Editorial: Judge’s decision is good news for LVCVA

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1999 | 9:22 a.m.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority won an important victory Monday when Clark County District Court Judge James Mahan ruled that it can seek a bond issue to finance a convention center expansion project. The Venetian hotel-casino, which also operates the Sands Expo convention center, filed the suit, claiming the LVCVA didn't have the legal authority to finance the expansion without first getting voter approval.

Mahan ruled, however, that the Legislature did grant the LVCVA this power. His decision should allow the LVCVA to issue bonds for construction of the much-needed 1.3 million-square-foot South Hall expansion, but Sands Inc. immediately said it would appeal the decision.

The Venetian hotel-casino should reconsider its plans to appeal, bringing this matter to a final closure. As Mahan noted in his opinion, the Venetian's real quarrel is with the Legislature, which gave the LVCVA the authority to issue revenue bonds, not with the LVCVA. It is time to end these skirmishes and let the LVCVA go about its mission of bringing more visitors to the valley.