and exploring our complexities and challenges as humans within the constructs of systems totally intrigues me. I have a heart for the human race and am genuinely interested in our stories.

Khalisi - Game Of Thrones

Skip Marley, "Slow Down"

Sometimes as a female leader, the enemy can be self doubt. I am in awe of my opportunities and have worked hard to show up and take space (respectfully). Yet, at times I find myself alone or as the "only" in rooms where I have much to contribute. Therefore, I actively remind myself (daily) to never be unapologetic for my standards and to lead with courage and compassion... To stand on integrity - and that I am exactly where I need to be. I just have to remind myself that I am enough - no matter what others may assume or think.

The mayor must inspire confidence and a sense of pride amongst her people. Leadership in the mayor's role requires class, dignity, and emotional maturity to tackle sensitive issues. A leader serves by putting her people first. A leader is accessible, in-touch and understands the importance of collaboration and supports inclusion to tackle problems. A leader is effective and accountable, not just for the wins but transparent with the losses.

I will work with all Ward Councils and the City Manager to tackle issues affecting our residents. In Las Vegas, the homeless/mental health crisis will be day-1 collaboration to tackle camps and get our most vulnerable in housing provided by the city with access to mental health and social services. I will work with law enforcement and the Sheriff to assess safety priorities to encourage recreation and quality of life experiences.

I love the diversity in people the most. We come from all walks of life and choose to call Vegas home. Our issues as locals revolve around being a 24-hour town of professionals, artists, entertainers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and government workers. We are diverse and unapologetic with beautiful recreational activities surrounded by scenic desert views. We love our pets and despite what some may think, we are a community and not a transient town. We are on the brink of becoming a world class city, leading in hospitality, gaming, entertainment and now, sports.

If we are not tackling our homelessness/mental health crisis, our outdated mass transit system, lack of affordable housing and high paying jobs, our city will not be able to sustain growth on the strip. The city of Las Vegas is not the "strip," rather it is made up of our local residents and small business owners who are the heart beat of our city. As the population grows and advances, the city needs to be the leader in innovation and city planning. I will strive to make the city better for our kids and future residents.

The ideal relationship is a collaborative one - and I will work with (and have) state legislators to assist in testimony for legislation that supports our residents in a bipartisan manner. As mayor, I will support the Constitution, law enforcement, community organizations while advancing the state as a municipal partner.

I will work with the federal government as a partner and advocate for my people. I will be an active partner to the White House and Congress to access grant dollars and funding opportunities for residents here in Vegas especially in the event of a natural disaster or cyber attack. The ideal relationship is one of reciprocity and respect of our shared constituents.

I don't really have one! Maybe a knock knock?

A safe city is a thriving city. The ideal relationship is one that collaborates with law enforcement and encourages young and diverse cadets to join the force. I support and encourage community policing tactics to instill trust with more marginalized groups. I encourage peaceful protests in accordance with the 1st Amendment and ensure due process for all of our residents. Regardless of who you are, I support law enforcement to be tough on crime and any person or group that threatens the safety of our residents and children.

Higher Heights for America PAC, National Latino Peace Officers Association, Steven Peterson of Bursting Through, Roxxstar Entertainment, Nonito Donaire "Filipino Flash," Janel Raihl or Art Wavy Studios and Raw Femme Media.

Upcoming endorsement interviews are on going and following the primary election date of June 11. 2024.

Tax payer money and funds should always be accounted for. I believe in fair recruiting and bids as well as a formal RFP process. All council meetings need to be transparent in accordance with open meeting law with notice and proper posting to encourage public comment. Websites and links to forms, permits and customer service need to be active and current. I believe in equity in bids.