Henderson election
Henderson’s dealings with all-show-no-go developer Christopher Milam are far more than an embarrassment for the city. Their courtship and divorce have turned into the defining issue of this spring’s municipal election.
The city’s government had become an easy target for criticism before Mr. Milam’s promises of a sports stadium complex went poof. City Hall’s insular culture has long been evident in personnel and legal decisions. But the city’s startling lack of due diligence in helping Mr. Milam purchase 480 acres of federal land for a project that never will be built represents a failure of leadership. The cozy relationships between city officials and Mr. Milam’s lawyer and consultants indicate a betrayal of public trust.
Mr. Milam will be in Las Vegas on Friday to answer questions under oath about how he came up with $10.5 million to buy the federal land when he still hasn’t paid a seven-figure fraud judgment related to a previous failed development. City officials were well aware of that lawsuit when they struck a deal with the Texan. And they’re surprised he backed out of it — but still intends to close escrow on his discounted land so he can flip it for profit at the public’s expense?
Only two council races are on Henderson’s April primary ballot. Mayor Andy Hafen and Councilman John Marz have been challenged by a total of nine candidates. Municipal elections typically are low-turnout affairs. But Henderson voters should know this: If they decide to stay away from the polls this spring, they’re voting for the status quo.
