Editorial: Taking more time is best course to take

Friday, June 29, 2001 | 10:35 a.m.

Usually elected officials are criticized when they postpone a decision on an important issue. Often the reason for the procrastination is that they're dealing with a political hot potato. So they hope that the matter either will just go away or that the opposing factions can somehow reach a compromise, allowing them to avoid making the tough call. Still, there are times when a delay is justified.

An instance that warranted caution occurred this week when the Las Vegas City Council opted against deciding how to use 61 acres of prime vacant land in the downtown area. It had been anticipated that the City Council would decide at a Monday meeting to select either an academic medical center, film studio, sports arena or an open-ended project of varying uses. But enough members of the City Council still had some questions, and weren't completely satisfied that they were ready yet, postponing action for at least a week.

How those 61 acres ultimately are developed could have a huge impact on the future of the downtown area. The City Council, including Mayor Oscar Goodman, is champing at the bit to get started, but the last thing the city needs is to reluctantly sign off on a project when they have lingering doubts as to whether it will play a strong enough role in boosting the rejuvenation of a flagging downtown.