Public Las Vegas mayoral candidates’ forum urged

What originally was called a "mayoral candidates' forum" has been rechristened an interview session, because it's not open to the public, and one candidate has tried to make an issue out of the event being closed.

Chris Giunchigliani wrote to the organizers of the Wednesday event at the El Cortez hotel to say news media should be able to cover it, at the least. Representatives of other campaigns said they prefer open events as well, but that organizations set their own rules.

"I realize that space is limited and that the sponsors of the event should certainly get first seating opportunities, but even with limited space, I don't believe debates among public candidates should be private," a letter from Giunchigliani's campaign states. "I want city government's work to be done in the open, and that should start with the campaign."

The invitation to the event states that candidates should not bring supporters "due to limited space" and that news media won't be allowed in.

That's because it's not a political event, organizer Terry Murphy said in an e-mail sent to candidates who asked about the event's restrictions.

"The media is not invited because the organizations who requested your attendance are not political organizations or PACS, but business groups," she said. "The forum is being held as an informative tool for the member organizations, not a persuasive one."

The event is meant to be more like endorsement interviews conducted by interest groups, which usually are not open to the public. However, Murphy stressed that none of the groups behind the event will be issuing endorsements.

The sponsors are the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance, the Downtown Business Operators Council, the Fremont Street Experience, the Fremont East Board and the 18b Las Vegas Arts District.

Organizers expect to draw about 60 people from those organizations.

It's more efficient for the organizations to meet with the candidates at one time instead of meeting individually with five different organizations, Murphy said.

Getting attention in a crowded field is particularly important in city elections because the time period between filing to run and the actual vote is compressed. Candidates have to sprint, figuratively speaking, to get as much support as possible.

Bradley Mayer, campaign manager for Carolyn Goodman, wouldn't comment except to note that the crowded race to replace Oscar Goodman has drawn a lot of interest and will generate many debate opportunities.

The same point was made by Jim Ferrence, campaign manager for Larry Brown.

"We're taking on all comers and all formats," Ferrence said. "It seems as though there's plenty of time for media coverage. There will be more than enough time for public debates."

Steve Redlinger, campaign manager for candidate Steve Ross, said, "Our preference would be, sure, it's covered by the media because that what gets our message out. We just want to make our case. We're not going to tell organizations how to organize their forums."

Giunchigliani will still attend the event, noting that downtown business owners have invested in the city and deserve to hear from all candidates.

In addition to the four already mentioned, candidates Victor Chaltiel, Katherine Duncan and George Harris have said they will attend.

Early voting for city elections starts March 19 and ends April 3. The primary election is April 5. In races where no one wins a majority, the top two finishers will compete in the June 7 general election.

Contact reporter Alan Choate at achoate@reviewjournal.com or 702-229-6435.