Former commissioner ready to challenge Jones

Sunday, Jan. 10, 1999 | 9 a.m.

Former Clark County Commissioner Jay Bingham said Friday he plans to challenge Jones in the spring municipal election.

Bingham, a land developer and lobbyist who left the Clark County Commission in 1996 after three terms, confirmed he will run but wouldn't say much more.

"I have a passion to serve people. ... I miss it," he said, adding that he plans to run a positive campaign and not to attack Jones.

"It's all gonna be about me," he said.

A conservative Democrat, Bingham earned a reputation on the commission as a consensus builder. He worked closely on issues affecting children and families, and has cited as his greatest accomplishments his work setting a curfew for minors in Clark County and establishing a private trust fund for families of Persian Gulf War veterans.

But despite what some observers describe as an even-keeled presence, Bingham hasn't been coy about his political ambitions. Although he said he left office because he was tired of attacks and mudslinging, within months of his 1996 departure Bingham mused about running for lieutenant governor and eventually becoming the state's chief executive.

"I'd love to be governor of this state," he said at the time.

Since then, the father of five children has focused on his job as an owner of Juliet Property Co., which builds homes. He also started JDB Consulting, a lobbying and political consulting firm.

Before his 12 years on the County Commission, Bingham, 45, served on the North Las Vegas City Council for three years and was a firefighter before that.

Jones, a Democrat who won two mayoral elections by landslides, said she is confident voters will elect her to a third term.

"I respect Jay Bingham and I think he's a nice man, but I think I'm the best candidate," she said.

Former City Councilman Steve Miller also is running against Jones, whom he openly despises. The mayor said she doubts Miller will be taken seriously because "I don't think (he) has tremendous credibility."