Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Jones right to retreat from NRP

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Oct. 21, 1999 | 9:29 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. Reach her at deskin@vegas.com.

Ex-mayor Jan Jones is making a smart move by backing off of the Nevada Resort Partners job and taking an executive position with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. Some people believe the NRP job was created specifically for her and has been a controversial topic from the start. The position would pay $250,000 a year -- not a bad entry level job -- but critics complained it was a waste of money and a duplication of services.

Jones still retains a partnership in a consulting firm with Chamber of Commerce President Robert Forbuss and may remain as an occasional analyst with Channel 8, all of which will allow our ex-mayor to keep a roof over her head and food in the family larder. She might even be able to afford a few of life's luxuries.

Anyone who knows Jan Jones will agree she is one smart lady and will succeed in almost anything she tackles -- except, perhaps, running for governor.

You have to know something is up when Sen. Valerie Weiner and Sen. Joe Neal get their heads together over lunch at the Garden Cafe. Were they discussing the gaming tax, Gov. Kenny Guinn, or pet projects planned for the next legislative session? For the uninitiated, the Garden Cafe is one of the town's best-kept secrets. It's hard to find, located in a kind of cul-de-sac off Meadows and Valley View. The restaurant is frequented by local movers and shakers.

Fellini's on West Charleston is fast becoming another spot where locals meet. One night recently, Herb Tobman, Mary Dean Martin, John Moran, Jr. and Marilyn, and Babe and Terry Gialketsis were seen greeting and eating.

It's hard to imagine WestCare without Willi Smith, who has been a guiding light for many years. Willi is leaving the city's largest drug and alcohol rehab program for a job with the state. Here is a talented and dedicated lady who will be an asset wherever she goes.

From West Sahara Library Director Ann Langebin I learned that Alice Turner is approaching her 101st birthday in November. Who can believe that this truly great lady is a day over being a senior citizen? The widow of former civic leader Clesse Turner, Alice has been actively engaged for a very long time promoting the welfare of neglected and abandoned children who come through the juvenile court system. She can frequently be seen at Child Haven, where she is loved by staff and residents.

Alice Turner has so many wonderful stories to tell about Las Vegas. I hope someone has caught this lovely individual on tape.

Of the many reporters who covered the Las Vegas beat in the past, the name of Alan Jarlson is well remembered. Friends will be happy to know that Jarlson, who lives in Vacaville, Calif., is recovering from larynx cancer.

Alan lost his voice after therapy but he has now recovered the ability to speak, and as he puts it, "most of the folks who had for years put up with my big mouth stood up and cheered. Now learning the voice that roared is roaring again, they are moaning and, for some strange reason, avoiding me. Gawd, the vocal wisdom they're missing."