Columnist Ruthe Deskin: President set quite an example

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000 | 9:24 a.m.

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

The tendency by the electorate to overlook small transgressions of public officials is disturbing.

President Clinton's amazing popularity, in spite of some personal peccadillos and a tendency to fib a little under oath, seems to have set the example for others to follow.

On the local scene, we see public officials facing ethics charges, which for the most part were routinely excused by the State Ethics Commission. With new regulations and new personnel, it is hoped the Commission will be more forceful in its decisions.

Some of the challenged politicians seem to have come out of the fray "just a little bit pregnant" and with their popularity undiminished.

I watched the recent city council meeting, where Las Vegas Sportspark part-owner Don Schlesinger got into an exchange with Councilman Michael McDonald. Obviously someone was stretching the truth.

McDonald has been swimming in hot water over a number of situations, but always seems to come out unscathed.

Councilwoman Lynette Boggs-McDonald was impressive in her attempt to seek the truth, but she was dealing with some pretty evasive characters.

A full-scale investigation by outside parties is the only way to go in order to settle this brouhaha.

It started as a suggestion from one of a group of friends who meet regularly for breakfast at a local eatery.

Why not have a big social event for longtime residents?

The first such affair was held at Arizona Charlie's with a standing-room only crowd. In the ensuing years, the event -- the "Old Timer's Dinner" -- became a social must with tickets at a premium. Members of the original planning committee are now putting together the fifth annual dinner to be held at the Stardust on Oct. 22.

Tickets are already at a premium. To make reservations call 382-6336 (Johann Realty). The cost is $35 per person and guests must have lived in the area for 35 years or more.

"If you don't vote our way, you're out."

Subtlety is not a trait of the Culinary Union, as evidenced in its efforts to oust County Commissioner Mary Kincaid.

One can't be so naive as to think it doesn't happen, but it is disturbing to realize our public officials can be controlled by threats.

Local activist Florence McLure would like to see service organizations -- churches, foundations, etc. -- get full credit for all they do.

Case in point: The Soroptomists International of Greater Las Vegas donated all the uniforms for the recently established Girl Scout program for girls whose mothers are incarcerated in prison.

They also gave jackets to the mothers. The American Association for University Women Valley Chapter has donated scholarships. These donations were not included in a recent story about the prison program. McLure thinks they should have been.

As she points out, Las Vegas is fortunate to have hundreds of organizations working for the betterment of our community. Their good works should not go unheralded.