Reid has routine end to not-so-routine career as county commissioner

It was a rather anticlimactic finale to eight years of service on a powerful political body.

Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid guided the board through mostly routine zoning matters Wednesday.

He handled the hearing with his usual firm but subdued style and his trademark wry wit.

Nothing in his demeanor telegraphed that this day was different from any other since he took office in 2003.

But of course it was.

It was his last county meeting before leaving office Jan. 3.

One off-beat moment came near the end.

Six commissioners had agreed to vote against Reid's last recommendation, as a practical joke. He endorsed an operating center for Internet servers, an item that normally would sail through.

Six "no" votes flashed in red on a monitor, surprising Reid and land-use consultant Greg Borgel.

The conspiring commissioners laughed heartily.

"I was feeling wistful about this place until a moment ago," Reid said, getting the joke.

Commissioners then changed their votes to "yes."

A few minutes later, Reid declared the meeting adjourned and banged the gavel.

The other commissioners quietly dispersed.

They had given their farewells and kudos publicly the day before at the regular commission meeting. Reid acted uncomfortable with the sentimentality.

"Now that the eulogies have been given, let's go back to work," he said.

Reid's colleagues say one of his most distinguishing traits as a leader is being quick with a quip. He used his humor not just for chuckles, but to lighten tense situations.

"He was a stabilizing force on the board, and he had a way of defusing tension on the board with his wit," said County Manager Virginia Valentine, who will leave her post the same time as Reid.

Commissioner Steve Sisolak agreed.

"He always had a one-liner, especially when it got dicey," Sisolak said. "It was a unique quality. It will be missed."

As a two-term incumbent in a solidly blue district, Reid, a Democrat, would have been a near shoo-in for a third term, but he chose to vacate the seat to make a bid for governor. He lost to Republican Brian Sandoval .

Reid now plans to dive into his law practice full time, something he didn't have time for as commissioner. He wouldn't say whether he plans to run for public office again.

Former School Board member Mary Beth Scow will fill Reid's seat.

"His humor, his leadership -- I just think the guy is a class act," Commissioner Lawrence Weekly said.

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani described Reid as a leader who is a true public servant. Commissioner Susan Brager said he showed that compassion can make a difference.

At a short send-off Wednesday, colleagues and county staffers took turns bidding Reid adieu.

He again played down the sentiment.

"Thank you, we love you, we'll miss you, goodbye," he said with a wry smile, summing up the tribute.

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