Election could result in more low-key board, insiders say

Adrienne Packer

Monday, Sept. 9, 2002 | 11:14 a.m.

For four years Erin Kenny and Dario Herrera shared more than the Clark County Commission dais; they also shared in controversies.

The two Democrats caused turmoil on the commission by teaming up to oust former Clark County Manager Dale Askew and more recently unsuccessfully trying to dismiss Fire Chief Earl Greene.

With the two running for higher offices -- Herrera for Congress and Kenny for lieutenant governor -- the personality of the commission will change. After several high-profile fights, the commission could become less combative and more focused, outside government watchdogs and insiders believe.

Their likely successors are front-runners Rory Reid, a Democrat, for Herrera's District G and Republican Mark James for Kenny's District F.

"It think perhaps there won't be so many high-profile controversial issues coming up all the time," said Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, who will begin his 21st year on the commission when the newcomers -- the front-runners or surprise winners -- are sworn in in January.

"I think there will be a little more consensus-seeking and (the attitude will be) a little more laid back."

Incumbent Myrna Williams, 72, easily defeated fellow Democrat Nevada Stupak on Tuesday and faces Republican John Stanhagen in November's general election. She is also considered a front-runner in her race.

The election of two new commissioners is the biggest shake-up the board has experienced since 1997, when Lance Malone and Mary Kincaid-Chauncey were elected. Malone's seat is now occupied by Chip Maxfield.

James and Reid, both attorneys and both viewed as consensus-builders, are seen as welcome changes on a board that has often engaged in petty arguments and politics.

"The candidates out there are going to bring a great deal of expertise and ability to work with other commissioners," said Clark County Manager Thom Reilly. "Both Erin and Dario brought a lot of passion and issues. Not that (James and Reid) won't, but I think the board will be a little more low key."

Political consultant Billy Vassiliadis said the makeup of the new board is the best he's seen in a decade. He believes Maxfield will be more outspoken and Woodbury will remain the quiet leader.

"Some of the stuff we've seen in the past is a personality difference," Vassiliadis said. "I think this will be a much more moderate, down-to-business kind of board.

"Rory is not a headline grabber; he's a coalition builder. James is outspoken and will continue to be, but he understands the importance of rallying colleagues."

The two expected newcomers might build consensus among commission members, but will they be able to vote?

Both work for large law firms that represent clients who regularly appear before the commission. Reid is an attorney for Lionel Sawyer & Collins; James works for Kummer Kaempfer Bonner & Renshaw.

Craig Walton, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas ethics professor, said if James and Reid take office, they have a solid example to follow in Woodbury, also an attorney.

"Woodbury has laid down a beautiful track record of disclosing or abstaining," said Walton, who has tracked commission activities for years. "The precedent for lawyers has been set."

Walton said the attorneys must balance taking clients and money and advocating in court with determining as commissioners what is solid public policy.

Woodbury sees no significance or potential conflicts in having three attorneys serve on the board.

"That will make three of us who couldn't figure out how to do anything useful, so we became lawyers and politicians," Woodbury said jokingly. "It's nice to have some company in that regard."