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CELEBRITY RESIDENT Readers' Pick: ANDRE AGASSI The hits just keep on coming for the Las Vegas-born tennis legend, who's the Review-Journal reader choice as favorite famous neighbor for the sixth straight year. Considering his fame, Andre Agassi's low-key attitude -- or should we say nonattitude? -- seems downright refreshing, as is his continuing interest in, and dedication to, his fellow Las Vegans. A more traditional Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton, finishes second yet again. Our Pick: TONY CURTIS Most people probably still think of Tony Curtis as a Hollywood legend. But he has been a Southern Nevadan since 2000, and now that we've gotten to know him -- and we like to think we know him pretty well -- we're proud to claim him as one of our own. Sure, he boasts enough movie-star wattage to power the Strip's neon marquees all by himself, but he's more interested in shining the spotlight on the many worthy causes he supports. Actor, artist, writer, philanthropist -- after a lifetime of playing heroes, it's comforting to know that Curtis not only plays one, he is one. CELEBRITY TOURIST Readers' Pick: BEN AFFLECK Absence makes the heart grow fonder, which has to explain actor Ben Affleck's sixth victory in this category. After all, we haven't seen much of Affleck -- or his Hard Rock-in' ways -- since he and Jennifer Garner became the proud parents of baby Violet. Then again, Affleck set a standard that's tough to top -- always gracious, always generous -- in an era of crass, crisis-prone celebrities. And speaking of crass, crisis-prone celebrities, Britney Spears finishes just one vote behind Affleck -- so Ben, watch your back. (Britney might be behind you -- armed with hair clippers.) Our Pick: KEVIN FEDERLINE In the interest of full disclosure, we made this choice before the ex-Mrs. Federline went on her head-shaving, rehab-flouting walk on the wacko side. But, her former spouse, Kevin Federline, just can't resist the lure of Neon Nirvana either. Whether he's hanging out at The Venetian's Tao trying to light a fire under his nonstarter rap album "Playing With Fire" -- or serving as the punch line of innumerable late-night TV jokes -- the infamous Fed-Ex is our kind of Vegas guy: desperate for the spotlight and all too aware that his days there are numbered. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION Readers' Pick: OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE It's a perfect "10" for this Las Vegas institution -- 10 wins in a row for the folks who've spent decades helping those with mental retardation and other disabilities receive counseling, training and work. Beyond that worthy goal, Opportunity Village's hands-on, hearts-open outlook permeates the two community celebrations it sponsors: the yuletide fun of the Magical Forest and Halloween's suitably spooky Haunted Forest. It all adds up to good cheer, throughout the year. Once again, The Salvation Army marches into the runner-up spot. Our Pick: SHADE TREE SHELTER If you've been living under a rock lately, consider yourself lucky to have a home -- and remind yourself of Las Vegas' sadly expanding homeless problem. Next, offer thanks for the good folks behind the Shade Tree Shelter for homeless and abused women and children, which began as refuge for single women and mothers with children, but has expanded to serve teen boys and even pets. During the most recent fiscal year, Shade Tree sheltered 3,903 women and children for a total of 66,273 nights of safety and care. All of which adds up to one priceless service. BEST-DRESSED LAS VEGAN Readers' Pick: STEVE WYNN It's a lucky seven wins in a row for the casino developer who has everything, including his name atop his very own megaresort -- and a seemingly unbreakable lock on this category. Whether he's decked out in the nattiest of business suits or posing for a photo op in a spotless janitorial uniform, Steve Wynn wears whatever he wears with the sort of flair that transforms his attire into a statement of impeccable, individual style. And once again in this stylin' showdown, Mayor Oscar Goodman must settle for second place. Our Pick: PARVIN MODABER JACOBS It's not enough that she's a successful doctor, married to a successful doctor, whose two children also became doctors. Parvin Modaber Jacobs also designs her own distinctive clothes -- and has a personal seamstress to transform her ideas into fashion reality. (She used to make her outfits herself, too, but impersonating Wonder Woman can be so tedious.) Whether she's cheering the Rebel basketball team at the Thomas & Mack Center or dazzling fellow socialites on the charity circuit in a stunning ball gown, she radiates a style that's all her own. ELVIS IMPERSONATOR Readers' Pick: TRENT CARLINI This veteran performer bills himself as "The Dream King," and according to Review-Journal readers, Trent Carlini is a dream come true. Somehow, audiences can't help falling in love with Carlini's reverent approach to Presley's career -- or his ability to conjure