North Las Vegas city attorney resigns, citing ‘political environment’

By Aida Ahmed

Thursday, July 7, 2011 | 5:49 p.m.

North Las Vegas Acting City Attorney Nicholas Vaskov resigned Thursday.

Vaskov joined the city in 2004 as a deputy city attorney and was named acting city attorney in 2009. In a letter to Mayor Shari Buck and City Council members, Vaskov cited the "current political environment" in the city.

"I can no longer effectively serve and defend the interests of the city and its citizens," he wrote. "Therefore, I hereby resign my employment and position as acting city attorney, effective immediately."

Vaskov supervised a staff of 19 and was managing five high-profile cases for the city.

Acting City Manager Maryann Ustick released a statement Thursday praising Vaskov's work.

"Nick Vaskov has done a good job of representing the city during these unprecedented times," she said. "He has been a valuable member of the team. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

The city is involved in multiple lawsuits and is facing large budget shortfalls.

Both the North Las Vegas Police Officers Association and Police Supervisors Association are suing the city over layoffs and contract negotiations. The city is also facing legal action involving the operation of a new $300 million wastewater treatment plant.

The City Council has not named a replacement for Vaskov.