Malone resurfaces after painful defeat

Adrienne Packer

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2000 | 11:01 a.m.

For anyone wondering what went through Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone's mind during his punishing primary loss to opponent Chip Maxfield, the answer is simple.

"It hurt," Malone said. "It hurt to lose. And to lose to that extent was disheartening."

Malone vanished after his Sept. 5 defeat in which he garnered only 38 percent of the votes. Political signs supporting the first-time commissioner were promptly removed, and Malone has since been a no-show at county meetings.

His absence has triggered rumblings at the Clark County Government Center that Malone has unofficially quit with three months remaining in his term.

But Malone said Wednesday there is no truth to the rumor. Looking casual in blue jeans and sporting a newly grown mustache and beard, Malone discussed his term in office and -- after three weeks of pondering -- what went wrong.

"This race wasn't between me and Chip Maxfield. It was between me and Station Casinos," Malone said. "They wanted me out, and they got me out."

Malone's political career was doomed by a last-minute decision in January to vote in favor of a Spring Valley neighborhood casino. He had earlier assured Station Casinos officials he would oppose the new facility, but he changed his mind after the Spring Valley town board and the district's commissioner favored it.

Maxfield used Malone's gaffe to promote his campaign motto: ethics and integrity in government. Malone spent money on pricey though unconventional television ads apologizing for his miscues.

In retrospect, Malone said he wouldn't change his campaign strategy. He admits going back on his word was a mistake, but he also emphasized all the good he has done for District C, including new parks, more police and better roads.

"It's exactly where I wanted to go," Malone said. "I wanted to tell people that I made some mistakes. There are some politicians out there who never admit to their mistakes and probably stay in office forever."

Malone said since his loss he has spent time with his family. He has ignored requests for interviews about his future because he doesn't know what he is going to do.

He plans to keep his job as an account executive for Freeman Companies, a convention services firm. Malone, a former Metro Police motorcycle officer, said he hasn't ruled out rejoining the force.

While Malone said he will miss representing the fast-growing northwest, there are aspects of serving on the county commission he will not be sorry to leave behind. In particular, he said, are the internal politics.

He dodged questions about whether commissioners vote for the good of their constituents or simply to please campaign contributors, but he said behind-the-scenes issues become more emotional than the public can imagine.

"I thought the core of commissioners were there to do good; to make the community a better place to live, but that wasn't necessarily the case," Malone said. "There was a lot of internal bickering that goes beyond the roles of commissioners."

Commissioners will nix a decent project because of personality conflicts between board members.

Malone labeled himself as a "neophyte" on the board. He said he was naive and believed being a commissioner was about improving the quality of life; he didn't entirely understand all the outside influences.

But it's an experience he doesn't regret.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it has been an honor and a privilege being on a commission in the fastest growing area in the world," Malone said. "But you really learn who your friends are. Once you're out, people stop calling you."

So who does Malone believe is most likely to take over his seat come January -- Maxfield or his Democratic opponent Lois Tarkanian?

"I think it will be a tight race between the two of them, but because of her name recognition she has the edge," Malone said of Tarkanian, the wife of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian.

And whose name will Malone punch come Nov. 7?

"I don't know," he said coyly. "I'll listen to both and see who will do more for me as a resident of the northwest."