Successes, goals highlighted at State of the City luncheon

Diana Sahagun

Friday, Jan. 14, 2000 | 11:37 a.m.

Economic Development Director Jacque Risner remembers the frenzy four years ago at the North Las Vegas State of the City luncheon.

The first luncheon in 1994 drew only 165 people and was considered a huge success for the Chamber of Commerce.

"We had a few problems with the sound, and it was much more frantic," she said.

Thursday's fourth annual State of the City luncheon at Cashman Center was in sharp contrast to the event of years past, which for two years was held at the Community College of Southern Nevada Cheyenne campus.

More than 300 people packed the restaurant overlooking the ballpark to hear Mayor Michael Montandon's "Millennium in Review" address.

Most of the audience consisted of well-heeled business people. Tables went for $250 apiece and contained such businesses as Bankwest of Nevada, the engineering firm G.C. Wallace and the Las Vegas Sun. Well-known area politicians were also in attendance, including Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Clark County Commissioners Yvonne Atkinson Gates and Mary Kinkaid, whose county districts include North Las Vegas.

Only a few regular citizens were sprinkled throughout the restaurant, like Bob Borgersen, who paid the $25 to attend.

While he agreed with the mayor's speech about the city's achievements, he said North Las Vegas must continue to offer higher-end homes so people with rising incomes won't move out of the city.

Montandon followed Sun business reporter Gary Thompson, the keynote speaker, who provided insight into the outlook of the stock market and the dangerous implications if and when it falls.

Montandon reviewed the past century, especially the city's accomplishments in the past decade. He cited such accomplishments as James Seastrand Park, the dividing of the city into four council wards, and the completion of three audits.

"People are really interested in quality of life," Montandon said. "They're excited to come to North Las Vegas."

As far as goals for the future, Montandon said the council will continue to focus on a new recreation center, advance parks and recreation opportunities and provide a safe community for the residents.

Following the luncheon, Goodman said, "I have a great deal of affection for Mayor Montandon. He has been a friend, an advisor ... and together with (Clark County Commission Chairman) Bruce Woodbury, (Boulder City Mayor) Robert Ferraro, and (Henderson Mayor) Jim Gibson, we are all working together to make this valley the best place in the world to live."

Gates said the mayor's speech was on-target but added, "I just hope the city doesn't forget the inner-city of North Las Vegas."