If asked, Askew has treasurer’s list

Jeff Schweers

Friday, Jan. 30, 1998 | 10:20 a.m.

County Manager Dale Askew said he won't make a recommendation on a replacement for outgoing Treasurer Mark Aston until next week's County Commission meeting -- and then only if the board asks him.

"It's their call," Askew said. "They may have their own thoughts on who they might want to appoint."

The board is scheduled to appoint a replacement Tuesday to collect taxes and handle the county's $2 billion investment portfolio.

Aston, who pleaded guilty to stealing $21,500 from the County Fiscal Officers Association, has agreed to resign March 13, one week prior to his sentencing hearing.

Unlike the personnel director position, which is appointed by Askew and ratified by the board, the treasurer post is an elected position that must be filled by the County Commission when there's a vacancy.

Several commissioners said they would rely on Askew's judgment and support his recommendation, but others may have their own choices.

Of the 11 people who have told Askew they are interested in the position, four have caught his attention.

Topping Askew's own list is Laura Fitzpatrick, a former deputy state treasurer for Michigan and director of intergovernmental relations for the Public Securities Association in Washington, D.C. Fitzpatrick currently is client service manager and senior audit manager for Deloitte and Touche and a certified public accountant in Michigan awaiting reciprocity with Nevada.

"She's one of the few very qualified candidates on the list," Askew said. "She's more qualified on the list than others."

Deloitte and Touche is the auditor for Clark County and has done other consulting work for the county. Askew said that while he has had a business relationship with the company as assistant manager and manager, he never worked for the company when he was in the private sector.

Another candidate is Robert Canez, a former assistant treasurer who served under Aston for eight years.

Las Vegas Treasurer Michael Olson also gets high marks from Askew. Olson has been treasurer since 1984.

Then there's Stan Colton, former state treasurer and current contracts manager for the Clark County Library District.

"They may not even ask for a recommendation," Askew said, "but if they do ask I will have probably one of these four to recommend."

Guy Hobbs, a government financial consultant who was the county comptroller and finance director for more than a decade, said whoever fills that position should be a financial professional with some governmental experience.

"Running a treasury in a corporate environment is quite different in a government environment as far as permissible investments," Hobbs said. "The more exposure they've had with cash management or treasury function would be very helpful."