not only the sights but the sounds of the legend from the Sahara stage. (Maybe Elvis' ghost is providing backup; lest we forget, the Sahara parking lot served as a "Viva Las Vegas" location way back when.) Steve Connolly rocks into second place. Our Pick: STEVE CONNOLLY Sorry, readers, but when we're in a "Viva Las Vegas" mood Steve Connolly's "Spirit of the King" at Fitzgeralds is the show that gets us there. It's a spirited salute with a less reverent, more rockin' attitude -- and Connolly pumps out a rootsy, authentic sound that proves he's his own cool cat, even when he's channeling the King of Rock 'n' Roll. In our book, that adds up to the best of both worlds and makes him worthy of this crown -- and the blue suede shoes that go along with it. LOCAL POLITICAN Readers' Pick: OSCAR GOODMAN It's time for another mayoral election -- and if this straw poll is any indication, Oscar Goodman has nothing to worry about when it comes to the official contest. Just ask the voters of Las Vegas, who keep electing him mayor -- or, more to the point, the voters in our poll, who keep electing him for this award. Oscar doesn't even have to campaign for this particular honor; no yard signs required. It's as easy as valet parking; we print a Best of Las Vegas ballot and you readers respond with a landslide victory. It's Oscar's lucky seventh win in this category -- and, once again, he trounces his closest rival, that obscure Senate majority leader, Sen. Harry Reid. Our Pick: RORY REID Sure, Oscar's a star in the spotlight. When it comes to slogging through the trenches, however, we'll take County Commission Chairman Rory Reid. It's tough to argue with somebody who campaigns with a goal of restoring people's faith in government. Reid certainly has helped to restore ours -- and we're quite a cynical bunch -- with his low-key but pivotal leadership in such crises as last December's labor standoff between nurses and the Valley Health System. Like his father, Harry -- a fairly successful politician in his own right -- son Rory Reid isn't particularly flashy or telegenic. But he gets the job done -- and that's enough to earn our vote. LOCAL PRINT JOURNALIST Readers' Pick: JOHN L. SMITH Our very own Bard of the Boulevard has owned this category for the past decade -- and rolls an 11 this year for his 11th consecutive win. The secret of his continuing success is hardly a mystery. Whether he's writing about a previously obscure but colorful corner of Las Vegas' past, a current controversy or, most memorably, his own personal perspectives, John L. Smith's endless knowledge of Las Vegas lore, his wry, witty writing style and his big heart all combine to give Review-Journal readers the best. Another Review-Journal favorite, man-about-town celebrity columnist Norm Clarke, once again holds down second place on the red carpet. Our Pick: ROD SMITH John L. Smith would probably be the first to applaud another Smith on the Review-Journal staff: the late Rod Smith. The Review-Journal's Gaming Wire editor died in mid-December, but not before making his mark with award-winning articles that reflected the depth and insights of a career that spanned economics and politics as well as journalism. That range of experience -- along with his curiosity, persistence and sense of humor -- gave the Review-Journal and its readers a special perspective on the town's lifeblood industry. And, during the past two years, he managed to do all that while fighting a losing battle with the cancer that took his life. He was an inspiration and a friend. We miss him -- and, readers, whether you realize it or not, so do you. LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY Readers' Pick: MARK & MERCEDES Everybody loves M&Ms. And, in the morning, readers love M&M. The dawn patrol of MIX 94.1 -- better known to the FCC as KMXB-FM 94.1 -- celebrates eight consecutive years as your favorite radio accompaniment to waking up, falling out of bed and slogging through the get-to-work commute. All of this is made more endurable by Mark & Mercedes' winning morning mix of celebrities (Randy Jackson! Carlos Mencia! James Denton!) plugging their latest projects, hot topics (That Song Ruined My Name! Men Say Brunettes Are Better Than Blondes!) and chatty, quick-on-the-uptake repartee. They're certainly in tune with readers. Dialing in on the runner-up spot: KYCE-FM 104.3 hall-of-fame DJ Country Chuck. Our Pick: DENNIS MITCHELL Remember when people used to listen to the radio to hear music? We do -- and so does Dennis Mitchell, the resident "Rocklopediamusicologist " of KKLZ-FM 96.3. Part of the classic rock station's morning melee, Mitchell contributes daily doses of rock history to go along with the head-banging tunes that get our motors running. His quick, understated wit also helps to activate our brain cells. (Or what's left of them, after surviving publication of another Best of Las Vegas.) But that's only part of Mitchell's appeal. On Sunday mornings, we put Mitchell's "Breakfast With the Beatles" -- syndicated to 32 stations across the United States -- on