Commission races getting interesting

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1999 | 11:27 a.m.

Clark County commissioners who are up for re-election in 2000 have more than a year to accomplish their projects, but that hasn't stopped potential challengers from taking a peek at their positions.

The four-year terms of board members Lance Malone, Bruce Woodbury, Yvonne Atkinson Gates and Mary Kincaid expire next year and at least three commissioners have expressed interest in maintaining their positions.

Woodbury, chairman of the board and a member of the commission for nearly two decades, is said to be wavering on running again and might decide to spend more time with his family. Woodbury could not be reached for comment Tuesday and this morning.

Malone already has competition from former FBI agent George Togliatti, who is currently the vice president of corporate security, government and community affairs at Caesars Palace hotel-casino.

Togliatti confirmed Tuesday that he intends to run against Malone -- who oversees District C in the northwest valley -- but said a formal announcement will not be made for several months.

"Right now I will say that it looks like I will enter the race," Togliatti said, adding that he preferred not to elaborate on why he wants to be a board member other than he has always been interested in politics.

When Togliatti, a Democrat, runs for office he will be the second member of his family in the Las Vegas spotlight. His daughter, Judge Jennifer Togliatti, is presiding over the preliminary hearing in the Ted Binion murder case.

Also interested in filling a seat on the commission is Clark County Fire Department spokesman Steve La-Sky.

It is unclear why La-Sky is considering pursuing Mary Kincaid's District B seat, but both Malone and Commissioner Erin Kenny have spoken to the firefighter about the job.

Malone said he recently had lunch with La-Sky after they met during a fire training exercise. During their conversation, La-Sky asked Malone about Kincaid's position.

Malone, aware of the public's knowledge of his and Kincaid's turbulent relationship, said he declined to discuss the possibility of La-Sky running for office fearing the perception that he is lobbying against his colleague.

"I told him I didn't want to get involved in anyone's race but my own," Malone said. "I'm sure Mary would not appreciate me getting involved in her race. I told him if he wants to run, it's his business."

If La-Sky chooses to run, he will be the second spokesman for a public agency to join a commission race. Last year, highway patrol spokesman Steve Harney ran against Kenny for the District F seat.