Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Tired of gambling on politicians

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003 | 8:15 a.m.

How can we ever learn to trust individuals we vote into public office?

We can't. It's like the roll of dice. What comes up, comes up.

No matter what their campaign promises might be, or their history of service to the community, or their family relationships, there is something about the accession to a powerful position that either proves one's mettle or reveals shortcomings.

Through the years many of us have been spectators to the exposure of public officials "on the take," and witnessed their subsequent downfall. It comes, as they say, with the territory.

The recent FBI sting and indictments of three Southern Nevada politicians is not a rarity. Any old-time observer can tell you about ethics violations in government circles. Some perpetrators are able to escape punishment and condemnation. Others get caught, as seems to be the case with Dario Herrera, Lance Malone and current County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey.

Of course, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but some of the taped conversations released by the FBI are mighty damning.

And what a waste. Herrera is a young man who once had everything going for him. With good looks, a nice family and the backing of the Hispanic community, he was the golden boy.

But Malone, a handsome dude with the brains of a mollusk, was transparent from the start.

And Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, whom I supported unequivocally at one time, is still insisting on her innocence. It's almost as if the sudden transformation from a kindly, brown-haired lady to an amazing, yellow-blonde one symbolizes what could be her downfall.

Time alone will tell how these people fare as former County Commissioner Erin Kenny turns on the heat in her deal with the FBI to testify further.

All of which proves: If you get into a pigsty with the pigs, you'll come out smelling like a pig.

Those old-time media luncheons, held at Greek Isles Restaurant (the next one is scheduled for Tuesday) are attracting more attention than ever. The group now includes many entertainers and PR guys from earlier times.

Las Vegas home-grown comedian Cork Proctor has promised a special treat for the meeting. He is bringing onetime Sahara Hotel entertainment director Stan Irwin as a guest.

Irwin started at the old Club Bingo as a stand-up comic and gradually proved himself as entertainment director for the Sahara. He brought the Beatles to Las Vegas.

I remember Irwin as a state assemblyman when he was responsible for getting the mountain blue bird designated as the state's official bird. It should be fun with Proctor and Irwin providing laughs and memories.

Ask your doctor if (fill in the blank) is right for you. That disclaimer appears on a large number of TV ads touting the benefits of new drugs.

Many medical experts are beginning to think Americans might be over-medicating.

A new warning suggests regular consultations with your doctor about the drugs you are taking. This includes prescriptions, herbal supplements and over-the-counter remedies.

TV seems to have a pill for every problem, but careful monitoring of any type of medication is essential for patients of all ages.