Easter goes on offensive against Kincaid in first televised debate

Adrienne Packer

Monday, Oct. 30, 2000 | 11:29 a.m.

Clark County Commissioner Mary Kincaid might have been able to dispose of challenger Stephanie Smith in a tight primary election, but the incumbent has hardly escaped Smith's issues.

Republican candidate Glen Easter took over where Smith left off, attacking Kincaid on her claims that the district has more parks and better police protection since she took office in 1997.

In their first televised debate, which aired Friday on the Las Vegas Sun's news discussion television program "Point of View Vegas," Easter also hopped on Smith's belief that Kincaid has neglected her district.

"Mary gets elected, and on Nov. 8, she's left the community and ignores us," Easter said. "I have seen government develop in a way that it no longer listens to the community. They have built a wall to us."

Neither candidate talked about what programs or projects they would introduce to better the quality of life in District B.

Easter said he was tired of high taxes and a high crime rate, and he complained about the amount of money -- more than $700,000 -- Kincaid collected during her campaign.

Kincaid shrugged off Easter's claims. She said she has used county funds to refurbish or build 19 parks. Kincaid also said she improved the police force and is building new fire stations.

"I think the district is in better shape than it has ever been," Kincaid said.

Both candidates used the number of years they have lived in the district to prove they are best qualified. Easter said he is not a politician, he is simply a community member, which makes him more aware of the community's concerns.

Kincaid said she knows the issues facing the district better than Easter because she has raised dozens of foster children, owns her own business in North Las Vegas and has years of political experience in the area.

"I consider myself a very integral part of this community," she said.