Jones’ surf shop handled differently

Thursday, Oct. 9, 1997 | 10:09 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones is a partner in Blue Pacific Inc., a surf clothing store that's leasing space in the mall shops at the Stratosphere hotel-casino.

An investor in the company since May, Jones has listed her interest in the company with the Ethics Commission. She's part owner with George Manuras, who is the manager of the shop.

There are differences between Jones' venture and the one attempted by County Commission Chairwoman Yvonne Atkinson Gates.

Jones never negotiated leasing the mall space with gaming executives. Manuras handled the agreement, which the mayor didn't sign. The Stratosphere was represented by a leasing company, so there weren't any gaming officials involved.

Also, Jones hasn't voted on any Stratosphere items since she's become a partner. And city officials don't have as much regulatory power over casinos as the county does.

Jones is in London this week at the International Gaming Attorneys conference and could not be reached for comment.

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