Woodbury’s calm knows no limit

Lounging in his leather easy chair, Bruce Woodbury looks as serene as the windswept mountain range he gazes at through his living room window in his Boulder City home.

Serene for a man whose bid for re-election on the Clark County Commission was dashed the day before when the state Supreme Court ruled that 12-year term limits, passed by voters in 1996, would bar him from running again.

A political career that began somewhat haphazardly in 1981 will end in January.

When Woodbury, 63, says he is OK with the outcome, even if he doesn't agree with the high court's decision, there's nothing that hints you should believe otherwise.

He smiles, jokes and displays the unflappability for which he is known.

What will Woodbury miss about being a commissioner?

"A good parking spot at the airport," he joked. He added: "Other than that, just the challenge of getting into a tough issue, working with people of different backgrounds and differing opinions, and reaching a consensus."

Government leaders, he said, should not run roughshod over those who disagree or browbeat their opponents into submission. They should build consensus so as many constituents as possible are served by a political body's decision, said Woodbury, adding that he prefers to sway by reason and research.

If you're going to tackle long-range problems like transportation, you must bring political leaders into accord for anything to materialize, Woodbury said. "That's part of my persona, I guess. My modus operandi."

Those who have worked with Woodbury say he is a calming influence during tense debates, a trait that might seem surprising for a lawyer who, by profession, is trained to be argumentative.

Some longtime associates bemoaned his pending departure, saying Woodbury accomplished much during his 27-year tenure, in part because he could gently persuade.

He is known for leading the charge to enhance transportation and air quality in the county. But he has also been dubbed "the father of flood control," having spearheaded creation of the flood-control district and the quarter-cent sales tax to fund improved storm drainage.

He pushed through the "Homeowner's Bill of Rights," which helps protect residents from undesirable zone changes, and the "Taxpayers Bill of Rights," which forbids increasing county property taxes without a popular vote.

"I think he's made great contributions," said Myrna Williams, who was a commissioner for 12 years. "I think his demeanor is something that's needed."

A Democrat, Williams said she sometimes disagreed with Woodbury, a Republican. But that never diminished her respect for him, she said, nor does it change the integrity or the effect he had.

"A tremendous loss," said Bob Ferraro, former Boulder City mayor who was on the City Council for 31 years. "A lot of people aren't going to realize what a loss this is going to be for a while. He could be defined as a true leader."

Woodbury augmented funding for parks, recreation and roads in Boulder City, Ferraro said. And he worked to ensure the city grew gradually, rather than in unfettered bursts like Las Vegas.

Unlike some politicians, Woodbury attends events in the city where he lives, mingling with constituents, Ferraro said.

"He was always there."

Thom Reilly, former county manager, described Woodbury as having a strong command of the issues combined with a common sense approach and diplomacy.

"He never took it personally," Reilly said. "Because of his calming influence, he was able to bring together people with differing views."

Reilly recalls that he and Woodbury had many disagreements, but they were never spiteful.

Reilly said it's a shame that a man who is so well-respected and served so long must end his career by being booted off the ballot.

"There's something wrong with this picture," Reilly said. "To have a farewell like this is inappropriate."

long tenure nearly cut short

Woodbury talks of how he didn't actively pursue the commission seat in 1981 after Bob Broadbent vacated it. He heard through word-of-mouth that then-governor Robert List put him on the preferred list.

But once he delved into some pressing issues of the time, his political juices began flowing and he decided to give it a go. He received a one-year appointment.

As a novice commissioner, he soon became overwhelmed handling a far-flung territory that encompassed Laughlin, parts of Henderson and areas just south of Las Vegas.

Plus, he had a demanding law practice and five children to raise. By 1982, he felt burned out, and he was facing a hard-hitting race for a two-year term.

Pundits didn't believe he could win because the district had shifted to being about 60 percent Democrat.

Woodbury was ready to quit. But loved ones talked him into staying, he said.

"I had to convince myself and be convinced by others that I would regret it the rest of my life if I walked away."

looking to the future

Woodbury learned how to reduce his workload and still get the essential tasks done.

Pacing himself, he became the longest-serving commissioner in state history.

Smiling, Woodbury said he likes to stick with what iss comfortable, whether it is the commission post he has held, the hilltop house he has lived in since 1978, a vehicle he has driven 290,000 miles, or the wife he began dating as a teenager.

As for another political office?

He would consider pursuing a Board of Regents seat if it came open.

Nevada's higher education system needs to be improved, and young people deserve a chance at a good college education, he said.

At this moment, he feels relieved, knowing that the burdens he has shouldered for 27 years as a commissioner will disappear at year's end.

But he acknowledged that the job he has grown to love will vanish, too.

Woodbury said he felt ownership of the district he represents.

"I'm going to miss not being in the middle of public issues."

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