Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

WARD 1: New allegation emerges

Wrestling promoter says councilwoman failed to list on forms the value of victory party

"Buffalo" Jim Barrier, an auto shop owner, says Las Vegas Councilwoman Janet Moncrief failed to list on her financial disclosure forms an election night party he donated to her campaign. Photo by Gary Thompson. Janet Moncrief The official denies the allegations by "Buffalo" Jim Barrier

Wrestling promoter and auto shop owner "Buffalo" Jim Barrier claims Las Vegas Councilwoman Janet Moncrief failed to list an election night victory party he donated to her campaign on financial disclosure forms filed Friday.

In an affidavit submitted to the secretary of state's office Monday, Barrier estimated the value of the June 3 party at Hurricane Harry's at $2,000.

During the days leading up to the general election, Barrier said, he arranged for the restaurant on West Sahara Avenue, a sponsor of his television wrestling program, to provide a room and food to the crowd of several hundred supporters that gathered to celebrate Moncrief's victory over incumbent Michael McDonald.

"It looked like she was going to win so I said, 'I'll throw her a victory party,' " Barrier said. "They (the restaurant) had their DJ set up. They made custom food. They had sandwiches. We had the whole bottom floor."

Moncrief, who faces a Nevada Division of Investigations investigation into allegations of under-reporting campaign donations and other election law violations, denied Monday that Barrier threw the four-hour affair.

Through a spokeswoman, Moncrief said she did not report the party as an in-kind donation on the forms because those in attendance did not receive anything beyond what is typically available at the restaurant's happy hour: a cash bar with free appetizers.

She said the restaurant made money off drinks being bought by partygoers.

The councilwoman reported on her latest campaign contributions form that she raised $89,315.

The report, covering May 23 to July 3, lists only one in-kind donation, $2,505 in fund-raising expenses contributed by Walters Group for a post-election fund-raiser hosted by golf course developer Bill Walters.

In-kind contributions reflect products and services donated to a candidate that he or she would otherwise have paid for.

Contributors making such donations must supply the candidate with a bill estimating the value of the contribution within 30 days, said Steve George, spokesman for the secretary of state's office.

If the candidate does not receive a bill, they are still to report what they think is the fair market value of the in-kind donation.

Barrier acknowledged he had not provided Moncrief with an estimate of the party's value and was unaware of the requirement.

David Satory, a marketing consultant to Hurricane Harry's, confirmed Barrier arranged for the gathering. Satory estimated about $500 in food and drink was donated on Barrier's behalf.

"He (Barrier) was a supporter of Janet Moncrief, and we're a supporter of 'Buffalo' Jim," Satory said.

Barrier said former Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Miller, a longtime friend, introduced him to Moncrief.

"He (Miller) was telling me Bob Stupak's girlfriend is going to run, and she's got a chance," Barrier said.

Barrier was interested in seeing McDonald ousted because of his ties to Rick Rizzolo, who is Barrier's landlord and owner of the Crazy Horse Too strip club. Barrier is suing Rizzolo and alleges he has interfered with his business.

Since her election, Moncrief hired advertising executive Tom Letizia, who is an advertising consultant for Rizzolo.

Barrier joins Miller and Peter "Chris" Christoff as former Moncrief supporters who have since accused her of violating campaign law.