Editorial: What’s the big hurry, anyway?

Friday, June 15, 2001 | 10:04 a.m.

It increasingly looks like the Clark County Commission will select a new county manager without first conducting a regional or national search -- and that's a shame. Commissioners Dario Herrera, Erin Kenny and Mary Kincaid-Chauncey led the charge to force Dale Askew out as county manager, which culminated in him resigning last week. Not so coincidentally, these three also would like to install Thom Reilly, a former high-ranking county government official, as county manager.

It is disturbing that Reilly's supporters on the County Commission are moving at lightning speed to complete his coronation. After all, Askew announced his resignation just last week. But that didn't stop Reilly's supporters from immediately saying he should succeed Askew. It shouldn't be surprising then that there already is an item on Tuesday's County Commission agenda to appoint Reilly, who currently is a UNLV associate professor. Instead of a rush, it would be smart to take some time to see if anyone else is interested in the job. Don't forget, the county manager of Clark County is one of the most important non-elected government jobs in the state, a fact that justifies caution before making a selection.

The County Commission should listen to the advice of Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, who has said that a search for a replacement should be conducted. He also notes that it's a disservice to Reilly to appoint him in this manner. If Reilly is so much better than any other candidate out there, then why shouldn't his backers welcome a thorough search? It's possible that Reilly would still emerge as the top choice -- his previous work as a county administrator has been well regarded. In fact, not only has he earned the admiration of Kenny, but he also is thought of highly by Commissioner Myrna Williams, which is saying quite a lot since these two commissioners don't hide their distaste for each other. But unless the county takes the effort to see who else might be interested, how are we going to know if Reilly is the best?

If the County Commission wants the people in this valley to view the successor to Askew as someone who obtained the job on his merits, and not because he is friendly with a few influential commissioners, then at its Tuesday meeting it should permit a more extensive search to ensure that the best individual is tapped for this critical job. To do anything less would be irresponsible.