Mack’s ethics hearing again delayed until next month

Diana Sahagun

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2001 | 8:51 a.m.

The chairman of the Las Vegas Ethics Review Board has scheduled a Dec. 6 hearing to address complaints filed against City Councilman Michael Mack, further delaying a process that has been plagued with setbacks.

The board on Monday had scheduled a full hearing after a two-member panel composed of board members determined that just and sufficient cause existed to investigate the complaints filed on behalf of John Staluppi Jr., whose application for a car dealership was denied by the City Council in June.

Board chairman Earle White Jr. rescheduled the hearing so that he could appoint a special counsel to advise the board. But he said the two candidates for the job were either out of town or could not attend the hearing. He said he would likely hire an attorney to advise the board by next week.

The city attorney's office is not representing the board because of a conflict of interest. Staluppi has also filed a lawsuit against Mack and the city.

Attorney Richard Wright, who is representing Mack, said he needed the 30-day window so he could prepare witnesses and gather evidence prior to the hearing.

Attorney Tony Sgro, who is representing Staluppi, did not attend the hearing and could not be reached for comment.

The ethics review involving Mack has already been delayed and, as a result, the original complaints had to be refiled. The complaints were filed in June after Mack led the vote to deny Staluppi's application for a car dealership on Rancho Drive.

Days after the vote, Mack disclosed that he had an outstanding $60,000 loan from rival car dealer Joseph Scala, who owns land inside the area proposed for the Town Center commercial development in northwestern Las Vegas.

Mack is accused of trying to broker an agreement between the rival auto dealers and voting against the project because he owed money to Scala.

In August, a two-member panel found just and sufficient cause to investigate the complaints. White, though, failed to call a hearing within 30 days, and the complaints were refiled.

Mayor Oscar Goodman during Wednesday's council meeting will decide whether to reappoint White to another four-year term on the board. Goodman has said part of his decision will depend on White's explanation for failing to schedule the original hearing.