Son of longtime lawmaker enters race for mayor

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

HENDERSON -- The son of a prominent former legislator is making his first foray into politics by seeking to become this city's next mayor.

James Gibson, 48, vowed to fight for more schools, a police substation in Green Valley, and a harmonious City Council. He also said he would oppose the spread of slot machine clubs in neighborhoods.

Gibson announced his candidacy for the May 6 election at a rally Monday attended by about 100 supporters at James Gibson Elementary School. The school is named after his late father, a former state Senate majority leader who was one of Nevada's most powerful politicians until his death in 1988.

Gibson said he was attempting to follow in the footsteps of his father, whose first public office was on the former Henderson School Board.

"I've tried to do most of the things I've done quietly, behind the scenes," Gibson said. "But I believe I'm ready to enter public life."

A lawyer, Gibson serves as general counsel for American Pacific Corp., whose holdings include Gibson Business Park and Pepcon Systems Inc. His lengthy resume of civic participation has included membership on the Clark County School District Bond Oversight Committee.

"The future of children has to be and must be prominent in what we do," he said. "That's why we're meeting at this school."

Gibson said he wants to make sure Henderson gets the schools that have been promised through tax-supported bond issues. He also promised to play an active role in educational issues, saying they shouldn't be left only to the school district.

He underscored the need for a police substation in Green Valley by noting that the area is several miles away from the Henderson Police Department.

"I know I could sleep better knowing that a police substation is only a minute or two from my home," he said.

Gibson also voiced strong opposition to slot parlors in neighborhoods. He said they contribute to alcohol-related automobile accidents.

"They certainly make no contribution to our residential property values, which are so important to us," he said. "These slot joints only serve to enrich the people that own the clubs."

Gibson is seeking to replace Mayor Bob Groesbeck, who decided against seeking a second four-year term. Though Gibson is a Democrat, the mayoral race is nonpartisan.

Mike Sullivan, campaign spokesman for Gibson, estimated the race would cost his candidate $200,000.

Other likely contenders for mayor are Henderson City Councilman David Wood and city employee Dennis Augspurger.