News briefs for July 9, 2001

Monday, July 9, 2001 | 10:24 a.m.

Trial postponed for high court ruling

The trial that would pit Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa against one of her former investigators has been postponed indefinitely.

District Judge James Mahan Friday agreed to halt the trial -- which was expected to begin this week -- pending a review by the Nevada Supreme Court of Mahan's decision to have the trial in Clark County. Del Papa had asked that the trial be moved to Washoe County because of publicity.

A Supreme Court review would force the case into mediation, Senior Deputy Attorney General Patrick King said.

Del Papa is being sued by Michael Anzalone, a former investigator who claimed he was forced to resign in February 1996 after refusing to investigate former state Gaming Control Board Chairman Bill Bible.

Del Papa contends Anzalone was rightfully fired because she lost faith in his abilities.

If the Supreme Court will not hear the case, King said, the trial will likely go forward.

Willden will succeed Crawford

State Welfare Administrator Mike Willden has been appointed to succeed Charlotte Crawford as the state's director of human resources.

Willden will take over the $103,301-a-year job Friday.

Willden has worked for the state Welfare Division since the mid 1970s. He worked his way up until he was named to the top job in June 2000. Willden said the human resources department "has a lot of challenges ahead and I'm looking forward to meeting those challenges."

The governor said Willden has "strong managerial skills and he cares deeply about the welfare of people."

Crawford, who developed programs for insurance coverage for children of the working poor and for prescription drug coverage for low-income seniors, is leaving to take a job in California.

She will become director of health and human services for Visionary Integration Professionals in Sacramento.

Beecroft appointed to court position

Chris Beecroft Jr., District Court administrator, has been appointed the court's arbitration commissioner effective May 21.

Beecroft, who has served as assistant arbitration commissioner since last year, will oversee more than 300 arbitrators and be responsible for reviewing more than 6,000 civil cases each year to determine if they are eligible for arbitration.

All civil cases with a potential award of less than $40,000 are subject to the program.