Editorial: Competitive Henderson races

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | 7:12 a.m.

The Henderson City Council is guaranteed to have at least one new member after the April 3 primary. Three-term Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers decided not to run for reelection in Ward 1.

Competing for that seat are Gerri Schroder, a member of the Henderson Planning Commission and a member of the staff of Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Don Griffie, who retired as a captain in 2005 after 35 years with the Henderson Fire Department.

In Ward 2, Councilman Andy Hafen is seeking a fifth four-year term. His opponent is Detective Sgt. Tom Wagner, a Metro Police officer who supervises the missing persons detail.

Because each race attracted only two candidates, the election in Nevada's second-largest city will be decided in the primary.

A 17-year Henderson resident who has been a community volunteer in numerous capacities, Schroder began serving on the Planning Commission four years ago. We see that as a strong boost to her candidacy. Henderson is one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation and the experience gained by serving on the Planning Commission is important.

Schroder wants an inclusive city that is home to all types of housing, from apartments to affordable "starter" homes to ranch estates. She believes congestion in some areas can be alleviated with continued planning.

The Las Vegas Sun endorses Gerri Schroder, who would bring experience and commitment to the Henderson City Council.

In the Ward 2 race, Hafen has earned another term through his long record of proven public service. Term limits mean this would be his last term if he is reelected. His steady leadership and consistency in balancing the concerns of homeowners and the needs of developers over the past 20 years are major reasons that Henderson is often nationally cited as a city whose growth has been successful.

Among his priorities in his final term is seeing through to a successful completion of the 160-acre Heritage Park, which will include a senior center, soccer fields and a multigenerational facility.

The Sun endorses Andy Hafen.