Gates named head of state’s association of 17 counties

Adrienne Packer

Friday, Dec. 11, 1998 | 11:36 a.m.

Clark County Commission Chairwoman Yvonne Atkinson Gates on Thursday was elected president of the Nevada Association of Counties, a statewide group that represents all 17 Nevada counties.

Atkinson Gates' responsibilities will include working with county leaders to identify critical issues, then bringing those concerns to the attention of the state Legislature.

The commission chairwoman, whose term expires next September, was chosen by elected officials and staff members from each of the state's counties.

"I'm pretty excited about it," Atkinson Gates said Thursday. "NACO is a really great organization, and you have the opportunity to learn so much about the concerns of other residents throughout the state.

"I think the reason they did it is I'm someone in a large county concerned about small counties. I'm sensitive to their needs and concerns."

Atkinson Gates will work on issues ranging from telecommunications policy to changes in the mining industry to growth management. She will also be in charge of association programs like a Certified Public Officials course, the Nevada League of Cities and the Nevada Association of School Boards.

Topping her list of priorities after she begins her term Jan. 1 will be working on the state's funding distribution formula with Sen. Ann O'Connell. Atkinson Gates said she plans to meet with Nevada county officials and O'Connell on Jan. 21 in Carson City to discuss funding formulas.

"That is an ongoing concern with some of the other counties, because they don't generate the kind of revenue that a large metro county does," Atkinson Gates said. "They have fiscal concerns, and one of my No. 1 priorities is to provide technical assistance."

County officials were also pleased to hear that the County Commission chair was elected.

"This is big, because the counties commisserate and help each other and it's through that organization that the communication happens," said Tom Warden, spokesman for Clark County.

In a prepared statement, the association's executive director, Bob Hadfield, said Atkinson Gates' experience, specifically in dealing with growth issues, will be a valuable asset to the organization.

"With a fast-paced legislative session ahead, the association will need dynamic leadership and an ability to respond quickly to issues," Hadfield's statement says.

"The perspective that Commissioner Gates brings to the table from Clark County, with its rapid growth, will undoubtedly help the association deal with the issue of 'no growth' in some of our rural counties."