Callister-Brown race hotly contested for some voters

Andy Holtmann

Tuesday, June 3, 1997 | 11:32 a.m.

Voters who cast ballots this morning in municipal elections didn't mince words when talking about their choices.

The race for Las Vegas City Council Ward 4, pitting incumbent Matthew Callister against Las Vegas Valley Water District executive Larry Brown, has bitterly voters in the northwest part of the city.

"If the public knew how Callister really acted, I don't think many people would be voting for him," said Brown supporter Tommy Ricketts, who voted at Fong Elementary School. Polls close at 7 p.m.

Supporters of Callister, however, say he is the type of person who is not afraid of pressure from special-interest groups and has the energy and drive to get things accomplished.

"Callister is a good person who has been negatively attacked by the media and certain groups in the community," said one voter who declined to give his name. "He has my vote by a large margin."

Brown has been called a nice, easygoing type who has the willpower to make tough decisions when called for. Brown has never held a political office, but did run for the City Council in 1989 in a losing effort to Arnie Adamsen.

"I used to support Callister," said Debra Thompson, who was working on Brown's behalf at Fong. "Larry (Brown), though, has shown to have a very overall and complete vision of what the northwest needs."

North Las Vegas has two races that appear to be stirring voter interest.

Former Municipal Judge Gary Davis was removed from his position on the bench in 1995 by the Judicial Discipline Commission for misconduct.

"Davis should not be elected back to the bench," said one voter at Bridger Middle School. "His conduct is the element we as citizens are trying to rid the city of."

Still, many residents consider him one of the fairest and most honest men around. Many who voted for him before are angry that he was removed and say their vote was taken away from them.

"How can you bring up things that occurred as far back as 15 years ago?" said voter Frank Azbell. "If Davis was such a bad guy, why did they wait 15 years to have him removed? The Judicial committee should let the people decide who is right for their community."

His opponent, police Detective Warren Van Landschoot, has what voters call "a strong sense of street smarts" and the self control to handle the bench properly.

"Van Landschoot has made me think about where the city is going in the way of controlling crime," said one voter who asked not to be identified. "I like his dedication."

The battle for mayor between Theron Goynes and Mike Montandon has turned into a heated debate over zoning and economic management issues.

Goynes, who served on the North Las Vegas City Council for 17 years, has strongly defended the way that funds are handled by the city.

"Goynes is the best candidate I have seen yet," said one voter. "He has been there long enough to know what he is doing."

Those who feel differently are siding with Montandon, who has accused the city of misusing parks and recreation funds.

"Goynes has not handled the city very well," said one voter. "I have been living here for 58 years and I have never seen it this bad. It is time for change.