Laughlin incorporation

Residents of Laughlin will vote June 12 on whether to incorporate. That's a good thing.

The vote initially was blocked by the Clark County Commission after state officials deferred the matter to the local board. The commissioners argued that the proposal wasn't fiscally practical because the new city would face immediate budget shortfalls.

But shouldn't it be up to the residents to decide whether they're willing to take on higher taxes or impose budget cuts in return for some independence? The ballot question, after all, will include arguments for and against incorporation, so voters will have information available to them concerning the fiscal issues.

In fact, the county was looking to protect its own domain. It's no accident that incorporation in this state remains very difficult. There's no reason a metropolitan area the size of the Las Vegas Valley shouldn't have eight, 10 or even a dozen incorporated suburbs, as is common in major population centers all across the country.

Thankfully, the Legislature stepped in.

Last week, the Legislative Commission overturned the county's decision and agreed to allow a vote, with certain restrictions. The 2013 Legislature will have the power to either delay incorporation from the July 1, 2013, target date or to repeal the charter entirely if lawmakers determine the new city isn't fiscally viable.

About 3,000 registered voters live in the town, which sits on the Colorado River, some 100 miles south of Las Vegas.

"I think the Legislative Commission did the right thing," said David Floodman, president of the Laughlin Economic Development Corp., which supports incorporation. "I don't think the public has been underinformed on the issue."

Let the people of Laughlin decide their fate. The local residents are the best arbiters, here.