Ordinance introduced to abolish Las Vegas constable’s office

An ordinance that would eliminate the embattled Las Vegas Township constable’s office by 2015 was introduced Tuesday.

Clark County commissioners, who did not discuss the proposal, set a March 19 public hearing.

The introduction sets the stage for a decision that could abolish the office, which has about 25 deputies that serve legal paperwork and handle evictions.

The proposal comes at the request of Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani following widely publicized issues with Constable John Bonaventura’s office. If the proposal is approved, the office would disband after Bonaventura’s term of office ends at 12:59 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2015.

Bonaventura has attracted plenty of attention since his election in 2010. His office has been involved in a controversial foray into reality television, allegations of sexual harassment, and jurisdictional disputes with neighboring constable offices.

Bonaventura also has hired some deputies with backgrounds that include run-ins with the law.

Lou Toomin, a spokesman for the constable’s office, declined to comment about the proposal Tuesday.

Contact reporter Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.