Ward 4 council seat filled

David W. Steinman, currently a city of Las Vegas planning commissioner, has been appointed to fill the Ward 4 City Council seat that will be vacant when Councilman Larry Brown moves to the Clark County Commission.

Steinman will serve as a "caretaker" for three to six months until the position is filled in municipal elections next year.

"That's an understanding with the City Council that that person would not seek the position by way of a vote or a ballot," said Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. "It was the feeling of the council that, in order to create a level playing field for an election, it's appropriate to have a caretaker."

Steinman, 68, said that's fine with him.

"Because of my age and everything, I don't really want to get into running, and a campaign, and four more years," he said. "That's a lot of work."

Steinman also said he hopes to be reappointed to the planning commission by whoever succeeds him.

The City Council appointment takes effect Jan. 4, but he won't be sworn in until Jan. 7.

Brown was elected to the county commission in November.

Though a temporary appointment, Steinman will serve during a time period when the council expects to grapple with daunting issues. The city is trying to reopen salary contracts with employee unions because of a deep budget gap and at the same time is facing a potential voter challenge to its entire downtown redevelopment plan, including criticism over building a new city hall.

"I'll be sitting in the chair during one of the most difficult times in this city's history," Steinman said. "With budgets, and unions, and city hall issues, and those things. Who would've ever expected it to hit in the next six months?

"I haven't taken any sides. I'm going to study, learn. This is not going to be an easy ride."

Steinman moved to Las Vegas in 1999 after retiring from a banking and real estate financing career. He joined the Las Vegas Planning Commission in March 2004, and previously was a city councilman and planning commissioner in Worthington, Ohio.

The city's primary election will be April 7. If a candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote then, that person will be elected. If not, the winner will be chosen in the general election June 2.

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