Commissioners give Malone a touching sendoff

Adrienne Packer

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2000 | 10:48 a.m.

During his four-year term on the Clark County Commission, Lance Malone had no trouble speaking his mind on issues. Today, however, the board member was speechless.

A video honoring the outgoing commissioner and a gift from his fellow board members left Malone so choked up he had to step away from the dais to collect his 2-year-old son, Grant, for support.

Today was the commissioner's final regular meeting after losing his District C seat to Republican Chip Maxfield during the September primary election.

Malone's most costly gaffe during his term came toward the end when he went back on his word and voted in favor of a neighborhood casino. His last-minute decision infuriated Station Casinos executives who promptly began looking for a candidate to run against Malone.

Malone today thanked his family for its support during the nasty attacks launched against the board member.

"They've been with me in the good times and bad," Malone said, holding Grant on his lap. "They love me and that is nice."

Commission Chairman Bruce Woodbury expressed appreciation for the work Malone had done in his fast-growing district in the northwest.

Although four of the seven commissioners were up for re-election this year, Malone was the only board member to lose.