Columnist Jeff German: Moran Jr. weighs run for sheriff

Friday, Oct. 26, 2001 | 4:56 a.m.

Like most Americans, Keller said his life changed dramatically because of the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks in New York and Washington.

He told reporters he wanted to devote the remaining 14 months of his term in office to ensuring that Southern Nevadans are prepared to meet threats of terrorism. And even though he likely would have had an easy campaign, he said he wanted to do it without the distraction of running for political office.

"This decision is made with no regrets and with the knowledge that once again my family will be my first priority," Keller said.

Keller's reflection upon the importance of family again was indicative of what most Americans are feeling in this time of uncertainty and terror.

But the political process must continue. Others must move in and fill the sheriff's shoes.

From within the police department, Deputy Chief Bill Young is emerging as the leading candidate in 2002. Young, one of Keller's rising stars, plans to consult with his family and make a decision about whether to run in the next couple of weeks. Capt. Gary Schofield also is weighing a bid for sheriff in the absence of Keller's candidacy.

Outside the department one intriguing name surfaced at the end of the week -- John Moran Jr., the politically connected attorney, Nevada Wildlife Commission chairman and son of the late three-term Sheriff John Moran.

The 55-year-old namesake of the former sheriff, who died in 1998, has told friends he's seriously considering jumping into the race. His father, who enjoyed a good reputation with the cops on the street, served as sheriff for 12 years until his retirement in December 1994. During the elder Moran's tenure, crime dramatically decreased in Las Vegas.

Keller, who succeeded Moran in 1995, took his crime-fighting accomplishments a step further, turning the police department into one of the most modern law enforcement agencies in the country.

Today the Moran name still is revered in police circles, and though the Las Vegas population has grown tremendously since Moran retired in 1994, there are a lot of voters who haven't forgotten the former sheriff.

Should he run next year, John Moran Jr., who happens to be a former cop, would have to prove himself to the voters and earn the support of the police union, which expects to play a big role in the sheriff's race.

At the same time, he would have the benefit of strong name identification and contacts on the Strip to raise a large campaign war chest.

He also would be regarded as someone with considerable knowledge about the police department, having been a political adviser to his father over the years.

It all would make him tough to beat in 2002. *

Tourism officials aren't letting the Sept. 11 attacks spoil plans for their New Year's Eve fireworks display on the Strip.

It's a tough call considering we don't have a lot to celebrate this year because of terrorist attacks that brought down the World Trade Center.

On the other hand, there is a strong case to be made that we shouldn't let the terrorists disrupt our lives.

At least Las Vegas Events, which is coordinating the fireworks, has decided to show a little sensitivity to the victims in New York and Washington.

It no longer is calling the show "Big Bang 2," an eye-catching phrase it actually used in an early advisory.

Imagine the fireworks that would have caused throughout the homeland.