Editorial: Agency breakups need people’s input

Saturday, Feb. 24, 2001 | 10:39 a.m.

In 1999 a public outcry forced the city of Las Vegas to abandon any notion of creating its own police department by seceding from Metro Police. It's hard to imagine another inane effort anytime soon, but it still is encouraging that Assemblyman Doug Bache, D-Las Vegas, has introduced legislation that would make it difficult for a split to occur.

The bill requires a consenting referendum of both city and county voters before a breakup could occur. Metro's fate shouldn't be left to the whim of politicians who sit on either the City Council or the Clark County Commission. Metro has shown how government consolidation can save tax dollars and provide better, more efficient services. If this bill becomes law, it is hoped that it quells any other boneheaded attempts to break up Metro.

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