Herrera decides against bid to lead County Commission

Adrienne Packer

Friday, Nov. 17, 2000 | 10:06 a.m.

The race for the ceremonious Clark County Commission chair position was reduced by one Thursday after Dario Herrera delivered a letter to his colleagues saying he is no longer interested.

With Herrera withdrawing and commission Chairman Bruce Woodbury less than enthusiastic about another term, Commissioner Mary Kincaid is the only board member truly interested in the job.

Herrera, who is considering pursuing the third congressional seat that will be created in Nevada next year, said keeping harmony and cohesiveness on the board is more important to him than being chairman.

"The outwardly perception that there was a quote, unquote fight for chairmanship was an issue that would further divide the board," Herrera said. "I wanted to make certain we could get beyond that perception and start doing things in a cooperative way."

Herrera said he hopes board members can come to a consensus and rally around the new chairman. The question is who that commissioner will be, and Herrera declined to say who he would support.

Kincaid is still interested in moving her seat to the center of the dais. Despite rumblings Woodbury might keep his title, he said Thursday he hardly has a strong desire to do so.

"I think the importance (of the chairmanship) is overestimated; it's symbolic," Woodbury said. "You are called upon to do a lot of ribbon cuttings and speeches, which I'm more than happy not to do.

"I'm not ready to say if I was elected I would demand a hand recount," the Republican Woodbury added, referring to the Gore Camp's request in Florida.

Woodbury, seen as a peacemaker on a board in which commissioners are known to have personality differences, said he could maintain peace even if he is not the chairman.

"The chairman has a role to play there but only during meetings," he said. "And even there you are a little limited. I have not indicated to anyone I'm asking for it or wanting it. Frankly I don't care much."

Woodbury said he plans to meet individually with commissioners to determine who they believe is not only the best person for the commission chair, but also other boards and committees the county oversees.