Boggs McDonald begins job as county commissioner

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 | 9:03 a.m.

Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald was sworn in Tuesday as a Clark County commissioner by Supreme Court Justice Michael Douglas.

Boggs McDonald thanked Jesus Christ, her family, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and the City Council, and her new colleagues on the County Commission.

"I wouldn't be able to do what I do without my family that I have standing around me," she told the crowd in the commission chambers.

She also thanked Gov. Kenny Guinn, who appointed her to take over former Commissioner Mark James' district. Because James is a Republican, Guinn was required to name a Republican to take James' place.

Boggs McDonald said she would seek guidance from her six fellow commissioners.

"I know that I am going to learn a lot from each and every one of them," she said.

Boggs McDonald said she will also learn from the unpleasant experiences of some recent county commissioners who have been implicated in federal corruption probes of alleged money-for-votes schemes. Former Commissioner Erin Kenny, who once represented the same district, has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in the corruption probe.

"I will never make it about me," she said. "First and foremost, it is about my constituents."

After the regular commission meeting Tuesday, Boggs McDonald said she has been busy the past several weeks receiving briefings from various department heads at the county. She said she knows a hot-button issue in her district will be zoning issues, but she is prepared for those because of her work on the City Council.

However, the county also has the unique responsibility in Southern Nevada to handle a variety of social service and family service needs.

Boggs McDonald said she also will take over James' seat on the Southern Nevada Water Authority. County commissioners have three of the Water Authority board's seven seats.

James resigned from the commission April 2 to spend more time with his family and law practice.

Boggs McDonald, who next month must file for the November election if she intends to hold on to the seat, represents District F in the fast-growing southwest part of the valley and parts of western Las Vegas.