Editorial: Mack is Mack to the end

Friday, May 27, 2005 | 8:58 a.m.

With a little more than two weeks to go as a Las Vegas councilman, Michael Mack is bringing forth one more miserable idea, to go along with all of his past miserable ideas and conflicts of interest. He wants to water down the city ordinance governing who can sell liquor within 400 feet of schools, churches, child-care businesses and city parks.

The ordinance now allows medium-sized businesses, those between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet, to apply for a permit to sell liquor within the 400-foot limit. Mack wants a change that would allow the city to grant waivers to businesses with just 12,000 square feet, which is about the size of a corner convenience store.

Mack said his proposal is at the behest of "business interests." As is typical of his murky style, Mack did not specify which businesses. In his private life, he works in consulting and public relations, but is mum about his clients. This proposal, if passed, may very well benefit some unnamed businesses. But it certainly would not benefit the public. Mack's proposal is scheduled for a vote on June 15, his last day in office. In our view, a resounding no vote by the other members of the council would be the type of send-off Mack deserves.

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