Maxfield officially replaces Kincaid-Chauncey as chair

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003 | 9:41 a.m.

The Clark County Commission formally and officially replaced its chairwoman, Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, who faces federal corruption charges.

The commission tabbed Commissioner Chip Maxfield, formerly the vice chairman, to replace Kincaid-Chauncey and Commissioner Myrna Williams to be the new vice chairwoman Tuesday. Maxfield had taken over as acting chairman last week when Kincaid-Chauncey stepped aside as chairwoman.

Commissioners had asked Kincaid-Chauncey, who along with two former commissioners was indicted by federal prosecutors Nov. 6, to resign from the top post. Although she initially said she would not resign, Kincaid-Chauncey stepped down after it became clear that the commission would move to replace her.

She will maintain her position as commissioner, representing North Las Vegas and much of the northern portion of Clark County.

Prosecutors have accused Kincaid-Chauncey and former commissioners Lance Malone and Dario Herrera of conspiring with strip club owner Michael Galardi to pass laws helping his businesses and harassing other local strip clubs. All have said directly or through their attorneys that they are innocent of trading votes for cash and will fight the charges.

Former Commissioner Erin Kenny and Galardi have agreed to plead guilty to charges and cooperate with the federal investigation. Galardi also has pleaded guilty in a parallel investigation in San Diego.

Kincaid-Chauncey is scheduled to have her first court appearance Friday on 10 charges of extortion, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She potentially faces decades in prison on the various charges.

The motion to make the change came from Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates and the change was passed 7-0.