Mendoza to retire on Aug. 1

Wednesday, July 28, 1999 | 11:07 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- John Mendoza, who has been chairman of the state's Transportation Services Authority since its birth in 1997, is retiring Aug. 1 from his $86,084 a year job.

Mendoza, 71, said Tuesday he would re-enter the field of law specializing in mediation and arbitration.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said he will name a replacement in a week to the authority, which oversees motor carriers including household moving companies, limousines and other transportation businesses.

Guinn thanked Mendoza for his service and added, "in a state growing as fast as Nevada, effective management of transportation issues is crucial."

Mendoza was a district judge in Clark County from 1966 to 1990. During that time he served more than six years as the juvenile judge. Prior to that he was Clark County district attorney, North Las Vegas city attorney and Las Vegas justice of the peace.

In 1992, Gov. Bob Miller appointed him chairman of the state Public Service Commission, where he served until the transportation authority was created by the 1997 Legislature.

During his term on the authority, he battled with small or one-person limousine companies that wanted a certificate to operate. Some claimed they were being frozen out -- a charge denied by Mendoza, who said they did not meet the requirements for state approval.