Editorial: New appointments net a split decision

Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999 | 9:40 a.m.

When Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman last month delayed the appointment of two new members to the City Council, the conventional wisdom was that he was just postponing the inevitable. It was believed that Councilman Michael McDonald had the votes to select two loyal Las Vegas City Hall employees -- Orlando Sanchez and Lawrence Weekly -- and further consolidate his power.

But Wednesday's City Council meeting proved otherwise. McDonald did get Weekly the nod, but Sanchez lost. Goodman changed the mind of Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald, who gave the mayor enough votes to select his personal choice, Michael Mack. McDonald recently has been exercising his considerable influence, but Wednesday's meeting indicates that the mayor -- a political newcomer -- quickly is learning how to flex his muscles, too.

archive