EDITORIAL: Moving the goalposts

Behold the arrogance of the Las Vegas City Council. Taxpayers might never again see a government body so determined to slap them across the face.

It wasn’t enough for the council to approve a heavily subsidized downtown soccer stadium that lacked public support. It wasn’t enough for the council to block a public vote on the project. It wasn’t enough for the city to subvert petitioners who want a public vote on the project, then force them to court to give the public a say.

Now the council will consider a zoning code amendment that could allow the city to build a subsidized stadium, even though Major League Soccer declined to award Las Vegas an expansion franchise Thursday, even if voters reject the project in June’s general election.

That ballot question would prevent the city from using public funds to build a downtown soccer stadium. So Councilman Ricki Barlow, who is up for re-election this year, has suggested language that would allow an “outdoor facility or area for sport.” In other words, a stadium that could host soccer and other events. Just like the current plan.

As reported by the Review-Journal’s James DeHaven, the council could vote on the amendment as soon as Feb. 18.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman, a stadium supporter, told Mr. DeHaven she wouldn’t rule out building a subsidized stadium even if voters declare opposition to a subsidized soccer stadium — assuming she’s re-elected, of course.

“I am surprised at her callous disregard for the public, to even think like that,” said Councilman Bob Beers, a stadium opponent.”

We’re not surprised. The mayor has ignored the will of the public throughout the entire stadium planning process, so why would she change now?

We hope voters are paying attention.