Kincaid far ahead of Smith, poll shows

Adrienne Packer

Thursday, July 20, 2000 | 11:03 a.m.

A recent poll of Democrats in Clark County Commission District B show incumbent Mary Kincaid far ahead of Stephanie Smith, her opponent in September's primary election.

Results of the poll conducted by the Washington D.C.-based Schroth & Associates say 65 percent of the 400 voters questioned support Kincaid while 17 percent back Smith. About 18 percent were undecided.

Kincaid, who is in pursuit of her second term on the commission, received a 70 percent favorable rating. Smith, a North Las Vegas City Councilwoman, received a favorable rating of 20 percent, the poll said.

Although Smith is in her second term as a North Las Vegas council member and a former state Assemblywoman, she has little name recognition. Some 4 percent said they didn't recognize Kincaid's name while 42 percent weren't familiar with Smith.

When asked to rate Smith as a council member, 21 percent of the Democrats in the northeast said she is doing a good job. But 64 percent said they didn't know how she was doing.

The pollsters also informed residents of each candidates' background.

Kincaid owns a flower shop in North Las Vegas and has focused on air and water quality, transportation, education, parks and crime prevention during her tenure.

Smith is a school teacher who is familiar with the needs of the school system and the community. The culinary union endorsed her because she will provide "fresh, youthful leadership," according to the poll.

After poll participants were told about Smith and Kincaid, 65 percent said they thought they would vote for Kincaid, 22 percent said they would support Smith and 13 percent remained undecided.

The poll was conducted between July 15 and 17.