McGowan returning to NLV post

Monday, Feb. 13, 2006 | 12:33 p.m.

Health is sometimes cited as the reason when someone steps down from a job.

For Sean McGowan, it's why he will be returning as North Las Vegas' city attorney.

Four months after resigning from his $154,595-a-year city post, McGowan will return at the same salary. The North Las Vegas City Council is scheduled to approve McGowan's rehiring Wednesday.

McGowan left the city in October to work for the Las Vegas law firm Beckley Singleton, but health problems that surfaced later prompted him to leave private practice.

"I look at the world a lot differently today than I did five or six months ago," said McGowan, who declined to disclose the illness for which he is undergoing treatment.

The city post, he added, "offers a better balance professionally and personally than the rigors of private practice."

"I went into private practice to make a lot more money, but that is not important to me anymore," he said.

McGowan, a 54-year-old father of two, said a less stressful job to will help him cope with his illness. Despite his health problems, he insists he's capable of handling the city job, even though he may have to take some occasional sick days - something more difficult to do in private practice.

"Notwithstanding my condition, I still think I am the best person for the job," McGowan said. "I am eager and excited to be back. I am returning to the challenges that I know."

City Manager Gregory Rose said the council evaluated other candidates but is happy to get back McGowan. The council members are aware of McGowan's health problems but that has not deterred them, Rose said.

Brian Wargo can be reached at 259-4011 or at wargo@lasvegassun.com.