our radio menu and spend an hour reliving those thrilling days of yesteryear, when the Fab Four ruled the airwaves. We believe in yesterday -- and Mitchell helps us to remember. LOCAL SPORTSCASTER Readers' Pick: RICK STRASSER After tying for this title last year, Rick Strasser of KVBC-TV, Channel 3 finally has the thrill of victory all to himself. Unlike some local sportscasters who think rooting for the home team is part of their job description, Strasser rejects the easy impulse to be a "homer" and acknowledges the existence of sports beyond the usual holy trinity of football, basketball and NASCAR. But Strasser shouldn't rest on his laurels; he captured this title from KTNV-TV, Channel 13 morning guy Ron Futrell by only one vote -- and Futrell doesn't even cover sports full time anymore. Our Pick: MICHAEL BERK Much as we like Rick Strasser -- and we do; he was our pick last year -- we decided to share the wealth and honor another good sport: Michael Berk, backup anchor at KLAS-TV, Channel 8. A Las Vegas newcomer -- he arrived in September from Eugene, Ore. -- Berk has quickly established himself as a go-to guy for a strong, no-nonsense wrap-up of the day's sports. He also has a solid sense of what's worth covering and what's not so hot, which may be even more important, considering the limited airtime available on any given sportscast. It all adds up to one thing, in our (sports) book: a winner, one we hope to watch for years to come. LOCAL TV ANCHOR Readers' Pick: PAULA FRANCIS Paula Francis, we know news is your game, but maybe you should check out baseball instead. With the kind of batting average you have in this category -- five-for-seven on this current winning streak -- you'd be a star on anybody's team. But maybe that's why readers root, root, root for Francis year after year. As a mainstay of the Eyewitness News team on KLAS-TV, Channel 8, Francis brings steady authority to every newscast (and she anchors quite a few). And while familiarity can sometimes breed contempt, in her case it has brought anything but, thanks to her innate warmth and personable demeanor. Another Channel 8 favorite, Gary Waddell, winds up in second place for the third consecutive year. Our Pick: GARY WADDELL Las Vegas changes so much -- and so quickly -- that we treasure those people who have stood the test of time. For us, that includes veteran anchor Gary Waddell, who has been telling Las Vegans the news for more than two decades. Regardless of what's new, Waddell gives every story the same solid, professional perspective -- he's been here, he's seen it all and he's reported on enough of it to know that this too shall pass. These days, that's downright reassuring. Of course, it helps that he's really as nice as he seems. (Just ask Paula Francis; after all, she spends every New Year's Eve with him.) LOCAL WEATHERCASTER Readers' Pick: JOHN FREDERICKS Just the Fredericks' Facts, ma'am (and sir): After three years of trading razor-thin wins, KVBC-TV, Channel 3's morning weather guy finally scores a decisive victory over longtime Best of Las Vegas favorite (and this year's runner-up), Nathan Tannenbaum. Sure, Nate has his bow ties, but John Fredericks has an even more adorable accessory: his faithful canine companion Jordan. Not to mention (but we will) his prize giveaways, his quick way with a quip (at an hour when we barely can manage consciousness) and -- oh yeah -- his way of making the weather worth watching, whether or not it's worth paying attention to once we get outside. Our Pick: KEVIN JANISON We were Kevin Janison fans even before the National Weather Association chose him as its 2006 Broadcaster of the Year for building KLAS-TV, Channel 8's Neighborhood Weather Network of more than 100 stations, leading community charitable events and sharing his weather expertise with children at local schools. Janison may be a winner in the National Weather Association's (and our) eyes, but -- alas -- not in the eyes of the folks who run KLAS-TV, Channel 8's Eyewitness News, who gave Janison his walking papers last year after 12 years as chief meteorologist. So this is our final chance to salute you, Kevin -- at least until some local station wises up and puts you back on the air where you belong. LOCAL COACH Readers' Pick: LON KRUGER It's easy to court Review-Journal readers when you're the coach of the town's marquee team, the UNLV Rebels basketball squad. Just keep winning and everything will be fine. And that's exactly what Lon Kruger has done. (The team's regular season record of 25 wins and six losses is the best since the glory days of Jerry Tarkanian.) In the process, Kruger has demonstrated a keep-your-eye-on-the-ball approach to the game -- and a knack for unifying the Rebel Nation, on and off the court. And Tark? Years after his University of Nevada, Las Vegas tenure ended, he's still drawing enough votes to finish in the runner-up spot. Our Pick: GLEN GULUTZAN Hockey in the desert may sound like an oxymoron, but there's nothing moronic about the Las Vegas Wranglers -- or their coach, Glen Gulutzan. In the