Gibson addresses education, growth

Dan Kulin

Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 | 10:30 a.m.

Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson's State of the City address on Thursday touched on growth, education and the recent double-dipping controversy that has swirled around state legislators who are also government employees.

Gibson offered the city's resources to help the school system reach parents and get them more involved in their children's education.

"The details are not fixed," Gibson said about any possible joint venture between the city and the school system. But he said the idea is to use the city's contact with families, through city recreational activities and after school programs, to provide additional ways for the school system to communicate with busy parents.

Clark County School Board member Mary Beth Scow, who attended the address, said finding ways to better communicate with parents is always an issue for education officials.

"The city has access to those kids after school hours. It could present a good situation," Scow said about Gibson's proposal.

On growth and the development of the city, Gibson said that while the national economy has suffered recently, Henderson's economy is strong, noting that the city has seen increases in office, retail and industrial development. Henderson's population has also grown faster than almost every other city in America during the last 10 years, he said.

For example, he said, the development around the Anthem Center, where he delivered his speech, "didn't exist six years ago."

Gibson said the success of the city demands that the city continue to grow well.

The mayor also told the audience of about 700 that he has asked the city manager to develop a city policy to address the situation of city employees who are also elected officials.

Gibson has said a city policy should require those public employees who are also elected officials to take unpaid leave while carrying out their duties as elected officials.

A new city policy on the matter might require City Council approval and should be completed within 60 days, he said.

In Henderson such a policy would affect Richard Perkins, a city deputy police chief who is also speaker of the State Assembly.

During past Legislative sessions Perkins received full-time pay from the city. He typically logged two regular work days a week and used two vacation days a week to fill his time sheets. Perkins said he would work weekends and telecommute to work during sessions.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has already said the Hatch Act prohibits Perkins, a Democrat, from running for office again while staying a city employee.

But Perkins asked the office to take another look at his situation. On Thursday Perkins said he expects the office to issue a new opinion on his situation soon.

The state attorney general is also expected to weigh in on whether public employees can hold public office within the month, Perkins said.

Gibson's 40-minute speech was well-received by the crowd.

Frank Kenny, owner of Just Different, a specialty tea company, said Gibson's speech was encouraging.

"Controlled growth is important," he said.

Rocco Tucker, a businessman and former City Council candidate, said: "The mayor's thinking in the right direction, with controlling growth and it's good to hear about the kids."

Longtime Henderson resident and banker Selma Bartlett said: "He was outstanding. Education, families and growth, it's our future."