Jones won’t run for third term

Angie Wagner

Thursday, Feb. 11, 1999 | 5:24 a.m.

After eight years of guiding the city through unprecedented growth, Las Vegas Jan Jones is calling it quits.

"I just think right now it's time to take a step back and reflect," Jones said Thursday in announcing she would not seek a third four-year term in this spring's city elections.

Jones, who withdrew as a candidate in December for a top post with the Democratic National Committee, said she did not know what she would do next, but said there "are always opportunities for jobs.

"I'm not ruling anything out. I'll still be around."

Jones, 49, had previously said she would seek another term, but said Thursday she felt she had left her mark on the city and wanted to spend more time with her family.

"I think I've played my own small role," said.

The first woman mayor of Las Vegas won her two mayoral elections by landslides, and then interrupted both terms with two unsuccessful bids for governor. Her candidacy was credited with helping turn out more women voters.

Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 1998 and had a lumpectomy shortly after that to remove the malignant growth. She underwent radiation and announced in August that she had won her battle with breast cancer.

Jones has been called an effective spokeswoman for Las Vegas, raising the city's profile as it transformed into the fastest-growing area in the country.

She also has been praised for work on behalf of the homeless. She spearheaded the effort to open the MASH shelter, which has provided a central location for the homeless to receive services.

Downtown redevelopment has also been a top priority for Jones. She was a lead proponent of the $70 million Fremont Street Experience and said Thursday she wants to make sure Neonopolis, a new downtown shopping and entertainment center, is in good shape before she leaves office this summer.

Former Clark County Commissioner Jay Bingham and former City Councilman Steve Miller have already said they will run for mayor. Las Vegas City Councilman Arnie Adamsen also may run.