Editorial: A champion of Las Vegas dies

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006 | 7:14 a.m.

Bill Briare, one of the most popular mayors in Las Vegas' history, died Friday of natural causes at age 76.

The Democrat first ran for mayor in 1971, losing to Oran Gragson, who won a fourth term. After defeating now U.S. Sen. Harry Reid in the 1975 mayoral race, Briare went on to nearly match Gragson's longevity in the office, serving three terms, from 1975 to 1987.

Before becoming mayor, Briare had served two years in the Assembly and eight years on the Clark County Commission.

As mayor, Briare took a page from Gov. Grant Sawyer, who served as Nevada's top executive from 1959 to 1966. As Sawyer had personally promoted the state around the world, Briare personally promoted Las Vegas. In fact, Briare's most lasting legacy is his tireless and gregarious promotion of Las Vegas. He is credited with giving the city a great boost in tourism and convention business.

In December 1993, after Briare had announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor, the late Mike O'Callaghan (and Nevada's governor for most of the 1970s) wrote in his Las Vegas Sun "Where I Stand" column: "With Briare entering the race, it's no longer a contest for the weak and untried who are running for personal reasons or personal publicity purposes. Briare has a long record of promoting tourism and economic development for this area and this is one of the assignments of the lieutenant governor."

Although Briare lost the race to Dr. Lonnie Hammargren, he received accolades for running a clean race that focused on the issues and was devoid of the mudslinging so characteristic of most political campaigns.

Briare was a dynamic businessman - insurance, investments, real estate and a partnership with his daughter in a business called the Cookie Chef - in addition to being a well-regarded public servant.

He will be remembered as a key figure in putting Las Vegas in position to achieve the prosperity it enjoys today.