Editorial: Choices in Tuesday’s elections

Friday, June 1, 2001 | 2:55 a.m.

It's a relatively quiet general election this year because nearly all municipal candidates either ran unopposed -- and were automatically declared the winners -- or they won outright in the primary after receiving more than 50 percent of the vote. But the lack of municipal races shouldn't overshadow the fact that there are a number of important ballot questions valley residents will have to choose from.

The Sun offers its endorsements in the valley's major ballot questions and the North Las Vegas City Council race:

COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The toughest choice to make on Tuesday's ballot is whether to approve an $80 million, tax-neutral bond to pay for the construction of a children's hospital in Clark County. When looking at this issue, what should be uppermost in everyone's mind is that the children of this prosperous valley deserve, and should receive, first-rate medical care -- regardless of their ability to pay.

Some pediatricians argue that a free-standing children's hospital is essential to meet a growing demand for medical care. They say that a 152-bed pediatric facility, which would be operated by the county-run University Medical Center, is critical since an increasing number of children have to leave the state to receive their care. Supporters contend that UMC's current 71-bed pediatric ward, and the 144-bed children's hospital operated by privately run Sunrise Hospital, can't meet the valley's demands.

Officials from Sunrise Hospital assert that earlier projections by UMC had suggested there would be a need for just 20 more hospital beds by 2005 and a little less than 40 beds by 2010. So in the eyes of UMC's competitor and others, there is a real possibility that the patient demands will be considerably less than the 152-bed facility proposed, which also calls into question whether the hospital could be self-sustaining.

There is a sizable divergence between these two hospitals regarding the need for a children's hospital. In light of this uncertainty, valley residents need to know more and have this issue examined further. We recommend a no vote on Tuesday's ballot question.

If voters turn down the request for a children's hospital, the county should work to establish a program that offers some reimbursement to help defray travel and other expenses incurred by families whose children are forced to get treatment outside of Nevada. For that matter, county officials should closely monitor this situation over the next few years, and if it's shown that the private sector isn't adequately caring for these children, then a concerted effort should be made to build a government-run children's hospital.

HENDERSON BALLOT QUESTIONS

Despite a 30-year, $850 million public safety initiative being narrowly defeated in November, the Henderson City Council decided that it should try again. The ballot question would allow for the hiring of 166 more police officers, 30 firefighters/paramedics and 41 support staff. The measure would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $84 a year over the next 30 years. Currently Henderson has just one police officer for every 1,000 residents; the national average is 2.5 officers for every 1,000 residents. The Sun again endorses this worthy initiative. This should offer the kind of public protection required for a city that soon will be Nevada's second largest.

Meanwhile, a library ballot question that would raise $80 million over the next 30 years hasn't gotten the same amount of attention as the public safety measure -- but that certainly doesn't mean it is less deserving. This measure would enable the district to build at least six new neighborhood libraries. The city now is woefully underfunded when it comes to libraries: Henderson has just three libraries, which serve about 170,000 of the city's 205,000 residents. The current number of libraries were only equipped to serve a population of 44,000. Even if the ballot question passes, Henderson residents would still be paying less than Las Vegas and Boulder City homeowners for their libraries. The Sun recommends a yes vote.

NORTH LAS VEGAS CITY COUNCIL

North Las Vegas City Councilman John Rhodes' challenger is Robert Eliason, a former member of the city's Planning Commission. It's an understatement to say that Rhodes has seen his share of problems lately. For instance, earlier this year Rhodes was indicted for insurance fraud. Regarding his work on the City Council, Rhodes hasn't distinguished himself recently, and it was disappointing that he took umbrage at a new policy that requires greater accountability when council members travel. It is disappointing, however, that Eliason refused to debate Rhodes, saying that he wouldn't show up at events with someone who has been indicted. Still, Eliason is enthusiastic and pledges to be a strong supporter of plans to bring consistent planning, more parks and better public safety to North Las Vegas. The Sun endorses Robert Eliason.