Vermillion’s replacement takes seat on Henderson City Council

Steve Marcus

Henderson City Councilman John Marz takes the oath of office during an official swearing-in ceremony at Henderson City Hall Tuesday, February 7, 2012. Marz replaces Kathleen Vermillion who resigned from the Henderson City Council.

By Aida Ahmed

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 | 6:52 p.m.

City Councilman John Marz Sworn-in

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The Henderson City Council swore in newly appointed Ward 3 Councilman John Marz at a special meeting Tuesday night.

Marz, a planning commissioner, was appointed Jan. 24 from a field of 11 candidates to fill the council seat vacated earlier this year by Kathleen Vermillion.

“This is quite an honor,” said Marz. “I’ve been a resident of Ward 3 for over 26 years. I am proud to be appointed to represent this ward.”

He will be paid an annual salary of $44,288.

Marz, who currently owns a marketing and business consulting firm and previously worked as an executive with the Mandalay Bay Group, said he hoped to bring his business experience to the council.

With foreclosures and devastated homes at the top of his list of issues to address, Marz said he also was eager to work on the $1.5 billion Union Village health care development planned for Ward 3 near U.S. 95 and Galleria Drive. He assured the council he would take on the post only until next year’s general election and would not run for another term.

Sources say Vermillion, who had held the seat since 2009, attempted to commit suicide last week with what appears to be an overdose of pills.

Vermillion resigned from the council in early January, stating she wanted to spend more time with her family and at Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, a nonprofit organization she founded. But after being accused of financial improprieties at the charity and filing a lawsuit against former boyfriend and Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak alleging defamation and invasion of privacy, the nonprofit’s board members let her go.

The Sun also learned last week the FBI was investigating allegations that Vermillion may have used her elected office to solicit donations for her charity.

The council voted to appoint Vermillion’s replacement, rather than schedule a special election, which would have cost $248,000.