‘POV Vegas’ to host four candidate debates

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000 | 10:18 a.m.

Four informal TV debates begin Friday on "Point of View Vegas" involving candidates who are facing off in the Sept. 5 primary election.

The Las Vegas Sun's issue-oriented news program hosted by Mark Shaffer is on Cox Cable channels 1 and 39. "POV Vegas" will air the 30-minute free-form debates at 4:30, 5:30 and 8 p.m. on the days they are taped.

The debate Friday will focus on the Clark County Commission District B race between incumbent Mary Kincaid and her fellow Democratic challenger, North Las Vegas City Councilwoman Stephanie Smith.

Kincaid, a former North Las Vegas councilwoman, and Smith, a former state assemblywoman, have been battling for union support. They also have traded barbs over Kincaid's decision to support delay of a bond issue to finance a children's hospital. The winner will face one of five Republicans who are running in the GOP primary.

The next televised debate, Friday, Aug. 25, will feature the Republican contest between incumbent Commissioner Lance Malone and challenger Chip Maxfield in District C.

Malone, a former Metro Police officer, has apologized for mistakes he made during his first term, such as failing to disclose that he was an acquaintance of an individual he recommended for an airport concessions contract. Maxfield, chairman of the Lone Mountain Citizens Advisory Board, has attempted to capitalize on Malone's errors of judgment. Four Democrats and a Libertarian candidate also are vying for the seat.

On Monday, Aug. 28, "POV Vegas" will air a debate between District 4 state Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, and Democratic primary challenger Uri Clinton. A third Democrat, Christopher V. Montanez, is also on the ballot though he reportedly has withdrawn from the race.

Neal, a state Senate maverick since 1972 and an unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate, has generated plenty of controversy for proposing a gaming tax increase on the largest resorts to help pay for education and other needs. Clinton, a lawyer who represents contractors in construction-defect cases, has criticized Neal for being a one-issue politician.

The final debate before the primary will be on Tuesday, Aug. 29, involving Nevada Supreme Court Justice Nancy Becker and her two challengers for Seat G, Gary Backus and Day Williams.

Becker was a judge in Municipal Court and District Court in Las Vegas before her election to the high court two years ago. Backus practices civil law in White Pine County and Williams practices general law in Carson City. One issue that has come up in this race is the speed with which the high court produces decisions.

"POV Vegas" also will air appearances by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ed Bernstein on Tuesday, Aug. 22, GOP Congressional District 1 contestant Jon Porter on Thursday, Aug. 24, and Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Ensign on Wednesday, Aug. 30.