County briefs for May 8, 2002

Wednesday, May 8, 2002 | 9:47 a.m.

Bennett-Haron replaces Togliatti

Attorney Karen Bennett-Haron, legal counsel for the Las Vegas Housing Authority, was appointed to serve as justice of the peace by the Clark County Commissioners Tuesday.

Bennett-Haron replaces Jennifer Togliatti, who last week was appointed by Gov. Kenny Guinn to District Court.

Commissioner Dario Herrera abstained from the vote. Herrera recently bowed out of a controversial public relations contract with the Housing Authority.

Consultants to improve system

The Clark County public defenders office received permission Tuesday to hire consultants with the National Legal Aid and Defender Association to assess the division and provide recommendations to make the office more efficient.

Commissioners agreed to spend $40,000 on the consultants.

Public Defender Marcus Cooper requested the consultants to review the changes he has made and offer ideas that have been introduced in other public defenders across the country.

"They know about the more progressive, innovative practices in the industry," Cooper said.

Cooper said one of the Association's recommendations is to open satellite offices throughout the valley to become more accessible to residents.

Salvation Army to get funding

Clark County commissioners agreed to help fund the Salvation Army's Day Resource Center, which will house about 130 homeless due to a shortage of beds in the valley's emergency shelters.

The county will pitch in $28,000 for the Salvation Army's emergency shelter.

The MASH Village tent, which once housed homeless men will likely close its doors in June due to a funding shortage. Also contributing to bed shortages is that St. Vincent's Plaza shelter is being redeveloped and Catholic Charities' men's shelter will not be ready for occupancy before August.

Creel named to justice post

Marguerite Creel on Tuesday was named Las Vegas justice administrator, replacing Steve Morris, who resigned last month.

Creel, who is administrative services manager for the district attorney's office, will serve as the Justice Court administrator and district clerk. Deputy Clerk Martin Lotz will become an assistant court administrator.

Creel's appointment by the Clark County Commission is effective immediately.