Mesquite argues against initiatives

Thursday, June 24, 2004 | 9:24 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- An attorney for Mesquite told the Nevada Supreme Court Tuesday that two voter-approved initiatives on city government were invalid because they conflict with state law.

City Attorney Terrance P. Marren said it would be a "dark day" for cities if the Supreme Court upheld these initiatives dealing with disposal of property and resignation of elective officials.

But Patty Cafferata, attorney for the initiatives, argued the Nevada Constitution gives unlimited power to the people unless the initiatives conflict with the federal or state constitutions.

The initiatives approved by the voters in November 2002 required all public land sales by the city be conducted either by sealed bid or public auction, and if an elective official runs for another city office in midterm, he or she must resign the post 10 days before the close of filing.

District Judge Michael Douglas, who has since been appointed to the Supreme Court, ruled against these initiatives. He abstained on the appeal.

Cafferata told the court voter-approved initiative regarding land sales was to prevent "back room deals."

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