Endorsements for county races

Monday, Oct. 20, 2014 | 2:01 a.m.

Larry Burns for sheriff

In the race for Clark County sheriff, the public would be well served whether retired Metro Police Capt. Larry Burns or Assistant Sheriff Joe Lombardo wins. They both bring significant qualities and experiences to the race, but, in our view, one candidate stands out.

There is more than meets the eye in the sheriff’s race, which has focused on running one of the nation’s largest police forces. The county not only needs a good police commander but also a top-notch leader for the community.

That’s not to criticize retiring Sheriff Doug Gillespie, who has done a fine job under difficult circumstances during the past eight years. Gillespie managed the department through tough economic times that cut resources and the total number of officers.

But as the economy continues to improve, the next sheriff will take the reins of a department facing a larger problem than money: There is a growing distrust between the police and the public.

In the not too distant past, people taught children to run to a police officer at any sign of trouble, but that’s not necessarily the case today. Too many people have too little faith in the police because of incidents of officer misconduct throughout the country. And given the increased violence against officers, police have good reason to hesitate in their interactions with people.

Clark County now needs a sheriff who can find ways to smooth over these tensions and restore trust between police and the public.

Although Lombardo would be a good sheriff, Burns would be better. Lombardo is seen as a policy wonk; Burns has made a name for himself as a commander in the community.

As the captain of Metro’s Bolden Area Command, in the heart of Las Vegas, Burns had reached out to people and built relationships. In tough situations, he found ways to involve the public, fight crime and keep the community safe.

Burns is a tested, experienced police commander and proven community leader. That’s the type of sheriff Southern Nevada needs. The Sun endorses Larry Burns.

County commission

Three incumbent Clark County commissioners are on the ballot, and they should be re-elected. All three know the issues and their districts well. And all have earned another term.

District E has been incredibly well served by Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, who is tireless and passionate in her work for her constituents. She also is a fearless advocate for what she sees as right. The Sun endorses Chris Giunchigliani.

Susan Brager has an extensive background in the community and has brought her knowledge to help lead the county through difficult times. She is the clear pick in District F. The Sun endorses Susan Brager.

Mary Beth Scow has shown the same level of concern and diligence on the county commission as she did on the Clark County School Board. She remains the best choice for voters in District G. The Sun endorses Mary Beth Scow.

Clark County offices

Steve Wolfson is running for election to a full term as district attorney. Wolfson, who was a Las Vegas city councilman, was appointed to the position after the incumbent, David Roger, retired.

Wolfson has worked hard in his time in office. Most notably, Wolfson has been diligent in his efforts to create a way to handle officer-involved shootings. Working with Sheriff Doug Gillespie and Metro, Wolfson has found ways to use the district attorney’s office to review shootings and provide the public information about them.

He has also provided a steady hand at the district attorney’s office, and he has earned the voters’ trust. He is clearly the best candidate in the race and deserves a full term. The Sun endorses Steve Wolfson.

Clark County has a stable of experienced, professional officials in other elected offices, including Treasurer Laura Fitzpatrick and Assessor Michele Shafe. They should be returned to office along with Recorder Debbie Conway and Public Administrator John Cahill. The Sun endorses Laura Fitzpatrick, Michele Shafe, Debbie Conway and John Cahill.

Lynn Goya, who is running for county clerk, brings great energy and leadership skills and is the best candidate in the race. The Sun endorses Lynn Goya.

For constable in Henderson, Earl Mitchell, a retired police officer and longtime officeholder, is running for re-election. There’s no reason not to return him to office. The Sun endorses Earl Mitchell.

For constable of North Las Vegas, the race to replace the retiring Herb Brown pits Robert L. Eliason, a former city councilman, against Jon Martin, a retired police officer. Both bring admirable skills. The Sun endorses Robert Eliason and Jon Martin.

• • •

COUNTY COMMISSION

4-year term

DISTRICT E: Chris Giunchigliani (Democrat)

DISTRICT F: Susan Brager (Democrat)

DISTRICT G: Mary Beth Scow (Democrat)

• • •

COUNTY OFFICES

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Steve Wolfson (Democrat)

COUNTY ASSESSOR

Michele Shafe (Democrat)

COUNTY CLERK

Lynn Goya (Democrat)

COUNTY RECORDER

Debbie Conway (Democrat)

COUNTY TREASURER

Laura Fitzpatrick (Democrat)

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

John Cahill (Democrat)

CONSTABLE, HENDERSON TOWNSHIP

Earl Mitchell (Republican)

CONSTABLE, NORTH LAS VEGAS TOWNSHIP

Robert L. Eliason (Democrat) or Jon Martin (Republican)