Political controversy threatens NLV progress

Diana Sahagun

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000 | 11:04 a.m.

North Las Vegas, gaining momentum with a burst of new growth and leaders who are changing the image of the stereotyped city, could soon be taking steps backward as two council members become embroiled in controversy outside City Hall.

The final outcome could mean two temporary council appointees, which would be a setback to a city trying desperately to establish itself as the community of choice in the Las Vegas Valley.

First-term Councilwoman Stephanie Smith has recently sparked outrage over a campaign tactic in her run for the County Commission. To drive home the point that she would vote for a children's hospital, when the incumbent, Mary Kincaid, voted against it, a flier went out under her name with photos of sick children that offended many people.

Kincaid and her supporters blasted Smith over the "tasteless" flier and for not taking responsibility. Smith has said although the flier had her picture on it, it was sent out by her union supporters without her knowledge.

In an attempt to defuse the situation, Smith released a second flier last week reading more like a greeting card with a simple, warm message -- that Smith will help build a new hospital.

Second-term Councilman John Rhodes, meanwhile, is under a felony indictment for insurance fraud.

The indictment stems from a 1998 home burglary report that Rhodes filed with police. Rhodes has pleaded not guilty and will face a jury Oct. 2.

If Rhodes is found guilty, he would be forced to vacate his council post.

If she wins the county seat in November, Smith also would have to vacate her seat.

The city's general election is not until May, meaning that two of the five City Council members could be appointees for several months.

The distractions presented by Smith and Rhodes aren't the City Council's only barriers to a sharp focus on the city as a whole.

In recent months increasing amounts of tension have divided council members.

Councilwoman Shari Buck and Councilman William Robinson engaged Rhodes in an all-out spitting match over a proposal to crack down on drug dealers in one of the city's neighborhoods. Rhodes started the 30-minute conflict by asking for the item to be held.

Rhodes, however, says there is no "bad blood" between the council members.

And several council members, including the mayor, refused to throw their support behind Smith in May when she asked for a revote on the issue of a larger, more expensive recreation center.

Smith, who favored a less expensive concept, withdrew the item before the meeting.

Tensions and controversies sound all-too familiar to Theron Goynes, a North Las Vegas city councilman for 18 years before losing in the 1997 mayoral race.

Goynes said he is closely watching the issues involving Smith and Rhodes and hopes the residents don't end up as victims.

"It doesn't set a good example, and I think the newcomers in North Las Vegas will say, 'Is this what we have to support?' " he said.

Goynes points to former Councilwoman Paula Brown, who faced a recall election and constant criticism from citizens who associated her with a police and FBI investigation into her husband's chemical company.

James Brown ultimately pleaded guilty to tax evasion. For months the controversy interfered with city business as Paula Brown was forced to explain repeatedly the circumstances surrounding the investigation.

And as for Smith, some critics say that now is her moment, that the city is at a critical juncture and needs her full attention.

Resident Leroy Pasbrig told the council last month that if Smith took an oath to serve four years, she shouldn't be planning to step out early.

"I see this too many times, and it's wrong," Pasbrig said. "When you ran for election and you got elected, you promised and said, 'I will do my time.' It's the same as having a soldier desert in the middle of battle."

Smith disagrees.

"I'm doing this for the good of the community. I don't feel I'm vacating North Las Vegas, I feel like I am finding another opportunity to help them," she said.

One staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, said there is concern in City Hall over what will happen to the two council seats, and if the matter will draw more negative attention to the city.

"It's kind of like, here's another negative thing about North Las Vegas," the staff member said.

While some are fearing the repercussion from the members' activities, political consultant Kent Oram said it may not mean much to voters.

"The government is a lot stronger than any one or two individuals," he said. "Even though a leader or two may be going through personal problems, government functions well because it was designed that way."

Both Rhodes and Smith say although they are in the spotlight, it will not interfere with their roles and responsibilities as council members.

"You have to maintain professionalism, and that's what I've tried to do," Rhodes said. "Although my private life is being brought into my professional life, I've tried to maintain consistency ... (The indictment) process will take care of itself."

Smith said North Las Vegas is her first priority and doubts that her political fight will compromise the city's image.

"I think the image of the city has changed tremendously, and the council has done a lot of work in heading the direction the people have wanted us to go," she said.