Guinn to fortify ties with Black Panthers

Jace Radke

Wednesday, April 25, 2001 | 9:41 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn told the Las Vegas Black Panther Party that he would not be opposed to having a liaison to his office representing West Las Vegas, but said it would have to be added to the budget.

Guinn suggested that Black Panther head Ron Current contact Ways and Means Chairman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, to see if a paid position could be added to the budget as they talked for about 30 minutes over a speaker phone Tuesday morning.

Guinn did pledge support for Current's nine-member committee that will work to bring new businesses and jobs to West Las Vegas, as well as a youth committee that would allow the community's younger generation a forum to voice concerns and learn about politics.

"Not only will we recognize those committees, but we will sit down and work with them as long as they are working toward a better community," Guinn said.

Guinn asked Current to keep his Las Vegas office informed about meeting schedules so that his staff can keep tabs on the meetings and issues that the community feels are important.

Guinn also suggested that the group meet with his staffers to become better informed on the programs that the state offers, including job training and Millennium Scholarships.

Current said that his group will move forward with building its committees, after the vote of confidence from Guinn and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, whom the Black Panthers met with Monday.

The Black Panthers faxed a list of demands for the improvement of West Las Vegas to Guinn and Goodman earlier this month, including the rebuilding of the Doolittle Community Center, 1940 N. J. St., repaving of streets, a liaison to Guinn's office, a drug rehab center and more jobs and businesses in West Las Vegas.