Editorial: Askew had steadying presence as manager

Tuesday, June 12, 2001 | 9:27 a.m.

The Clark County manager arguably is the most powerful, non-elected government job in Nevada. After all, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the largest county government in the nation's fastest-growing state. For four years Dale Askew has served admirably in that job, juggling the needs of county residents while contending with the palace intrigue among the part-time elected members of the County Commission. Last week Askew, who had dodged two efforts during his tenure to remove him, said he would resign in July on his own terms.

Askew wasn't flashy, but one of the essential requirements for the job is a steadying presence, which Askew possessed. Thom Reilly, a former county administrator, is the frontrunner to succeed Askew. Whether it's Reilly or not, it is hoped that the commissioners don't ensnare the next county manager into their political games, which makes a tough job even tougher.

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