Storey County Sheriff speaks out after effort to recall him fails

Storey County Sheriff Gerald Antinoro says he's feeling relieved, now that he knows he is retaining his role as Sheriff.

"Politics are a funny beast and you just never know with that," he says. "I had hoped for the best all along."

The sheriff, now in his second term, says he's eager to move on after a recall effort that took a toll on his staff.

"It does serve as a distraction," says Sheriff Antinoro. "We wind up spending a lot of time on things that we don't need to because we have to deal with this. On a personal note, I had to spend a lot of time politicking. I had to spend a lot of time answering questions that had no basis in the first place."

The effort to remove Antinoro as sheriff started last year amid allegations that included sexual harassment and budget problems. The county took the issue to the voters and Tuesday, a special recall election was held. The recall failed.

The next day, April 12, 2017, during a Storey County Board of Commissioners meeting, it was recorded that 601 people voted for the recall and 883 people voted against it.

"It's good," says Sheriff Antinoro. "I'm glad the people of the county saw this for what it was."

But even though the election is over, the people of Storey County remain divided.

"I think in many ways, we have a county split in some respects and we look forward to working together for the betterment of not only the county, but the whole region," says Pat Whitten, Storey County Manager.

That's what the sheriff will be working toward now, too.

"There will be a lot of good things that come out of Storey County because of this," says Sheriff Antinoro. "Out of this, better communications will be created regardless of where you stand on any particular issue. Hopefully, this will give people a better base or a more comfortable base where they are able to speak their mind and not be worried about the potential for retaliation."

The sheriff says he has an open invitation out to those who wanted him to go to speak with him. "I am open to their thoughts and suggestions. Let's talk."

He says despite everything that happened, his priorities remain the same.

"Trying to keep the peace, trying to enforce the laws, trying to keep the community safe," he says.

Sheriff Antinoro says when his second term ends, he plans to seek another term.