Maxfield lays foundation for commissioner’s seat

Adrienne Packer

Friday, Dec. 15, 2000 | 10:49 a.m.

Chip Maxfield works where he can find space, whether it's a vacant Clark County conference room or an office left unoccupied during an employee's lunch hour.

Ah, the life of a Clark County commissioner who has the word "elect" tacked onto his title. His makeshift offices are hardly the spacious quarters his soon-to-be colleagues enjoy on the sixth floor of the Clark County Government Center.

But Maxfield doesn't need the amenities of an elected official to begin doing business. From the confines of whatever office he can snag, Maxfield has spent the last month meeting with administrators, department heads and even Las Vegas City Council members.

And right by his side has been his transition leader, Administrative Services Director Don Burnette

"I've been involved in the last three (newly elected) commissioners and without a doubt Chip has spent more time with county staff and learning about projects going on in his district," Burnette said.

Maxfield will be sworn in Jan. 2, the only new commissioner to join the board after trouncing Lance Malone in the September primary and narrowly defeating Democrat Lois Tarkanian in November.

So far the civil engineer is handling his new task like he dealt with his sometimes nasty campaigns -- he's subdued, even-tempered and calculating.

"It's exciting," Maxfield said. "It's a new challenge, and I love things that are challenging. The county has an excellent staff and an intelligent administration."

The question, however, might not be what the county can do for Maxfield, but rather what Maxfield can do for the county.

Maxfield's experience in engineering is expected to offer the county a new perspective on growth, planning and traffic problems. It also is expected to land him a post on the Regional Transportation Commission.

"Having a city manager who is an engineer has made a world of difference especially in areas of high growth," said Las Vegas City Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald, who met with Maxfield on Wednesday.

"The fact that he has an engineering background means there will be another set of eyes looking at infrastructure needs and planning from a different outlet. It's a great benefit not only to the county commission but also to those of us working with him."

More than 90 percent of Maxfield's District C overlaps the city of Las Vegas. The district includes all but one of the city councilmembers' wards, making it imperative that elected officials in the northwest have a healthy working relationship.

"The dollars can go a greater distance when we work collaboratively, not against each other," Boggs McDonald said.

Maxfield will take office with perhaps the county's greatest controversy essentially put to rest. Earlier this month County Manager Dale Askew's job was spared when the board voted not to discuss his contract.

If Commissioner Erin Kenny -- who was most active in attempting to oust Askew -- wishes to place the item on the agenda again, it will take four votes. Maxfield won't be one of them.

"I've met with Dale and from what I see he's a great man; he's done a great job," Maxfield said. "The outcome (of the commission's vote) was beneficial to the county."

But Maxfield would rather focus on the issues facing constituents in his district than the dynamics of board members whose business has sometimes been stalled by personality conflicts.

Commissioners Yvonne Atkinson Gates, Myrna Williams and Mary Kincaid often side with each other while commissioners Kenny, Malone and Bruce Woodbury often shared the same positions. Maxfield said won't be any part of an allegiance of any sort.

"I'm just me; I'll fit in where I'm going to fit in," Maxfield said.

As a casual observer of the commission, Boggs McDonald said Maxfield's personality will benefit the board rather than cause more ripples.

"He impresses me as a solid individual, a fair and honest and open-minded individual who is very smart," the city councilwoman said. "Having someone who is there with no other agenda but doing what's best for people is great for any board."