Residents weigh pros, cons of gaining own government

Erica Johnson

Wednesday, May 30, 2001 | 10:10 a.m.

City status There are two ways to become a city in Nevada. State statutes provide for a multi-step, years-long process.

Source: Nevada Revised Statutes, Legislative Counsel Bureau Researcher Paul Mouritsen.

On the streets of Laughlin, many residents aren't aware that they could soon be the newest city in Clark County.

Some aren't overly concerned about the issue either, but those who have an opinion are split over the prospect.

"I think it should be its own city," gift shop supervisor Joyce Baril said. She moved to Laughlin six years ago from Illinois.

Baril said becoming a city might improve the response time for emergency services.

"If you call 911, it goes clear to Vegas. Like I called for a fire, and Metro (police) was never notified here," she said. "It took about 45 minutes for them to get there because the woman on the other end said they had to call Vegas first and then dispatch them from the substation in Laughlin.

"When we want service, we want service," Baril said. "We should have our own police force."

Bob Sturman, owner of Laughlin Jewelry and Collectibles, said he sees both sides of the argument.

"The cons are that it would cost residents more money, but the good thing about it is that we would have more freedom as to what we want to do with our town, the direction we want to go in, which I do like," Sturman, a 12-year resident, said. "So I would like to see it happen one day, but I would like to see the population grow a little bit first because I don't think we can afford it now."

But Tom Patton, a real estate broker, is a strong advocate for city status.

"If there is any possible way to do it I think we should," said Patton, who has lived in Laughlin for two decades. "We can't grow because there are so many different restrictions on the land. I think we should go for it, even if it does cost us more money."

But more typical was the comment by casino change provider Doug Browning, who has lived in Laughlin for 12 years.

"I wasn't aware of the fact that Laughlin was not a city, but I think (becoming a city) would help out taxes and help us save money," he said.