Eliason misses Rhodes debate

Diana Sahagun

Friday, May 25, 2001 | 10:18 a.m.

The only thing missing during Thursday's debate that was scheduled to involve two candidates for North Las Vegas City Council was one of the candidates.

That didn't stop North Las Vegas Councilman John Rhodes from touting his experience and track record to members of the Hidden Canyon Homeowners Association.

Rhodes' opponent, Robert Eliason, stood on a campaign promise that he would not debate the councilman.

The candidates will meet June 5 in the general election.

Contacted before the debate, Eliason said the event's original schedule provided the candidates 15 minutes each to speak and field questions. But that format changed, and Eliason was told the candidates would engage in a debate.

"I made a commitment I would not be seen in public with someone who's under indictment," Eliason said.

Eliason has focused his campaign on the importance of honesty and integrity, characteristics he says Rhodes does not have. The state attorney general has charged Rhodes with three counts of insurance fraud. Rhodes has maintained his innocence.

Rhodes spoke to the crowd of 15, a group of neighbors who have been jostled by development the past few years. The homeowners surround a controversial casino site, which was first proposed by NevStar Gaming and Entertainment Corp. The company filed for bankruptcy, but Station Casinos has plans for another casino. The neighbors have also fought apartment developments proposed near their homes.

As an eight-year councilman, Rhodes said he has improved the quality of life for all residents, and he said he voted against the NevStar casino.

Many of his accomplishments involve new growth, he said, including his role in negotiating the sale of 7,500 acres by the Bureau of Land Management in the northern part of the city.

"We have met those goals we (as a City Council) have set," Rhodes said.

Rhodes said he was instrumental in helping introduce a new type of electric bus, which will soon be in use in North Las Vegas as part of a pilot program to test emerging public transportation technologies.

Rhodes also touched on one of his campaign themes during the primary election, the police union. Rhodes told the residents he believed the North Las Vegas Police Officers Association has overcharged its residents and is using extra money to fund political campaigns, among other things.

The police union is endorsing Eliason. Rhodes said he is investigating bank records to determine how much the union has received in health insurance funding and how much it has spent.

"My goal is to make sure we get those dollars back," Rhodes said.