Entities pooling thoughts about work cards

Erin Neff

Monday, Oct. 2, 2000 | 10:06 a.m.

Thousands of workers carry the simple card, not just for identification, but also to allow them employment in certain places.

The Metro Police work card -- often called a sheriff's card -- is for many the only ticket to a paycheck.

But serious questions have been raised about the department's requirements for the cards and the fact that 700 requests for the permits were denied last year.

In an effort to reform what many consider the worst example of invasive government, a new task force will begin meeting this week to recommend changes in the system.

The committee includes representatives of worker rights groups, unions, gaming, Metro and local and state government.

Ron Cameron, director of Clark County's Organizational Development Center, will facilitate the first meeting of the task force Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Grant Sawyer State Building.

"This task force was convened to take a look at some of the issues that have surfaced," said Cameron, who also facilitated the committee that recommended how a Citizen Review Board of Metro Police could be formed.

Those taking part in the task force are state Sen. Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas; Metro Lt. Stan Olsen, who oversees the work card program; Glen Arnado of the Culinary Union; Nevada ACLU Director Gary Peck; Jim DiFiore, director of the city's business licensing; Marlene Richter of Catholic Charities; and Michael Slater, executive director of the Las Vegas Interfaith Council for Worker Justice.

The committee also includes representatives of the county's business licensing department, the Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Resort Association.