Broadbent shifts to monorail

Jeff Schweers

Monday, May 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Clark County Aviation Director Bob Broadbent will retire almost two months earlier than planned so he can be available to private companies that want his help in building a monorail on the east side of the Strip.

"It just seemed like it was the time to go," Broadbent said. "I'm looking at some other opportunities, and if they come through earlier, I would need to be out earlier."

Sources close to the monorail talks have said Broadbent will work for the MGM Grand and Hilton Hotels Corp. on a proposed 3.4-mile monorail linking their properties.

Those sources said a contract is under serious consideration and an announcement is due soon. They said Broadbent's role would be to plan the project and negotiate with other properties and the county for right of way and air space.

Broadbent, 70, would not comment on the job, directing questions to the companies rumored to be hiring him. But at a legislative hearing last week, Broadbent said it was true he was going to work in the private sector.

"I can't make any statement on behalf of the MGM-Hilton. You will have to get that from them," Broadbent said. "New developments make it necessary to step down earlier. I can't pass up what I might get and if I do get it, they want me right away."

Broadbent will step down Tuesday instead of June 30, as originally planned. His successor will be Randy Walker, a former deputy director at the airport who has been an assistant county manager since last August.

County Manager Dale Askew has recommended Clark County School District Assistant Superintendent Mike Alastuey to replace Walker. The board is set to ratify the appointment Tuesday.

Broadbent was due to have surgery this month to repair a damaged abdominal aorta and aneurysm, but has delayed having it done now that he's leaving the county sooner. He said the surgery was not necessary immediately.

"I'm not trying to dodge it," Broadbent said. "I was going to do it while I was still with the county, but now that I'm leaving, there's no hurry."