Montandon beats Democrat challenger for third term

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 | 9:37 a.m.

North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon faced down a challenge from an opponent backed by the state Democratic Party and easily won a third term in Tuesday's general election.

Montandon, 41, captured 4,586 votes or 58.8 percent, defeating Andres Ramirez, 27, a Democratic activist and former aide to Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. Ramirez had 3,203 votes or 41.1 percent.

In the race for City Council, incumbent Stephanie Smith, 47, easily defeated Jean Withers, 64, a housewife and hostess for U.S. Homes. Smith had 5,725 votes, or 75.6 percent, to 1,844 votes, or 24.4 percent, for Withers.

Smith raised $184,000 for the race compared to $13,900 for Smith.

The city's turnout for the race was 14.3 percent of registered voters.

The race for mayor had been marked by the two candidates sniping with one another over missing signs, Internet domain names, ethics and Montandon's unwillingness to debate. Montandon also criticized Ramirez for turning the race into a partisan battle since Montandon is a Republican and Ramirez is a Democrat.

"It feels good," Montandon said of his victory. "I am grateful to the people who said they don't like negative campaigning. I think there will be less negative campaigning in the future. The results say that."

Including money from his previous campaign, Montandon raised more than $670,000 compared to $98,231 for Ramirez. The Democratic Party didn't disclose how much it spent for Ramirez.

Ramirez said he believes he did a remarkable job considering Montandon is a two-term incumbent and raised so much money for his campaign. He said the mayor is mistaken if his victory has sent a message, and he said Montandon is the one who ran a negative campaign against him.

"There was such a low turnout, and if he thinks this is what people in the city think, he needs to re-educate himself," Ramirez said. "He did not get a clear majority and clear mandate. The reality of local politics is how effective you are are getting your base vote out. He was able to do that."

Ramirez said the race would have been different if it were held in November during the presidential campaign when turnout is greater. He said he will remain active in politics but hasn't decided whether he will run again in four years.

During the campaign, Ramirez called Montandon a dictator of the council who tries to silence critics. He also blasted the mayor for not disclosing campaign contributions from developers before voting on zoning changes.

Montandon called Ramirez a politician searching for an office. He said Ramirez knew little about the workings of city government and the budget process, and he criticized him for not attending council meetings in the past.

Smith said she thinks Montandon's victory shows that voters believe he has done a good job. As for her strong showing, Smith said she's humbled.

"I feel honored that people are trusting me to work for four more years," Smith said.