Gaming chairman selected

Monday, Oct. 1, 2001 | 10:45 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn on Tuesday plans to name Las Vegas lawyer Peter Bernhard as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Las Vegas Sun had learned.

Bernhard, who is giving up his position as chairman of the State Ethics Commission, will fill out the remaining four-year term of Brian Sandoval, who resigned Aug. 1 to consider a bid for attorney general.

Sandoval's term expires April 27, 2003, which means Bernhard will have a little less than two years to serve, unless he's reappointed.

Bernhard, a 52-year-old Democrat, has extensive knowledge of bankruptcy and civil law and has represented gaming clients in the past.

State government sources said Guinn chose Bernhard over another Las Vegas lawyer, John Bailey, after several weeks of consideration. Bernhard's wider range of experience was said to be the deciding factor.

A graduate of Western High School, Bernhard has lived in Las Vegas since 1952. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his law degree from the George Washington University School of Law.

Bernhard joins former Lt. Gov. Sue Wagner, Arthur Marshall, Augie Gurrola and Radha Chanderraj on the five-member Gaming Commission.

The chairman, who draws a part-time salary of $55,000, traditionally has been a lawyer.