Judge denies initiative to be placed on NLV ballot

Friday, April 29, 2005 | 11:09 a.m.

A federal judge has denied a request by North Las Vegas residents who were trying to get an initiative placed on the June 7 general election ballot.

U.S. District Judge Philip Pro signed his ruling Thursday night and was to release it today, said Jonathan Hansen, an attorney representing the North Las Vegas residents.

The group sought an injunction to get a measure on the ballot that would have let voters decide the fate of city union contracts. On March 2, the North Las Vegas City Council sided with City Clerk Karen Storms who said the petition drive was invalid under state law because one of the five people behind it did not live in North Las Vegas.

"I figured this might happen when he didn't rule immediately," Hansen said of Pro's decision. "I think the timing aspect was the downfall. It probably should have been brought sooner."

Hansen and North Las Vegas argued the case before Pro on Tuesday. North Las Vegas officials said it was too late to put the issue before voters because sample ballots were printed and about to be mailed out and absentee ballots were being sent to out-of-state voters.

Pro asked why the residents waited more than a month after the city denied the petition before they sought an injunction. Hansen said it took so long because his firm handled the case pro bono and researching the case took time.

Hansen said he expects the residents will undertake another petition drive to put the measure on a future ballot. Even if the measure were to pass, city officials would likely challenge it in court.

North Las Vegas argued in court that only the City Council has the authority to approve employee contracts.