Miller hits McDonald with ethics complaint

Erin Neff

Friday, Oct. 8, 1999 | 11:15 a.m.

Former Las Vegas Councilman Steve Miller has asked the Nevada Ethics Commission to rule on whether Councilman Michael McDonald failed to disclose conflicts when he voted for a controversial franchise extension for Silver State Disposal in July.

Miller, who has been beaten twice by McDonald in elections for the Ward 1 seat, filed the official request for an opinion Thursday.

The request alleges that McDonald should have disclosed his ties to Silver State before voting to extend the trash collector's contract 15 years until 2021.

McDonald said he wouldn't comment on the allegation until he has seen the complaint.

McDonald received $36,800 from Silver State and its related entities during his recent re-election campaign. Silver State President Steve Kalish held a private fund-raiser for McDonald at a bar Kalish own on Pecos Road.

Miller's request also states that McDonald is friends with Kalish and with Silver State's corporate counsel Robert Groesbeck.

McDonald publicly defended Groesbeck in early September when Groesbeck was arrested on charges related to drunken behavior at the House of Blues Foundation Room. Groesbeck pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges.

Miller's request also states McDonald should have disclosed his relationship with Silver State government affairs representative Jennifer Simich. McDonald has dated Simich.

The contract approved in July grants Silver State a monopoly until 2021. Many residents questioned whether the move would stifle competition.

Miller said he is the only resident who doesn't fear retribution from filing a complaint against McDonald.

He has previously filed four other requests for opinion before the Nevada Ethics Commission -- one against former Mayor Ron Lurie and three related to former Mayor Jan Laverty Jones.

His last request for an opinion was received with harsh words from then-commission Chairwoman Mary Boetsch, and a $2,500 fine.

Miller said his complaint against McDonald is also a test of new Ethics Commission Chairman Bill Bible.