Competition heats up for chairman’s seat on Clark County Commission

At least two Clark County commissioners will vie for the chairman’s seat when Commissioner Rory Reid leaves office at the end of the year.

Commissioners Chris Giunchigliani and Susan Brager both want to replace Reid as chair.

Giunchigliani expressed interest in the post Tuesday while meeting with the Review-Journal editorial board. Brager has been vice chair for almost two years and thinks her stint has prepared her for the top spot.

Giunchigliani, an active and outspoken commissioner, said she would spearhead more action by the commission.

“All we do is talk,” Giunchigliani said. “And we don’t do anything.”

As head of the board, she would push to reduce extraneous and duplicate services, she said. Some, such as fire services, can be consolidated valleywide, while others, such as the county planning commission, can be eliminated, she said.

These are examples of cost-saving measures that are often discussed but never implemented, Giunchigliani said. A couple commissioners, whom she wouldn’t name, have voiced support for her as chair, she said.

Brager said her two years filling in as chair when Reid was absent has proven her leadership. She also was chairwoman for the county School Board.

“I’ve chaired a considerable amount,” Brager said. “I’ve handled situations and crowds. I not only move meetings along, I move issues along.”

Brager said a chairman can approach the job in two ways: be aggressive and play to TV cameras or lead efficiently without fanfare.

She sees herself in the latter category. Every commissioner, including the chair, has only one vote, she said.

She said she doesn’t begrudge competition from any of her six colleagues.

“It’s an open position,” Brager said. “I’d really like to do it.”