Assistant county manager quitting

Adrienne Packer

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1998 | 11:28 a.m.

Assistant Clark County Manager Bonnie Rinaldi said Monday that she is leaving her position early next year to spend more time with her family.

Rinaldi, a 14-year planning veteran with the county, said she spent 50 hours a week at the County Government Center and another 10 hours working at home every week, which left little time to spend with her 7-year-old daughter.

She said she decided last summer she wanted to spend more time being a mom to Nicole, a soccer player and Girl Scout.

"There are a lot of exciting things happening in the county and a lot of great people to work with," Rinaldi said Monday. "But when it comes down to your child's quality of life and happiness, it's not that hard of a decision."

Rinaldi, 42, said she will continue to work as assistant county manager until Clark County Manager Dale Askew has found a replacement, which should be in February or March.

Askew said Monday he plans to hire somebody within the county organization and has already interviewed two candidates. He declined to name those candidates.

"Bonnie is a very valuable employee, experienced and confident," Askew said. "I would very, very much like to have her come back in some capacity. I'm sure she has other options she is considering, one of which would be staying home."

Rinaldi said she would consider working part time.

"Once we see who takes my position, I would take a look," Rinaldi said. "I would probably somehow be involved in planning and development."

Rinaldi was hired by the county in 1984 and has since become one of the most respected planners in Clark County. She started as a manager in current planning and was promoted to assistant director of comprehensive planning in 1996.

Askew appointed her assistant county manager in July 1997 when Jim Ley left to become a top administrator for Sarasota County, Florida.

Rinaldi, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., graduated from Penn State University in 1978 with a planning degree.