Ballot questions will dominate early voting

Jace Radke

Wednesday, May 16, 2001 | 10:18 a.m.

The 576,993 registered voters in Clark County will have few races to choose from when early voting for the June 5 municipal elections begins this week. There will be no shortage of referendums, however.

The three City Council races in Las Vegas, the two in Boulder City and one in Henderson were decided last month, leaving North Las Vegas with the only council race. It pits former Planning Commissioner Robert Eliason against incumbent John Rhodes.

Registered voters in Clark County, Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite and Boulder City may cast ballots beginning Saturday at area malls and other selected sites through June 1 on at least one issue -- the $80 million children's hospital bond.

The proposed free-standing hospital would be operated by the county-run University Medical Center. If passed, it would be funded by a 20-year bond issue.

North Las Vegans, who will be able to vote early at the North Las Vegas city clerk's office beginning today, will vote on the hospital, and will also decide whether their city can broaden the use of an already existing street maintenance tax to include parks and fire stations.

In Henderson, voters will have two local referendums, including a public safety question, which voters narrowly rejected in November. The proposed tax would raise a projected $850 million over 30 years. The tax would cost those who own a $100,000 home about $84 annually. It also would pay the salaries of 237 public safety officers over seven years.

The second question would allow voters to decide on a property tax increase to raise about $80 million over the next 30 years for libraries. The property tax on a $100,000 home would increase about $14 annually.

Boulder City residents will decide on two city charter amendments.

The children's hospital initiative is the only item on the ballot in Las Vegas.

For more information, visit the Clark County Election Department's website (www.co.clark.nv.us/election).