County starts accepting applications replace expelled assemblyman

Clark County started accepting applications Tuesday night for the Assembly District 17 seat vacated by Steven Brooks, who was ousted from the Assembly.

Registered Democrats in the North Las Vegas district will have until 5 p.m. April 9 to apply for the post.

Clark County commissioners plan to pick the replacement at their April 16 meeting. The new Assembly member will serve the rest of the legislative session, which will have nearly seven weeks remaining before the expected adjournment date of June 3.

Commissioners came up with those plans after a discussion Tuesday about the timeline and how to move forward with picking a new legislator.

Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak said he opted not to push for a board decision sooner because he thought it was important for the commissioners to weigh in before moving forward.

He said it’s crucial that the process is transparent and fair for all applicants.

Commissioner Tom Collins had pushed for making a decision as early as this week, citing the need for the district to have representation with the legislative session ongoing.

“I’ve had people asking me for weeks to be considered for an appointment even before there was an expulsion,” Collins said.

Commissioner Lawrence Weekly expressed sadness for Brooks’ downfall.

“He’s broken,” Weekly said. “He’s in a really bad place.”

Weekly said his understanding is that Collins already had someone selected, adding that it’s a concern.

In response, Collins stressed that is not the case and that he has not made up his mind.

Commissioners did not name any candidates at the meeting. In an interview, Sisolak said he has heard from interested people as well. He declined to give any names because they have not made a decision yet about applying.

At least one potential candidate was at the meeting — William Robinson II. The 34-year-old banker is the son of William Robinson, who was on the North Las Vegas City Council for 28 years.

“I’m a lifelong North Las Vegas resident, and I’d hate for us to not be represented,” the younger Robinson said in an interview, adding that he is leaning toward applying for the spot. “I’d like for us to have some sort of representation going forward.”

Robinson has served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a citizens advisory committee.

The county website with applications is http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/

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