Editorial: Ward 1’s new voice

Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005 | 8:48 a.m.

Politically, Janet Moncrief will be remembered more for her meteoric rise -- and subsequent free fall -- than for any lasting achievement as a member of the Las Vegas City Council. Moncrief, a political neophyte, came from out of nowhere in 2003 to win the Ward 1 seat on the City Council. She crushed incumbent Michael McDonald, capturing 58 percent of the vote. But on Tuesday, less than two years later, Moncrief lost her office in a recall election. Moncrief received just under 30 percent of the vote in a three-person race, as Lois Tarkanian emerged the winner with 41 percent. A series of ethical lapses by McDonald led to his defeat and, ironically, an indictment against Moncrief -- for allegedly filing false campaign-finance reports -- was a key reason for her demise.

It was more than an indictment that cost Moncrief the election, though. Residents of Ward 1 were unhappy with her representation of them. Many missed the clout that McDonald once had with the rest of the City Council. Residents evidently believe that Tarkanian, whose lengthy and productive tenure on the Clark County School Board is matched by her community service, was the right fit for the job. We, too, were impressed by Tarkanian's track record and we are confident that her enthusiasm and dedication will provide Ward 1's residents with the leadership they deserve -- and that has been missing for nearly two years.