Henderson councilwoman will not seek a fourth term

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006 | 7:39 a.m.

While candidates in several cities are gearing up for re-election in 2007, Henderson Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers said Monday she will not seek a fourth term.

The 38-year-old Cyphers said she has not ruled out seeking another office, but she intends to focus on her family and career for now.

Cyphers, who recently obtained a real estate license and has her own political consultant business, served as campaign manager for Diana Hampton, who was elected in June as the city's first female Municipal Court judge.

"I have my family and we have plans, and there are so many more things in life I want to accomplish," Cyphers said.

Cyphers was elected in June 1995 and re-elected in 1998 and 2003. She has served as chairwoman of the Southern Nevada Water Authority Board.

Cyphers' husband, Mike, serves as Henderson's emergency management coordinator.

Cyphers said she will back Henderson Planning Commissioner Gerri Schroeder for her seat.

Cyphers reported taking no contributions and spending $18,157 in 2005, according to campaign reports filed with the city. She has $20,897 left in her campaign treasury, money that she intends to donate to other campaigns and charities.

Two other Henderson council members up for re-election in 2007, Steven Kirk and Andy Hafen, also reported receiving no contributions during 2005 -- but widely different expense totals for last year.

While Hafen spent only $2,135, mostly on charitable donations, Kirk reported spending $62,732, including about $30,000 on promotional materials and a $10,000 donation to Mayor Jim Gibson for his re-election campaign. Kirk also paid his daughter, Jennifer Kirk, $4,500 for campaign work.

In his filing, Gibson reported transferring $400,000 in his mayoral campaign fund to his Nevada gubernatorial bid. Gibson also reported nearly $18,000 in other expenditures and a balance of $27,117 in his mayoral fund.

In North Las Vegas, council members William Robinson and Shari Buck raised more than $50,000 each in 2005, according to their campaign finance reports.

Buck raised $50,007 and spent $11,927, the report said. Robinson raised $52,500 and spent $13,558.

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