McDonald defends work on Alta Drive

Judy Odierna

Thursday, April 17, 2003 | 9:45 a.m.

A special tax district to pay for improvements to Alta Drive between Rancho Drive and Valley View Boulevard has become the latest campaign target in the Ward 1 election campaign.

Political newcomer Janet Moncrief, who outpolled incumbent Councilman Michael McDonald in the April 8 primary, has said in campaign fliers that McDonald wants to help only the more affluent part of Alta with city money.

McDonald referred to the statements, without naming any names, at Wednesday's City Council meeting during an item addressing the more than $38,000 annual maintenance costs that residents pay on the Alta project.

"I know the political season gets rough," McDonald said. "But when people lie about what neighbors do in a neighborhood, it is downright unjust."

Moncrief was out of town and her campaign officials said she could not be reached.

Following her win last week, Moncrief told the Sun: "How can someone spend so much money on Alta Drive for just a few houses? He's not fulfilling the need of every Ward 1 citizen."

Some residents had sought the Alta Drive Special Improvement District after two children were hit by a driver on the road. One was in a wheelchair, the other on a bike, and they were traveling from Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, 3050 Alta Drive, back to their house on Rancho Drive. There were no sidewalks.

The abutting property owners foot the bills for both the construction and the landscape maintenance, Richard Goecke, director of public works, said.

Fifty percent of the affected residents have to approve a special improvement district. Once it is approved, everyone is assessed the fees, Goecke said.

The Alta project resulted in putting curbs, gutters, sidewalks and lights in areas that did not have them. That cost $159,446 and residents have 10 years to pay.