Commissioners choose lobbyists for Clark County and UMC

The Clark County Commission on Tuesday decided to stick with its longtime Washington, D.C., lobbyist despite the interest a former congressman has shown in the job.

The commission voted unanimously to seek a new lobbying deal with Marcus Faust, who has represented the county's interests in Washington for decades.

The decision came after former Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., made a pitch for why his firm should get the job.

"We are one of the top law firms in the country," said Porter, director of public policy for Akerman Senterfitt. "We stand ready, willing and able to help the county of Clark."

Evaluators working on behalf of the county scored the qualifications of both firms. Akerman Senterfitt scored 81.75 and Faust scored 82.25.

"It has been my privilege to have represented this board since the late 1980s. It has been an opportunity for me to become very acquainted with the challenges that face this county," Faust said. "I have spent the last 20 years of my life becoming very familiar with what those challenges are."

The commission by unanimous vote also selected a lobbying firm to represent University Medical Center.

Although Faust and Akerman also competed for that job, the commission selected Las Vegas-based R&R Partners.

The firm Smith, Davidson & Andrews also sought the hospital lobbying job.

The firms selected Tuesday will negotiate terms for two-year contracts, according to the motions presented.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.