team's third season, he led the Wranglers to a record of 53-13-6, good for 112 points (second-best in their league's West Division). Although the Wranglers lost the 2006 division finals to the only team in the league with a better overall record, the Alaska Aces -- and what is an Alaska team doing with a name that's perfect for poker-capital Las Vegas, anyway -- Gulutzan's leadership kept the team in the hunt, demonstrating plucky puckmanship indeed. The team continues to strive for greatness this season as well. LOCAL FEMALE COLLEGE ATHLETE Readers' Pick: SEQUOIA HOLMES, DOMINIQUE HARRIS There's no such thing as a tie in basketball; games go into overtime to determine a winner. But there's no such thing as overtime on the Best of Las Vegas court, so we'll have to anoint Lady Rebels teammates -- and fellow juniors -- Sequoia Holmes and Dominique Harris co-champions. But here's where things get really strange, in a way that only happens in the completely unscientific Best of Las Vegas readers' poll. We can understand Holmes' selection. The basketball standout from Mojave High School not only leads the team in scoring but provides on-the-court leadership. But Harris, a transfer from Washington's Gonzaga University, had to sit out the season because of NCAA eligibility transfer rules. Imagine how well she will do in this category when she actually starts playing! Our Pick: DA SOL CHUNG Young competitors like Da Sol Chung are supposed to gain experience and wait for bigger and better things. So the UNLV golfer -- a sophomore from Seoul, South Korea -- should have a lot to learn. If that's true, she's on the fast track to success, having finished third individually at last season's NCAA Championships and earning All-American honors -- as a freshman. We expect this Best of Las Vegas title is the first of many wins. LOCAL MALE COLLEGE ATHLETE Readers' Pick: KEVIN KRUGER Like father, like son. Or should that be like the father, like the son? Thanks to a loophole in NCAA transfer rules regarding athletes with a fifth year of eligibility, Kevin Kruger's able to play for his dad, UNLV coach Lon Kruger -- and it's a good thing, too. Thanks in part to his steady play at point guard, the Rebels have had their best season since Tark the Shark had them in the NCAA tournament swim years ago. (Compare the Rebels' record this year and last and you'll know what a difference he has made.) Kruger's teammate, sophomore guard Wink Adams, bounces into second. Our Pick: LOUIS AMUNDSON Hard-working Louis Amundson averaged a team-best 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds for the 2005-06 Rebels -- and has continued his strong work ethic since graduation in an effort to make the NBA. He briefly jumped from the Colorado 14ers of the NBA's Development League to the Utah Jazz, back to Colorado, and at last word was picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers on a short contract. With his determination, we expect to see him find his place in the NBA. LOCAL PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE Readers' Pick: ANDRE AGASSI Andre Agassi's sport is tennis, not surfing, but this is a wipeout nonetheless -- for all-star pitcher Greg Maddux, who finishes a distant second to the nine-time champ. Yet Andre's winning streak may end here (in this category, anyway), because he bid a tearful farewell to professional tennis following last year's third-round U.S. Open loss. But what a career: One of only five men to capture a career Grand Slam, Agassi also won 60 singles titles, eight in Grand Slam events. Beyond the statistics, however, he has matured from teen rebel to elder statesman, developing the heart of a champion in the process. Our Pick: FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. The undefeated, undisputed welterweight champion of the world -- rated by The Ring magazine as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world since July 2005 -- gets our vote. (Not that this means anything to a guy who has won world championships in four different weight classes.) In the ring, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a champ. Outside the ring, he's a star in his own private soap opera, as witness his recent reconciliation with his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., following a bitter public feud. But with a move up in weight to challenge Oscar De La Hoya (his father's former trainee) for the super welterweight title fight May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden, Junior may need all the help he can get. FAVORITE DEAD LAS VEGAN Readers' Pick: LIBERACE Quick! Light the candelabra, tune the piano -- take yOur Pick: Do you prefer the rhinestone-encrusted concert grand or the one covered in sparkling mirrored squares? -- break out the feathered cape and rev up the red, white and blue Rolls-Royce! It's time to celebrate the legendary Walter Valentino Liberace -- Lee to his friends, Mr. Showmanship to his fans and a symbol of over-the-top entertainment who, two decades after his death, still fills the role of Strip headliner