Officials court donor for justice center

Kim Smith

Monday, Aug. 21, 2000 | 11:18 a.m.

Court officials who are scrambling to find funding to add a floor to the new Clark County Regional Justice Center say using private donations to build government facilities, even judicial buildings, is not precedent-setting.

Nevada Supreme Court Justice Nancy Becker uses the late Claude Howard as an example of a generous benefactor.

Howard, who made his fortune building Las Vegas apartments, donated a building to the city of North Las Vegas for use as a justice court, gave Metro Police more than $300,000 for a helicopter and computer equipment and helped North Las Vegas Police renovate their jail and update computer equipment.

Howard also helped build a jail and police substation in Laughlin and helped Child Haven expand so it could help more abused and neglected children.

Howard donated more than $20 million to the community.

Becker and other court officials are hoping to raise $4 million to add an 18th floor to the Regional Justice Center, which is expected to be completed in January 2002. The floor was taken out of the plans because of skyrocketing construction costs.

However, the court's civil caseload has increased dramatically, and there has been some discussion in the Legislature of adding a business court. These facts have caused some concern that the courthouse will be overcrowded when it opens.

Officials have said the county simply doesn't have additional funds to invest.

The justice center will house Las Vegas municipal courts, Las Vegas Township justice courts, the district courts, the Nevada Supreme Court, the county clerk's office and the district attorney's office. If the $4 million cannot be raised, one of the county's options would be to move a portion of the district attorney's office to the Bridger Building across the street from the Clark County Courthouse.

District Attorney Stewart Bell said those who are being approached for help are unlikely to become litigants, so conflict of interest likely won't be an issue.

There are plenty of private foundations that may be willing to donate funds for the betterment of the community and are unlikely to appear in court, Bell said.

Becker agreed.

"There are a number of people in the world who never come to court and have large resources," Becker said.

On the other hand, donating to the construction costs of a building is similar to making campaign donations to political campaigns, Bell said.

"Most are donating in the cause of good government and are not trying to buy an edge," Bell said. "I don't think most judges, sheriffs or district attorneys care if so-and-so gave a donation."

Bell and Becker said each potential benefactor will, of course, be scrutinized as to their motives. If there is ever a question, the donation would not be accepted.

Becker said on those rare occasions when a judge doesn't feel he or she could remain impartial, he or she could always recuse him- or herself and allow another judge, perhaps one from another part of the state, to take over the case.

Anyone interested in the project can contact Becker at 486-3205, Bell at 455-4711 or the Clark County manager's office at 455-4011.