Assemblywoman Seaman catches bad break in sinkhole setback

Assemblywoman Victoria Seaman managed to navigate the 2015 Legislature’s many political potholes.

It was the one she and husband John Seaman encountered Wednesday that was really painful.

She suffered a broken collarbone and fractured hand when the 2014 Honda Accord her husband was driving hit an unmarked sinkhole while traveling southbound on Rampart Boulevard, she said in a brief interview.

The couple was taken to a hospital and later released. He was shaken up in the incident, but uninjured. In addition to her fractures, Seaman said she also suffers from substantial back pain and plans to spend the next few days close to home.

She estimated the hole was approximately 10 feet by 10 feet and one foot deep.

“If it were any deeper, I probably wouldn’t be talking to you,” she said. “The car is totaled. We’re lucky to be here.”

Seaman, a Republican, represents AD34 and had only recently returned to Las Vegas from Carson City.

“It’s a challenge after a challenge,” she said, keeping her sense of humor. “I’m sore, but I’m sure that I’ll be okay.”

CHARITY BEGINS: … At City Hall, apparently. My phone is still ringing from the news that the Las Vegas City Council approved using up to $35,000 per year from their office’s discretionary fund to support nonprofit organizations.

The push was led by City Councilman Ricki Barlow and criticized by Councilman Bob Beers and Mayor Carolyn Goodman.

Worthy charity or not, spending taxpayer dollars to build goodwill leaves some folks with a couple impressions:

First, if a council member feels strongly about the value of a charity, maybe he ought to pry open his own wallet.

Second, where do I sign up to become one of the council’s pet nonprofit organizations?

ELECTRIC DAISY: With the concert festival sold out, promoters of the upcoming Electric Daisy Carnival have agreed to live stream on Yahoo the electronic music event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

That way, I suppose, people over 25 will be able to experience it without feeling positively ancient.

VEGAS VISITORS: Rumored Republican presidential hopefuls and their offspring continue to rack up frequent-flier miles to Las Vegas.

On Thursday, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, as yet undecided for a GOP presidential bid, pressed flesh at Clark County Republican Party headquarters.

George P. Bush, eldest son of former Florida governor and all but declared GOP candidate Jeb Bush, is scheduled to meet supporters early Wednesday evening at Mundo restaurant downtown.

Late last month, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio made headlines when he visited Gold and Silver Pawn downtown. It’s just a rumor he was having his chances of winning the nomination appraised.

SEARCHLIGHT’S STAR: The Review-Journal reported this week that the Herbst family has plans to draw visitors to its newly acquired Searchlight Nugget casino. Some would say that’s no mean feat.

I’ve been a fan of the Searchlight Nugget for many years, and no one can argue with its almost famous 10-cent cup of coffee.

Is promoting it with a fire-breathing Harry Reid statue really out of the question?

Some of you may have other ideas.

ON THE BOULEVARD: You can bet some well-respected legal professionals are watching closely to see if the federal court does the right thing and releases the voluminous documents associated with the massive fraud involving local homeowners associations and the construction defect litigators. … Pop princess Iggy Azalea is taking a beating in the entertainment press for canceling her tour. A sample from Washington Post entertainment writer Soraya Nadia McDonald: “Stick a fork in Iggy Azalea. She’s done. Or is she?” I’m still wondering whether she’s going to catch any heat after her recent party stop on the Strip.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. Find him on Twitter: @jlnevadasmith