Laughlin residents criticize Sisolak

A new elected leader is finding that the small-town tempest he stirred won't die.

About 40 irate Laughlin residents traveled by bus Tuesday to the Clark County Commission meeting to voice discontent about Commissioner Steve Sisolak's choices for the town advisory board.

They are upset that Sisolak ignored four nominees chosen in a straw poll and instead appointed four people he handpicked, three of them staunch Democrats. Sisolak made no reply. He and other commissioners listened silently as a half-dozen residents vented during the time set aside for public comment. Marsha Mendez, 72, said Sisolak abused his authority and should be recalled.

"Excuse me Mr. Sisolak, we did not vote them in there. You put them in there, and we want them out!" Mendez said.

Tom Hewitt, 75, a former town board member, said it's untrue that only Republicans have served on that panel. Hewitt said he's a Democrat who's irked that Sisolak disregarded voters' wishes.

Jordan Ross, a Republican precinct captain, said Sisolak picked three Democrats -- John Geremia, Michael Bekoff and Yoko Allen -- who don't reflect the town's conservative bent.

The one Republican incumbent he chose, Novelt Mack, refused to be sworn in and received a standing ovation from a raucous crowd at last week's town board meeting, Ross said.

The townspeople came to the commission chambers Tuesday to make a statement, not to sway Sisolak, Ross said.

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.