County chairwoman to give up post

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003 | 11:46 a.m.

Mary Kincaid-Chauncey was to surrender her position as chairwoman of the Clark County Commission this morning.

Kincaid-Chauncey said Tuesday night that she planned to give up the position because of her indictment on multiple criminal counts stemming from a federal corruption probe, but she has no plans to resign from the commission.

Kincaid-Chauncey said she would make the formal announcement during an 11:15 news conference in the Clark County Government Center, at the same site where she declared her innocence of any wrongdoing in May.

Kincaid-Chauncey repeated on Tuesday evening what she has said ever since being publicly tied to the federal probe: "I am innocent."

"And I believe in the system and I believe it will show that I am innocent." Commission Vice Chairman Chip Maxfield will take over the commission's top seat and serve as the county's public face for official purposes.

Kincaid-Chauncey's six colleagues on the board, all of whom wanted her to step aside to avoid a potentially bruising vote to change the rules to allow her ouster, expressed relief that she is resigning from the central position.

"I'm very sad that it is necessary for her to do this, but we've got to get on with the county's business," Commissioner Myrna Williams said Tuesday night. "I think it is in her best interest as well.

"As long as she is chairing, she is going to be the target of every media thing, which doesn't help her case." She noted that Kincaid-Chauncey "is innocent until proven guilty." Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates echoed the remarks. She said Maxfield's assumption of the chairman's position is "appropriate."

"That's why we have a vice chair," she said. "I just wish it were all over."

Kincaid-Chauncey's resignation stems from multiple counts of conspiracy, wire fraud and extortion as a public figure. Federal prosecutors contend that Kincaid-Chauncey accepted thousands of dollars under the table from strip club owner Michael Galardi as Galardi attempted to gain county approval for his new Jaguars club and operate the club.

The prosecutors also contend that Galardi paid for topless lap dances and beer for Kincaid-Chauncey's son and provided money for an Olympic ski school for a grandson.

Former Commissioners Dario Herrera and Lance Malone, who served with Kincaid-Chauncey, were indicted in the same probe. Former Commissioner Erin Kenny, who lost her bid for lieutenant governor last year but also served with Kincaid-Chauncey for years on the Clark County Commission, has agreed to plead guilty to related charges.

Only Kincaid-Chauncey, however, is still on the commission.

She said early Tuesday that she had given plenty of "prayerful consideration" to stepping down as commission chairwoman.

Kincaid-Chauncey said she had to meet and discuss the issue with her family, attorney Richard Wright, and friends.

One of those who talked with Kincaid-Chauncey was political adviser Sig Rogich.

Rogich, one of Nevada's foremost political consultants, usually works for Republicans.

Although Kincaid-Chauncey is a Democrat, Rogich said he has known the North Las Vegas resident and former city councilwoman for years.

He said he talked to Kincaid Chauncey at the request of some "mutual friends," whom Rogich declined to identify. The commission chairwoman's situation is "is sad," he said. "It's like a punch in the stomach for the county. It's just not healthy.

"I just called and said it was one friend to another, and suggested she do what's best for her and for the county."