extraordinaire better than anyone, according to Review-Journal readers. But last year's winner, Elvis Presley, hasn't left the building; he has just swiveled into second place. Our Pick: RUTH BROWN We've been singing the blues since "Miss Rhythm" left the stage last November. Truth is, we didn't think she'd go -- she'd overcome so much, from colon cancer to a stroke, an automobile accident that crushed her legs and the 1994 Southern California earthquake that prompted her move to Henderson. Whatever the trial, she overcame it -- and used it in her music. Tony-winner, Grammy-winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, "Hairspray's" original Motormouth Maybelle, Brown's greatest role was the one she was born to play: herself. As she told an audience one night: "Sometimes you look around and think all hope is gone, and the next day something wonderful happens. If you know someone like that, tell 'em about me -- and that I send love." Through her music, she's still sending love. And so are we. FAVORITE FEMALE LAS VEGAN Readers' Pick: RITA RUDNER Lovely Rita's hardly a meter maid, having retained the affections of Review-Journal readers despite a move up the Strip from New York-New York to Harrah's Las Vegas. The showroom may have changed, but Rudner's appeal remains the same. Onstage, she blends sass and class with a droll, understated style that's a welcome contrast to more in-your-face comics; offstage, she's a charity-circuit fixture, putting her punch lines to good use. Warbling into second place: another Strip headliner with heart, Celine Dion. Our Pick: THE MOST REV. KATHARINE JEFFERTS SCHORI She's an oceanographer. She's a licensed pilot. She's also the first woman to serve as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States (and the world, for that matter). Former Nevada Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori may wear the garb of a lofty office -- "The Daily Show" even dissed her rainbow vestments -- but not the pretensions that can come with it, demonstrating a refreshingly direct approach to leadership and a "progressive" attitude she defines as a "willingness to use all of one's faculties to examine the faith rigorously and to advocate justice for everyone." To which we can only add a fervent "Amen." FAVORITE MALE LAS VEGAN Readers' Pick: ANDRE AGASSI The score's love-love as far as Review-Journal readers are concerned, with Andre Agassi regaining the title he lost last year to this year's runner-up, Oscar Goodman. And what's not to love about Andre? Sure, he's rich and famous -- always a plus here in Glitter City -- but he uses his riches and fame for something other than his own personal pleasure. (Other people, for starters, but we'll get to that in a future category.) And for all his international fame, Andre remains a down-home, hometown guy who seems much less impressed with himself than we are with him. Our Pick: LARRY RUVO Some folks cope with personal tragedy by transforming the lives of others. Exhibit A: Philanthropist Larry Ruvo, who reacted to his father's death from Alzheimer's disease by starting the Keep Memory Alive Foundation, which has raised more than $50 million for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute. In addition to bringing a structure by renowned architect Frank Gehry to the downtown skyline, the institute will bring leading medical specialists here -- leading, we hope, to new treatments for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and Lou Gehrig's diseases. No wonder Rep. Jon Porter lauded Ruvo from the floor of the House of Representatives last month by noting his "number of endeavors" that have "greatly enriched the Las Vegas community." This may be a less lofty tribute -- when it comes to hallowed halls, the Review-Journal newsroom doesn't quite compare with the U.S. Capitol -- but it's equally sincere. LAS VEGAN YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT Readers' Pick: STEVE WYNN Another Wynn -- make that win -- for the casino owner Review-Journal readers love to read about more than any other. It's Steve Wynn's six consecutive title, and Wynn shows no signs of ceding the honor to Hizzoner himself, Oscar Goodman, who once again finishes second. Whether Wynn's poking an elbow through a priceless Picasso painting (hey, it's not quite as priceless anymore) or bringing Broadway to the Strip with yet another Tony-winning import (OK, so "Avenue Q" didn't work out; maybe "Spamalot" will cram a lot of money into his box-office coffers) at his eponymous megaresort, Wynn has the kind of star quality Las Vegans just can't get enough of -- or learn enough about. Our Pick: STEFFI GRAF Andre, Andre, Andre ... If it's the Best of Las Vegas, it's an Andre Agassi lovefest. But what about the lovefest at the Agassi home? After all, Mrs. Agassi, better known as Steffi Graf, is at least as legendary a tennis champion as her husband, having won 22 Grand Slams and maintained the No. 1 ranking for a record 377 weeks during her 17-year career. Off the court, the mother of Jaden Gil and Jaz Elle seems