Editorial: County Commission races

Friday, Oct. 27, 2006 | 7:38 a.m.

Democrat Susan Brager, a real estate agent running for the District F seat on the Clark County Commission, began serving volunteer roles with the Clark County School District in 1972, and she has been a School Board member since 1995. The Republican incumbent in this race, Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald, has lived in Las Vegas since 1991 and has previously served on the Las Vegas City Council.

On the issues facing the county, such as land-use planning and transportation, Boggs McDonald has been an involved commissioner. During her time in office, however, she has been wounded by questions about her ethics. While serving on the City Council, she accepted a paid position with Station Casinos, saddling her with a conflict of interest on the controversial issue of neighborhood casinos. As a county commissioner, she bought land in Arizona with no down payment, having accepted a $100,000 loan from the property's developer, whose local land deals are regulated by the County Commission. Additionally, she did not properly list this land deal on state disclosure forms. There is credible evidence that Boggs McDonald's primary residence is outside of District F. And she reimbursed her campaign account after accusations were leveled that she violated state law by using some of that money for personal use, specifically to pay her children's nanny.

In contrast, Brager's many years in public service have been served with distinction and integrity. She is well-informed on the issues and has many good ideas on land-use planning, traffic control, water conservation and affordable housing.

The Sun endorses Susan Brager.

In the District G race, Rory Reid is the clear choice. Two years into his first term, in January 2005, the Democrat was appointed chairman of the commission by his colleagues. In that capacity he has succeeded in forging a board that works well together on most issues. Reid has also been a leader in devising land-use policies that protect neighborhoods from runaway development.

The Sun endorses Rory Reid.

Chris Giunchigliani, a Las Vegas resident since 1978, a former special education teacher and a Democrat who served 16 years in the Nevada Assembly, would bring experience and insight to the District E seat. In the Assembly, she was a hard worker and a leader, and she would bring those qualities to the Clark County Commission. She favors appropriate funding for education and other government services, efficient long-range planning and stronger ethics regulations.

The Sun endorses Chris Giunchigliani.