Editorial: Our choices for the county

Friday, Oct. 15, 2004 | 5:08 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: October 17, 2004

Bruce Woodbury, a Republican representing District A, which covers eastern and southeastern portions of Clark County, has been on the County Commission since 1981. Residents are well served by his experience, which includes nearly 20 years as a member of the Regional Transportation Commission. Woodbury was instrumental in planning for the Las Vegas Beltway, without which traffic would now be at a virtual standstill. He also helped plan the reconstruction of the Spaghetti Bowl and had a major role in other vital thoroughfares, such as the Desert Inn Super Arterial. On all issues facing the county, he has been a consistent and trustworthy leader. The Sun endorses Bruce Woodbury.

The District B seat, covering northern portions of the county, became wide open when Mary Kincaid-Chauncey lost her bid for re-election to state Assemblyman Tom Collins in the Democratic primary. Collins is challenged by Shari Buck, a Republican and member of the North Las Vegas City Council. Unfortunately, voters have been enduring a lot of mudslinging in this race. The shame of it is that both candidates are amply qualified. If voters can see through the mud, they can't go wrong with either Tom Collins or Shari Buck.

Republican Chip Maxfield, currently the chairman of the County Commission, is seeking a second term representing District C in the county's northwest. Maxfield is a civil engineer by training, and his input on complex growth issues has been invaluable. He has protected neighborhoods through his support of limited zone changes and more disclosure by developers. He is a natural leader whose calm demeanor is perfect for a board that often deals with emotional and tense issues. The Sun endorses Chip Maxfield.

Democrat Yvonne Atkinson Gates is seeking a fourth term representing District D in the center portion of the county's urban area. Gates' constituents are very well served, as she has been instrumental in bringing many needed services to her district, such as a park, an early-childhood development center and a recreation center. A former School Board member and a former chairwoman of the County Commission, Gates brings experience and thoughtfulness to the board. The Sun endorses Yvonne Atkinson Gates.

Former Las Vegas Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald was appointed in March by Gov. Kenny Guinn to the District F seat, which covers southwestern portions of the county. She is now running for her first elected term and is opposed by Democrat David Goldwater, a former state assemblyman. In our view, Boggs McDonald has been overly opportunistic during her public life, mixing career aspirations with public service. An example is her acceptance of a seat on the board of Station Casinos while serving as a councilwoman. While Goldwater was immature in his younger years -- a bar fight and a drunken driving incident are in his past -- he has a passion for public service that we see lacking in McDonald. The Sun endorses David Goldwater.