Photos on invitation generate controversy

Wednesday, April 29, 1998 | 12:02 p.m.

Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany, R-Henderson, thinks her invitation to 300 women is a clever idea and the pictures in an accompanying brochure are high fashion, despite the see-through apparel.

Assemblywoman Kathy Von Tobel, R-Las Vegas, whose name was mistakenly used on the invitation as a sponsor, says it's inappropriate for an elected official to "have a lingerie party, and I wouldn't be a part of it."

The invitation features provocative shots of models in enticing fashions. It says the fund-raiser will feature exquisite hosiery, body suits and swimwear.

"These are photos of scantily clad women sent out to homes with children," Von Tobel said. "If my 12-year-old son picked this up, I would be embarrassed."

Clark County School Board Trustee Mary Beth Scow also was unhappy to see her name listed as a member of the committee hosting the May 12 event.

Scow said she gave permission for her name to be used, but assumed it was a fashion show of business attire.

"She (Tiffany) told me it was a fashion show and luncheon, and I was shocked by the content of the invitation," Scow said. "It was something I would never condone. It was something I wouldn't want to take my daughter or even my friends to."

Two women - Von Tobel and attorney Tisha Black - said their names were used without permission.

Tiffany said she apologized for using Von Tobel's name without permission, a mistake she said resulted from a miscommunication.

"If I had wanted to use somebody's name for prestige, it certainly wouldn't be hers," Tiffany said.

Assemblyman David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, was critized last year by Tiffany for passing around a leggy photo of the assemblywoman minus her head.

Goldwater said it was hypocritical of Tiffany to use provocative lingerie for a fund-raiser after the complaints she made about his conduct.

Tiffany said there was no comparison between her invitation and the photo of her that Goldwater passed around the Assembly, which she deemed a form of sexual harassment.

The assemblywoman said the brochure advertising hosiery, bodysuits and swimwear featured images similar to those found in top women's fashion magazines.

The items are sold at Wolford, an upscale women's shop in Caesars Palace.