Rhodes’ rally at City Hall raises policy concerns

Diana Sahagun

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

A rally planned tonight in support of North Las Vegas Councilman John Rhodes inside City Hall prompted officials to investigate the city's own policies regulating political activities inside public buildings.

According to a press release sent to the Sun Tuesday morning, the rally for Rhodes' re-election bid, hosted by leaders of the Hispanic community, women's organizations, the North Las Vegas Republicans Club, and various religious leaders, was planned for the lobby of City Hall.

Rhodes will face off against former Planning Commissioner Robert Eliason in the general election June 5.

City Manager Kurt Fritsch, who had not been told of the rally, said the city seldom allows political rallies inside city buildings because of the chance for fighting or the perception of catering to one candidate.

"We have always tried to prohibit actual politicking on city property," Fritsch said.

Contacted Tuesday evening, Rhodes said the rally will not be held in the lobby, but outside on City Hall grounds.

The rally will begin at 5:30 p.m., just 30 minutes after the close of the first day of early voting at the city clerk's office.

According to Nevada law, during early voting a person or group may not campaign for or against any candidate within 100 feet of the entrance to a voting area.

Clark County Registrar of Voters Larry Lomax said the intent of the law is to keep people from trying to influence voters, and that concern likely ends once the polls close for the day.

North Las Vegas City Attorney Sean McGowan said the city has no codes regulating what type of political activities can take place on city grounds.

The city of Las Vegas, on the other hand, created strict codes that went into effect this year that govern the activities of City Council members. They are not allowed to be involved with anything that relates to their campaign on city property or during city time.

State law says, "a public officer or employee ... shall not use governmental time, property, equipment or other facility to benefit his personal interest."

Rhodes said he isn't violating the law because he won't be attending the rally.

"A public building is a place where people are deciding that they want to gather and share a common cause," Rhodes said. "What am I supposed to tell them?"