Editorial: Standouts in race for City Council

Saturday, June 12, 2004 | 11:56 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

June 12 - 13, 2004

Residents of Las Vegas' Ward 2 will vote June 22 in a special election to fill a vacancy created when Lynnette Boggs McDonald resigned from the City Council to serve on the Clark County Commission. The 12 candidates have had just a few weeks to campaign, which means many voters are likely still unfamiliar with them. In such a short race, money might play an even bigger role than normal. One candidate, defense attorney Steve Wolfson, seems to be outspending his opponents on advertising, but he speaks in general terms on many of the issues. It remains to be seen whether the ads will compensate for his lack of specific ideas.

Looking at the candidates' experience, knowledge of city issues, character and familiarity with the community, we found it difficult to endorse just one because three of the candidates impressed us equally. They are well-informed and speak intelligently about the major issues affecting the city.

As director of the city's Planning and Development Department, Bob Genzer brings a wealth of expertise. He is intimately familiar with all issues affecting the city and there would be no learning curve if he were elected.

Gabriel Lither, who formed the neighborhood coalition that was successful in limiting the height of the Red Rock Station Casino, has demonstrated he can lead. At the same time, Lither, co-founder of Summerlin Residents for Responsible Growth, also has shown that he's not an obstructionist and would be willing to forge common ground with developers on difficult issues.

Richard Truesdell, a 40-year resident, is a licensed real estate broker and chairman of the city's Planning Commission. Truesdell is an expert on land-use issues and it's obvious he's given a lot of thought to other important issues affecting the city -- traffic, downtown redevelopment, public safety and homelessness.

We believe the voters of Ward 2 would be well served by Genzer, Lither or Truesdell.