Ross set to take the reins in LV Ward 6

Dan Kulin

Tuesday, July 5, 2005 | 10:55 a.m.

Heading into his first Las Vegas City Council meeting on Wednesday, Councilman-elect Steve Ross said his priorities are to ensure that Floyd Lamb State Park keeps its rural character and to climb the steep learning curve regarding land-use issues in Ward 6.

Ross, 42, an electrical contractor, won his first race for public office by 128 votes on June 7.

Ross and his opponent, Mary Gillins, each said they would focus on growth and traffic issues and said it was important to always listen to the residents affected. Both candidates used the "buzzwords, growth, transportation, safe streets," but were short on specifics as to what either would do if elected, noted outgoing Ward 6 Councilman Michael Mack, who backed Gillins.

Now, Mack said, "Steve Ross will have to be in tune with what other cities are up to, and keep to the master plan."

Backing a change to the master plan, "that's what really upsets neighbors," Mack said.

Mack suggested Ross should aim to get a seat on the Regional Transportation Commission and/or the Regional Flood Control District, which he said deal with issues that have the greatest impact on Ward 6.

Ross did promise that if elected he would use the influence that came with the office to lobby against a proposed sales tax that will be voted on by the Clark County Commissioners and not the City Council. But three weeks after the election, Ross said he hadn't yet thought about how he will do that.

Gillins, who works for the Metro Police officers' union, and Mack, and Ross' new fellow council members support the tax increase, which would raise money to hire additional police officers.

"I am going to lobby against higher taxes, but so far I've been so busy meeting with department heads," Ross said.

Ross also reiterated that he strongly supports public safety, and "increasing the number of police officers on the streets is part of that."

The Floyd Lamb Park State Park, which Ross calls by its old name, Tule Springs, also probably won't be something he has to deal with soon. If state leaders approve the proposed takeover by the city, Las Vegas wouldn't get the park for two years.

"We need to leave it alone and keep it well maintained," Ross said about the park.

Land use issues, including those at the large vacant area known as the Kyle Canyon Gateway, are the most likely to require Ross' attention first, and take up much of his time in the near future at least.

"The master plan was created so there would be consistency and predictability. Sticking to the master plan is important. Folks need to know there's consistency," Ross said.

He said he wouldn't just dismiss any requested changes, variances or special use permits, but "I would be very critical of them."

Ross said he will be paying particular attention to the Kyle Canyon Gateway plans, which will determine the specific land uses for 1,170 acres at the foot of the canyon bought at a federal auction in February by development giant Focus Property Group for $510 million.

In December the council adopted general guidelines for the development of the land, expected to have about 9,500 homes built on it, which called setting aside 245 acres for schools, parks and other public uses, and an effort to preserve the desert arroyos and washes.

"We need to protect the neighbors and the environment," Ross said. "I'll be relying a lot on the neighbors."

But in general, Ross said he will start by focusing on learning all he can about the city government, and has no immediate plans to push for any changes.

Ross has been meeting with city officials since June 22 while working for Keleeco Electric, a company run by his wife.

"I've been meeting with department heads. There's an awful lot of information to absorb," Ross said. "My day starts at 5 a.m."

Ross said he has no plans to introduce any ordinances or resolutions, and there are no zoning decisions he will try to overturn after he's sworn in Wednesday.

And he said he has been flooded with calls from constituents since the election. Ross said he's getting ready to respond to them after he formally takes office.

Ross joins a council that has been unanimous in its decisions on most subjects. However, Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian has been on the losing end of many of the other votes.

Tarkanian said she's looking forward to working with Ross. She supported him during the election. When voters asked for her opinion, Tarkanian said she told them, "Steve Ross feels the way I do."

"I've been the 1 on the 6-1 end a lot," Tarkanian said referring to council votes. "I think Steve Ross has a much stronger feeling for neighborhood integrity. I think it might be a 5-2, maybe a 4-3 who knows."

Other fellow city leaders also spoke well of Ross.

"He has good intentions," Councilman Larry Brown said, adding that it is important for Ross to follow through with his commitment to work with the residents.

"He should pay careful attention to the business of his ward," Mayor Oscar Goodman said. "I look forward to working with him."

Dave Damore, a UNLV political scientist, said Ross must "show that he can work with the other council members" or risk becoming irrelevant.