James’ resignation surprises many in Las Vegas political circles

Kirsten Searer

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 | 9:29 a.m.

Shock waves rippled through Las Vegas political circles Tuesday at the news of the resignation of Clark County Commissioner Mark James.

The independent-minded Republican, who served in the state Senate for a decade, was regarded as someone who could have run for any number of political offices. And winning a seat on the seven-member commission is considered a plum by many.

"I subscribe to the theory that the eight most powerful people are the governor and the county commissioners," said political consultant Jim Ferrence.

Several political insiders said they they couldn't remember the last time someone resigned mid-term from the commission, which is regarded by some as the most powerful elected body in the state.

"It's certainly one of the more powerful positions in the state of Nevada," said consultant Sig Rogich. "This is the population hub. It's one of seven votes that controls streets and highways, parks and water."

In his resignation Tuesday, which will be effective April 2, James cited family reasons. His mother died after he was sworn in as a commissioner and his father has Parkinson's disease.

Political consultant Billy Vassiliadis said he has worked with James and knows how much he values his family.

"I think this is one of the cases where it is what he's saying it is," Vassiliadis said.

"A political career can always wait, and an ailing parent and growing children can't," Vassiliadis said. "I for one strongly feel that he's doing a noble thing."

James once was viewed as a potential Nevada governor, congressman or U.S. senator. But he has given mixed messages on how much of a political workload he is willing to take on.

James flirted with the idea of running against Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and at one point hired a consultant to advise him on the race. But he backed out in July 1999, citing family obligations.

And in March 2002, James announced he wouldn't seek re-election to his state Senate post, despite his powerful position as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Again, he cited family and work obligations.

But in May 2002, he abruptly announced he would run for the county commission. He filed late in the day on the last day he could, at the same time Erin Kenny, then a commissioner, filed papers for lieutenant governor, stepping down from her commission seat.

James scratched out a primary election win and then easily won in the general election in a Democratic district. James, a moderate Republican on some issues, was known for his independence.

Members of the Culinary Workers Union, Local 226, rallied behind James' candidacy, encouraging members to re-register as Republicans so they could vote for James in the primary battle.

"We've never had a Republican candidate we felt so strongly about in a tough primary fight," Culinary local leader D. Taylor said.

"He stood on principle, and in this day of partisanship and party, we felt like he always would make decisions based on principle, not just how the wind was blowing."

Ferrence, who helped engineer James' tough primary fight in 2002, said James had a "statesman-like quality" that won him favor with voters. James easily could have run for governor or senator, he said.

"He was planning to have a long and distinguished career in politics," Ferrence said. "He's got all the right qualities of a politician. He's very bright, very articulate, and a handsome devil."

Even Democratic leaders had some praise for James, who sometimes crossed party lines on issues.

"He was sharp and he was a good listener," said Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, who served with James on the Senate Judiciary Committee. "It was probably the most nonpartisan committee in the entire building." James said he may be off the commission, but he doesn't expect to withdraw from public life. He said that within the constraints of the time he needs to give his family, he would serve on boards or other activities.

"I would if asked," James said. "I always want to be in public service. I will always be open to helping my state, even if I'm not in elected office."