Editorial: The best selections for Tuesday

Monday, June 2, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

THE SUN endorses the following candidates in Tuesday's municipal elections:

Las Vegas City Council, Ward 4 -- Incumbent Councilman Matthew Callister is being challenged by water district official Larry Brown to represent residents in the northwest section of the city. Callister, despite his sometimes questionable behavior, has been a productive councilman, working hard for his constituents. Although Brown also appears to be a good choice, we see no reason to replace Callister.

Las Vegas Municipal Court, District 5 -- Incumbent Judge Gregory Barlow is being challenged by attorney Cedric Kerns for this misdemeanor court position. Barlow has eight years of experience on the bench, but also is carrying the baggage of low job performance ratings in attorney surveys. Kerns, although a lawyer for only five years, has an enthusiasm and a perspective that would improve the court. The SUN endorses Kerns.

North Las Vegas mayor -- Veteran Councilman Theron Goynes is running against Mike Montandon, former president of the Hidden Canyon Homeowners Association, in a battle over the direction of city policies. Goynes represents continuing the status quo, while Montandon wants a new approach. Montandon would herald fresh ideas to confront some of the city's pressing fiscal problems which Goynes denies exist. If you like where North Las Vegas is going, Goynes is your choice. If you think it's time for a change, Montandon is the candidate.

North Las Vegas Council (two 4-year seats)-- Two of a field of four candidates will serve on the council. John Rhodes, Stephanie Smith, Robert Eliason and JoAnna Wesley are competing for the positions in a race that centers on how well the city is responding to growth. Rhodes and Smith have the experience for the council and receive the SUN's endorsement.

North Las Vegas Council (one 2-year seat) -- Two candidates are seeking this position, incumbent Paula Brown and challenger Sylvester Rogers. Brown, who polled heavily in the primary, is the best candidate. Even though we have reservations on her nuclear waste dump stand, she has assured us she is not in favor of bringing waste to Nevada.

North Las Vegas Municipal Judge -- Former Judge Gary Davis is running against Warren Van Landschoot. Davis has a good public service record but has compiled more problems than a judge should bring to the bench. Landschoot would come with a clean slate and wins the SUN nod.

Henderson City Council, Ward 3 -- Incumbent Jack Clark is facing David Kallas in this race. Clark has been a good public servant, working hard for his constituents. Clark should be returned for another term.

Henderson Cultural Arts Bond Issue -- This would raise $20 million to construct a performing arts building for this fast-growing city. The performing arts is highly popular in Henderson and this would provide an important cultural asset. The SUN urges voters to endorse this issue.

Boulder City Council (two seats) -- Incumbent Eric Lungaard is running against Mike Pacini, Bill Smith and Darryl Martin in this hotly contested race over a proposed landfill and power plant in the Eldorado Valley. Lungaard, after finishing third in the primary, now has gotten the message and is belatedly opposed to the landfill along with all other candidates. Boulder City voters will now have to sort out which of these candidates best will serve the community.