Kirkpatrick gets settled into commission seat

Clark County's newest commissioner, Marilyn Kirkpatrick, is getting settled into her new job quickly — with a slate of committee assignments.

Commissioners voted Tuesday to appoint her to posts that were held by her predecessor, Commissioner Tom Collins. Among her assignments: chairwoman of the board of the Coyote Springs Water Resources General Improvement District; and seats on the Nevada Association of Counties Executive Committee and Debt Management Commission.

Kirkpatrick was sworn into office on Tuesday, too.

Commissioners also assigned Commissioner Susan Brager to Collins' empty seat on the board of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Kirkpatrick said she's interested in taking on more committee assignments and commissioners plan to look at options in the near future. Kirkpatrick has been a Democratic state legislator, serving in leadership roles that include Assembly speaker and minority leader.

She thanked Gov. Brian Sandoval, who appointed her to the County Commission, for giving her the opportunity, and her family for supporting her.

Commissioners haven't forgotten about their former cowboy-hatted colleague, who sat in the back of the auditorium. Collins has said he's interested in running for North Las Vegas mayor, but hasn't officially announced yet.

"I'm used to looking that way and seeing a cowboy hat so this is a pleasant surprise," commission Chairman Steve Sisolak joked at one point, when Kirkpatrick was talking during the meeting.

Kirkpatrick plans to run for the seat when it's up for election in November 2016.

After the meeting, the new commission gathered outside for a group portrait.

Ben Botkin can be reached at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1