Thursday, August 19, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

CLARK COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT D

Yvonne Atkinson Gates* Democrat Age: 48 Occupation: Clark County commissioner Jesus Moreno Democrat Age: 25 Occupation: Technician Joe Neal Democrat Age: 69 Occupation: Retired

While characterizing the incumbent as beholden to gaming, retired state Sen. Joe Neal portrays himself as a reluctant hero in what is likely to be a winner-take-all Democratic primary in District D.

The longtime lawmaker is challenging Yvonne Atkinson Gates for her Clark County Commission seat, he said, because constituents from the Senate district he represented for 32 years urged him to run.

Atkinson Gates, the third-term Democratic commissioner, has put the interests of casinos ahead of her constituents, and it's time for a change, Neal said.

"Some of the people talked me into running, so I put my name on the ballot," Neal said. "They felt that the commission seat for this district had been hijacked by the casinos, and they wanted a commissioner who is going to do the work of the community."

Atkinson Gates said it's inappropriate for Neal to claim she puts casinos ahead of constituents, especially because she has helped to bring an array of public services to her district.

"I only address casinos on issues that come before us (the commission)," Atkinson Gates said. "I don't go out asking casinos, `What can I do?' But I do ask my constituents, `What can I do for you?' "

County employee Jesus Carlos Moreno, the third Democrat in the primary, said he offers a fresh alternative to two veteran politicians.

"Sometimes it's good to have a change," he said, "to have someone new go in with new ideas."

In a district where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 3-to-1, the winner of the Democratic primary is likely to win November's general election. Republican Chester Richardson and Independent American Scott Narter await the winner of the primary.

Atkinson Gates said she will be re-elected because she has produced for her district. She said Neal has done little while in the Senate.

Improvements she has helped bring to the area have combated crime in gang- and drug-infested West Las Vegas neighborhoods, and provided recreational opportunities and health services for families, she said.

The Las Vegas police Bolden Area Command, the county's health and dental center, the Silver Mesa Community Center, the Walnut Cecil Community Center and three early childhood education centers were built in or near her commission district since Atkinson Gates took office, she said.

In the works are a new county-run recreation center and a separate tennis complex, she said.

"My top priority is making sure the community is a safe place to live so kids and families can enjoy a wonderful quality of life," Atkinson Gates said.

Responding to the growth in Las Vegas, Atkinson Gates said the commission in the past two years has taken steps to control growth and give residents more authority over zoning and planning matters in their area.

"When you talk about growth and planning, that affects a major part of this community as a whole, and it affects economic growth for this community," Atkinson Gates said.

Moreno said developers should pay higher fees to cover the costs of more public services. He suggested developers pay directly for services like street sweeping, rather than have them pay fees into the county budget.

Neal said growth needs to be better controlled, because new development is not paying enough to cover the cost of police, firefighters and other county services.

"Growth does not pay for itself," Neal said. "You can't let developers dictate the expansion of your town or community. ... Right now, the developers are dictating what goes on in the county."