low-key and unassuming, even when taking the kiddies to Chuck E. Cheese. That is, when she's not seeing to such business interests as her German management company or her nonprofit foundation, Children for Tomorrow, which assists victims of war, persecution and violence. Clearly, Mr. and Mrs. Agassi are a love match -- but, being nosy types, we want more details. MOST COLORFUL CHARACTER Readers' Pick: OSCAR GOODMAN From his true-blue campaign signs to the sapphire of the gin he endorses, Mayor Oscar Goodman always has had colorful connections. Somehow, though, we doubt these are the connections that prompted Review-Journal readers to score a landslide victory in this category for the seventh consecutive year. Whether he's hanging out with spangled showgirls and basketball honchos during NBA All-Star Weekend or looking for ways to crack down on the homeless (they probably wouldn't vote for him anyway), the self-proclaimed "World's Happiest Mayor" is as bouncy as the bobble-head dolls that feature his grinning visage. And how many mayors can boast of a bobble-head doll featuring them dressed as Elvis? Viva Las Vegas, baby! Literal-minded readers make flame-tressed Carrot Top a distant runner-up. Our Pick: JAMES "BUCKY" BUCHANAN Sure, Oscar Goodman has bobble-head dolls in his image. So far, however, he hasn't had his own reality TV show -- unlike defense attorney James "Bucky" Buchanan, whose courthouse swagger and flair for one-liners played to a Court TV audience on the series "Las Vegas Law." Following Buchanan and his wife, Gianna (a former ballerina turned deputy state attorney general), from the courthouse to the clubhouse, "Las Vegas Law" clued in viewers to something we've always known: Bucky (complete with Bentley, boats and bling) has been ready for his close-up for quite some time. In a town full of vivid characters, he's a walking, talking embodiment of "living color." MOST GENEROUS LAS VEGAN Readers' Pick: ANDRE AGASSI Andre Agassi may be a retired tennis player, but he's winning titles -- including this Best of Las Vegas championship he once again claims as his own. Now in its 13th year, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation has raised more than $60 million -- and supported more than 20 organizations -- through such events as the annual Grand Slam for Children. (Carlos Santana and Jerry Seinfeld lead this year's all-star lineup.) And the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, which opened in 2001, is training young winners. Agassi, who joined the pro tennis ranks at 16, never attended college; thanks to him, however, that dream will come true for many others. Steve Wynn finishes a distant second. Our Pick: LANCE BURTON No matter how masterful a magician Lance Burton is, he can't expand time. So the time and talent he contributes may be even more valuable than the financial support he lends to organizations from the Animal Foundation to the Shriner's Zelzah Temple Transportation Fund, which buys vans equipped with wheelchair lifts to bring disabled children to the Shriner's Hospital in Los Angeles. (Burton's a regular at their annual Christmas parties.) Here at home, Lance supports the Variety Club of Southern Nevada, headlining fundraisers, donating vans and visiting physically and mentally handicapped kids. (No wonder he received a top award from the group last year.) From an Opportunity Village poker tournament to the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Burton is there, bringing a magic touch to worthy causes. And that's no act. MOST POWERFUL LAS VEGAN Readers' Pick: STEVE WYNN Never underestimate the power of a tower -- or having your surname atop it. That may help to explain how, and why, Steve Wynn repeats as this category's one and only winner. (We've had the category six years; Wynn's won every time.) The man who launched Las Vegas' megaresort era doesn't quite have the clout he used to now that Bellagio, Treasure Island and The Mirage no longer are under his sway. And Wynn Las Vegas hasn't exactly duplicated their dominance. Still, when it comes to the guy who most personifies the 21st-century Las Vegas in all its what-happens-here-stays-here allure, Wynn is in -- by a landslide over the mere mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman. Our Pick: HARRY REID Last year when we chose Harry Reid for this office -- oops, honor -- we never imagined he possibly could improve on his prominence as minority leader of the U.S. Senate, which made him the most powerful Nevada politician ever. Then came November 2006 -- and, suddenly, the miner's son from Searchlight was no longer leading the loyal opposition but instead calling the shots for the Senate majority and challenging the Bush administration on matters foreign and domestic. For Reid, it's the culmination of a 40-year political career that began in 1964 when, fresh from law school, he was appointed Henderson's city attorney. For us, it's watching history as it happens -- and a no-brainer vote if ever there was one. |
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