LVCVA proposing lawsuit against Venetian

Thursday, Dec. 9, 1999 | 11:43 a.m.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's legal counsel is asking for authorization to sue the Venetian hotel-casino.

In an item scheduled for action in Tuesday's LVCVA meeting, the board will be asked to file suit against the Venetian and other groups that have participated in the Venetian's legal actions against the agency.

The Venetian filed suit last summer against the LVCVA, challenging the agency's proposal to finance a $150 million Convention Center expansion by issuing bonds without a public vote. The LVCVA prevailed in the suit, but the Venetian filed a supplemental complaint last month that also was rejected by District Court Judge James Mahan. The Venetian plans to appeal the first case to the Nevada Supreme Court.

"The staff of the LVCVA believes the actions taken by the Venetian in cooperation with others to block the construction of the new South Hall and to disrupt business relationships have been wrongful," LVCVA legal counsel Luke Puschnig said in documents prepared for the board meeting.

The LVCVA also will be asked Tuesday to consider the confirmation of the sale of revenue bonds for the expansion approved Nov. 9 and completed Nov. 23. LVCVA President Manny Cortez said the actions for a negotiated sale of bonds were approved properly, but the confirmation is being sought "strictly out of an abundance of caution."