Kincaid-Chauncey attacks critics

Kirsten Searer

Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004 | 9:38 a.m.

County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey defended herself Monday against attacks that she could not serve effectively while she faces political corruption charges.

Kincaid-Chauncey likely will go to trial on charges that she and former county commissioners accepted bribes from strip club owners.

She has consistently claimed she is innocent, and on Monday's "Face to Face With Jon Ralston" on Las Vegas ONE, she said she can continue in her elected job.

"It's a cloud," she admitted on a debate with the four Democrats who are challenging her in the primary election. "But I still believe in the Constitution and I believe in the judicial system. I'm innocent, and I don't see any reason why I shouldn't go on with my life when I haven't been found guilty of anything and I won't be."

One of her opponents in the Democratic primary, Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas, said Kincaid-Chauncey will be overwhelmed by the trial next year and unable to represent her community.

"If Commissioner Kincaid-Chauncey were to be re-elected, than who's going to stand in and represent the constituents of District B while she is so busy trying to fight?" Chowning asked.

Assemblyman Tom Collins, D-North Las Vegas, defended a comment he made earlier this year that he would not accept donations from strip club owners because of the scandal involving the county commissioners.

"For 20 years, or longer than that, probably, those joints have been attacked, criticized, raided for illegal activities -- drugs, prostitution and other things," he said. "We don't need them in Commission District B."

Democrats John Bonaventura and John Stephens also are running for the post. The winner will square off against the Republican nominee for the seat -- either North Las Vegas Councilwoman Shari Buck, Grant Claycomb or Glen Easter.

After the candidates talked about dealing with growth, water rights and the idea of the Southern Nevada Water Authority purchasing Nevada Power, Kincaid-Chauncey steered the conversation back to her legal troubles.

"I am not guilty, will be found not guilty," she said. "And I feel this is America and, although it seems all of my colleagues have chosen to judge both my character and my guilt, I think that the majority of the American people believe that just because you're accused of something does not mean that you said it or you did it."