Las Vegas Sun

April 24, 2024

North Las Vegas candidates

The candidates and the issues Budget: The city faced a $15 million shortfall this year and is looking at a $23 million shortfall next year. Declining sales and property taxes ensure lean times ahead. Tule Springs: Part of this 13,000-acre swath of land cuts across the northern tip of the city. Preservationists want it off-limits to development but parts could be developed in the next wave of city growth. Casinos north of 215: The City Council will soon decide whether it will allow a second gaming district north of Interstate 215. Additionally, it will decide on several casinos near the interchange of Interstate 15 and I-215. Downtown redevelopment: The city recently approved a downtown master plan for Las Vegas Boulevard North. It would include a new city hall. Kiel Ranch: This original North Las Vegas settlement site has fallen into disrepair. The city has been trying to turn the site along Carey Avenue into a park for more than 20 years.

Mayor

Shari Buck

Job: Mother of four

Age: 48

 Be proactive; city has worked to be in better shape than some Balance development and preservation Casinos do not belong in neighborhoods. Closer to I-15 is better On the right path The city does not have the funding right now

John 3:16 Cook

Job: Pastor

Age: 76

 Legalize marijuana, find a way to tax churches Favors development Against casinos in that location Don’t allow signs in Spanish No opinion

William Robinson

Job: Retired school counselor

Age: 69

 Freeze all hiring, be especially frugal Favors preservation and limited development Against casinos. But will revisit if the city continues to need to draw jobs Keep working on it Continue pursuing state money for refurbishment

Stephanie Smith

Job: Music teacher

Age: 51

 Consider everything and make sure core services of public safety and parks are spared Favors preservation Would decide on a case-by-case basis Keep working through the tough economic times Pursue aid from other jurisdictions

Ned Thomas

Job: Henderson planner

Age: 43

 Work with city management and union to find ways to cut expenses Balance preservation and limited development Does not support casinos in the area Be careful implementing the plan Supports finding way to preserve

Ward 1

Rolando Cruz

Job: Sales representative of chemical company

Age: 36

 Cuts cannot impact public safety and roads Balance preservation and development In favor Follow the current redevelopment plan No opinion

Jeffrey Eggeman

Job: Unemployed bartender

Age: 40

 Hold off on new city hall No opinion Against A waste of time A waste of taxpayer money

Robert Eliason

Job: Construction manager

Age: 46

 Everything is on the table Balance preservation and development Against The master plan is a good step City cannot afford to revitalize without support

Ward 3

Felix Acevedo Jr.

Job: Clark County emergency management analyst

Age: 39

 Contain costs and streamline without cutting public safety or fire No opinion In favor of responsible casino growth Go ahead with capital improvement projects to create jobs In favor of preserving

Angelo Carvalho

Job: Owns car customizing business

Age: 41

 Have to analyze where money is going Balance preservation and development In favor We need to continue with plans Now isn’t the time to spend the money

Jack Kelso

Job: Architect

Age: 70

 Look at postponing public works projects, spare fire and police Preserve all Case-by-case basis Could do things differently for less money No opinion

Michael Little

Job: Alternative energy developer

Age: 49

 Protect funds from state looting, create industry Use it for green industry In favor We need to reinvest Find ways to generate revenue

Anita Wood

Job: Stay-at-home mom

Age: 45

 Look at the basics, get fair share of consolidated tax, be more efficient Favors preservation Favors casinos as long as residents have input Favors current plans, wants to push for federal aid Supports preserving site

Kimberly McKinney

Did not return calls