Businessman to replace Henderson councilwoman
John Marz was appointed to replace embattled former Henderson City Councilwoman Kathleen Vermillion on Monday, not because of what he would do, but what he wouldn't do: Run for a full term in 2013.
Marz, 65, the owner of a marketing consulting company with a long history in advertising and a former executive with Mandalay Bay, won on a 3-1 vote. Councilwoman Gerri Schroder cast the dissenting vote.
Mayor Andy Hafen and council members Debra March, Sam Bateman and Schroder each chose Marz for their short lists after hearing from 11 applicants.
Sean Fellows, who like Marz is a volunteer member of the city's Planning Commission, also made everyone's list, as did Cathy Rosenfield, a longtime volunteer with the city's Parks and Recreation Department.
Retired educator Beverly Daly-Dix made the lists of two other council members.
While all of the candidates appeared to maximize the three minutes they were allotted to speak to the council, Marz's offer to be a caretaker of the Ward 3 seat until an election is held in April 2013 held sway.
By making that promise, said Hafen, Marz opened the door for an open election that would give voters the opportunity to choose without giving an appointee the advantages that come with incumbency.
Schroder, however, said his offer to step down in 14 to 17 months illustrated a lack of commitment.
Marz co-founded an advertising firm decades ago. After selling the business he went to work for Mandalay Bay, where he oversaw a $100 million marketing budget before retiring to start a consulting firm.
"I absolutely am not going to run," said Marz after being sworn into office.
Marz said he was a consensus builder with experience in dealing with large budgets.
He told the Review-Journal in an earlier interview that he considers himself a problem solver with the business acumen necessary to succeed.
He told council members the high rate of foreclosures is the main issue facing not only Ward 3 residents, but the state as a whole.
Job creation, he said, would be the best way to remedy the down economy.
His first meeting will be Feb. 4.
Contact Doug McMurdo at dmcmurdo@reviewjournal. com or 702-224-5512.
