Friday, June 20, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
COLUMN: John L. Smith
Former allies Christoff, Miller make sure Moncrief's honeymoon short
That was a brief honeymoon for newly elected City Councilwoman Janet Moncrief.
Moncrief, who whipped incumbent Michael McDonald despite having zero political experience, is being pilloried by her former allies in the underground campaign community -- namely, city critics Peter "Chris" Christoff and ex-Councilman Steve Miller.
Christoff accuses Moncrief of taking part with him in a conspiracy to discredit McDonald through a series of malignant mailers. Moncrief has denied knowing Christoff as more than a distant acquaintance, and, given his identity as a council gadfly, this all might easily be written off as sour grapes from a former ally.
Moncrief recently accepted help in the form of a political fund-raiser from political consultant Tom Letizia and held a meeting with Mayor Oscar Goodman, both of whom Miller despises.
But it's also true Miller was sniffing around for a job as Moncrief's constituent liaison, a role he didn't receive following her victory.
It will be interesting to see whether Miller and Christoff come up with proof that Moncrief deceived reporters during the campaign -- or that her friend casino maverick Bob Stupak remained connected to the campaign despite her denials.
SHADES OF GRAY: Rick Tabish spends most of his time at High Desert State Prison near Indian Springs working on the appeal of his conviction in the 1998 murder of casino man Lonnie Ted Binion.
In his spare time, he watches television and recently caught my act on KVBC-TV, Channel 3. In a letter, he reminded me that he remains an innocent man, that the case of Binion's missing silver is an overrated story, and that I could use a few grooming tips.
Tabish writes, "I watch you on channel 3 often John. I do respect you as a professional journalist. However, I am the one in prison here and since I met you, you have went gray far quicker than I. Bust out the Grecian Formula man!"
Alas, dissed by a lowly lifer.
VIVA CINEVEGAS: As if to ideally illustrate the growing popularity of CineVegas, the Tuesday screening at the Palms of Tony Vidmer's "Stuey," based on the life of poker legend Stu "The Kid" Ungar, was jammed with dozens turned away.
Although I was able to enjoy only an abbreviated viewing of the film, the portrait of Ungar was spot-on without wallowing in his many failings. He died of an overdose after a long struggle with hard drugs.
Michael Imperioli was excellent as Ungar, but Pat Morita was a scene-stealer in his role as an Asian high roller and casino boss. A second screening is set for tonight.
COURAGEOUS CARLOS: Leave it to Carlos Ramirez to continue to inspire us with his indefatigable spirit following a massive stroke in 1996. Ramirez, who still suffers from the effects of the stroke and severe diabetes, is training for his first marathon and hopes to raise $10,000 on behalf of the American Stroke Association and American Diabetes Association.
Knowing Carlos, he will not be defeated in his goal.
Ramirez can be reached at 877-0809.
LITERARY LAUGHTER: The second annual Vegas Valley Book Festival will be a joke -- and that's a good thing.
In addition to a variety of regional and national writers, the festival will feature a panel on satire that includes Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy, former writers for the hilarious show "Mystery Science Theater 3000."
The festival runs from Oct. 23 through 25.
ON THE BOULEVARD: From the look of the polished mailer lauding U.S. Sen. Harry Reid for his efforts on behalf of Nevada's public schoolchildren, you'd think it was an election year. Sponsored by the National Education Association and the Nevada State Education Association, the mailer was sent to teachers under a banner "Senator Harry Reid -- Strengthening Nevada's Public Schools" and "Fighting for Students and Educators and Strengthening Public Education." The mailer shows courage on Reid's part. Not many politicians would want to take credit for the state of Nevada's public schools. ... Way out the Boulevard in Goodsprings, locals are set to celebrate the town's 90th birthday with a barbecue and blues throughout the weekend.
Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 383-0295.
John L. Smith's column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
