Civic activist Romero will challenge Reese

Judy Odierna

Friday, Jan. 31, 2003 | 9:30 a.m.

At least one Las Vegas councilman could face a tough battle for re-election.

Councilman Gary Reese declared his candidacy on Thursday and drew Fernando Romero, a civic activist and member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, as an opponent.

Romero also filed to run for Ward 3 on Thursday and said he hopes to be the voice of the growing Hispanic population in the district.

"We're talking about an area where more than 52 percent of the people are Hispanic," Romero said. "I definitely have to capitalize on that. I speak both languages and can represent all cultures."

Reese faced a tough election in 1999 against challenger Nevada Stupak, despite Stupak's lack of campaign funding. Reese defeated Stupak by just 139 votes. Reese spent $532,784 to Stupak's $73,673.

So far for this election, Reese has raised a little more than $100,000.

Reese said he has reached out to the Hispanic community in his district and believes he has their support.

"We've got a great team together and we are going to go out and do the best job we can no matter who runs against us," Reese said. "I've been very active in helping the Hispanic community with their concerns about senior housing and safe neighborhoods and I think they will support me."

Councilman Michael McDonald also drew a second challenger on Thursday. Civic activist Peter "Chris" Christoff filed to run for Ward 1. Christoff ran unsuccessfully against McDonald in 1999. Also running in Ward 1 is Paul C. Chomintra.

In North Las Vegas, Bill Dolan, who unofficially launched his campaign for the North Las Vegas City Council months ago with a campaign website, business cards and campaign shirts, officially filed his challenge to incumbent Councilwoman Shari Buck.

Buck and Dolan will vie for the council seat representing the city's Ward 4.

Henderson Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers filed on Thursday to run for re-election. She will face Ed Molitoris in the race for Ward 1.

In Boulder City six candidates are now running for two seats on the City Council. As of Thursday afternoon the council candidates are Karla Burton, Richard Bravo, Kevin Polk, Scott Beringer, Anthony Pakula and Roger Tobler.