Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
Chris Giunchigliani and Carolyn Goodman shake hands while Katherine Duncan and Larry Brown leave the dais after a Las Vegas mayoral debate sponsored by various neighborhood associations Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 | 9:44 p.m.
Sun archives
- Carolyn Goodman leads by huge margin in first poll of race to succeed her husband (2-5-2011)
- Carolyn Goodman says she, not Oscar, would call shots if elected mayor (2-3-2011)
- Las Vegas mayoral race drawing a crowd (2-3-2011)
- Carolyn Goodman, wife of Oscar Goodman, enters Las Vegas mayor race (2-2-2011)
- Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani announces run for Las Vegas mayor (2-2-2011)
- Retired car salesman enters Las Vegas mayoral race (2-1-2011)
- Steve Ross, Larry Brown file in Las Vegas mayoral race (1-31-2011)
- Fifth candidate files in Las Vegas mayoral race (1-28-2011)
- Las Vegas mayoral race draws three candidates (1-25-2011)
A debate Tuesday night between five of the 18 candidates for Las Vegas mayor that was supposed to focus on neighborhood issues turned into a wide-ranging conversation about economic development, education and immigration.
The candidates who participated — Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown, retired school administrator Carolyn Goodman, Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, city Councilman Steve Ross and businesswoman Katie Duncan — seemed to agree on most of the major issues facing the city.
All said that job creation is a top priority, and all vowed to work with neighborhood groups and banks to try to help communities riddled by foreclosure.
The candidates agreed that schools need significant improvement, and all promised to improve services for seniors and veterans.
Still, each tried to distinguish himself or herself by focusing on specific platforms.
Brown promoted his experience in government. Ross trumpeted a friendly business environment. Giunchigliani emphasized neighborhood revitalization. Goodman focused on downtown development. And Duncan stressed environmentalism.
The debate was hosted by a group of neighborhood associations in the Rancho/Charleston area of the city. It was held at the Masonic Memorial Temple on West Mesquite Avenue.
The group took questions from association leaders, as well as members of the audience. About 75 people attended.
The candidates’ answers to the questions were largely predictable. They remained civil, even friendly, to one another and emphatically explained why they believe they are best suited for the job. Many responses began with the phrase, “I have to echo what the others said.”
Perhaps more surprising were the questions.
Host Dan Deegan of the Rancho Manor Neighborhood Association asked about immigration and whether the candidates would encourage a law like Arizona passed, under which police would inquire about a person’s citizenship.
None of the candidates said they would. Rather, they stressed that our nation is made up of immigrants, encouraged businesses and individuals to be responsible by hiring legal workers and encouraged the federal government to enforce laws already enacted.
Later, a man in the audience asked about Medicare. Giunchigliani suggested the man reach out to Rep. Shelley Berkley or Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, as Congress, not the City Council, sets health care policy.
The debate ended with an interesting exercise. Moderator Bret Birdsong asked the candidates to describe in one word what sets them apart from their opponents.
“Energy,” Giunchigliani said.
“Doer,” Goodman said.
“Work,” Ross said.
“Results,” Brown said.
“Prosperity,” Duncan said.
Several of the candidates will participate in another debate Wednesday evening at the El Cortez, but it is closed to the public and media.
The downtown business groups hosting the forum said they chose to make it private because they do not endorse candidates.
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