Comeaux: Special session to save children’s home unlikely

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1997 | 8:31 a.m.

Comeaux said the administration hasn't changed its position that the home in Boulder City should be closed at the end of the month.

"Absolutely nothing has changed since the Legislature made its initial decision," Comeaux said Monday. "We don't think a special session is appropriate."

Only 11 children remain at the home, compared with 44 when the Legislature was in session. All are expected to be placed in foster or group homes by Sept. 30.

The children's home, opened in 1969, consists of seven cottage-style buildings. The state has been paying a private company about $10,000 per year to care for each child, many of whom come from broken homes.

After the Legislature decided in July to close the home, Las Vegas media and some Boulder City residents pushed for a reconsideration of that decision.

The Legislature's Interim Finance Committee has scheduled a discussion on the issue when it meets Thursday in Carson City. But Comeaux said officials at the meeting mostly will deal with efforts to place the children in foster homes before the end of the month.

Richard Urey, Miller's press secretary, didn't go as far as Comeaux in saying the governor opposes a special session. But he said some compelling reasons would have to be given Thursday for Miller to change his position.

Assembly Ways and Means Chairman Morse Arberry, D-North Las Vegas, favors keeping the home open. But he thinks a call for a special session would be futile without the administration's support.

His committee voted 13-8 to appropriate money to keep the home open in June. But the Senate Finance Committee rejected that position.