Two council seats to be filled in Boulder City

Jace Radke

Thursday, April 22, 1999 | 11:26 a.m.

There will be at least one new City Council member elected to Boulder City's two open seats, as only one incumbent councilman has decided to seek re-election.

Robert Kenneston has decided to forgo another term as a councilman to run for mayor instead.

Incumbent Councilman Bryan Nix is hoping to hold off six challengers and regain one of the two open seats.

Nix, 45, has served as Boulder City's Mayor Pro Tem since 1997 and has also held positions with many other agencies while on the City Council.

Nix has served as the Boulder City representative on the Regional Transportation Commission, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Regional Flood Control District and the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Coalition.

"We're part of Southern Nevada, and it is important for Boulder City to be part of the decisions that are affecting our region," Nix said. "The decisions of these bodies have an impact on Boulder City, so it's an advantage for the city to be represented in these groups."

One of Nix's primary goals is to reduce the city's reliance on land sales as a means of funding capital improvements.

Another priority is personal. Nix is fighting a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol that was lodged against him in October after he was stopped by Boulder City police.

His court date is the same day as the primary, May 4. But Nix said he hopes to receive a postponement because he can't prepare for court and the election at the same time.

"I plan on fighting the charges because my ability to drive was not impaired," Nix said. "It really hasn't become an issue in the election, because people are focusing on the issues concerning Boulder City and my experience."

Here is a look at the other City Council candidates:

Whelan, 37, was born and raised in Boulder City and says residents need councilors that will represent their interests.

"The residents have taken second seat to special-interest groups like the MGM," Whelan said, noting the city's approval of land leases for two golf courses to be built by the MGM Grand hotel-casino.

"By voting for me, people are going to get the opportunity to participate in planning the future."

Whelan also favors moving the proposed Hoover Dam bypass bridge south to Laughlin to reduce traffic through the city.

"Pebble Beach is famous for golf and Boulder City could be too," Hardy said. "We need to bring people and their money to Boulder City for more regular annual events."

Hardy says that water is a valuable resource, but it still needs to be used, and golf course water fees could generate funds for the city.

Hardy, who was born and raised in Reno, moved to Boulder City in 1982 and has served as a charter member of the Boulder City Drug Abuse Council.

"I've wanted to run for the last 20 years, but there was a conflict of interest with me working for the city," the 58-year-old Morang said. "Now I've got the time and I feel I'll bring a straightforward, responsible government to Boulder City."

Morang moved from California to Boulder City and says he plans to do everything he can to continue the city's policy of controlled growth.

"The City Council has always been comprised of members with a variety of professional backgrounds," LaBarber said.

"The major problem that I have found troubling over the years has been a serious shortage of members with a quality corporate management background to explain the major business issues confronting the city."

LaBarber, 75, has logged management time in companies such as Ford, Westinghouse, Beckman Instruments and Foxboro Corp.

LaBarber, a Word War II veteran, also says since he is retired he will be able to make the city his full-time job.

"By the time everyone knew about the MGM golf courses I felt it was a done deal," Thurston said. "The council wouldn't listen to the people. It feels like we have no input."

Thurston, 51, is an English and journalism teacher at Boulder City High School.

She also would like to continue to help parents who are lobbying the school board for improvements to Boulder City schools.