Henderson continues its search for a city attorney

The search for the next city attorney continues as the Henderson City Council has narrowed the field to two front-runners.

Christine Guerci-Nyhus, the interim city attorney, and Josh Reid, son of U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, have been identified as the top candidates.

According to Bud Cranor, a spokesman with the city of Henderson, 46 people applied for the postion, and seven candidates were selected from all the applicants.

"One dropped out, so we had six for interviews," Cranor said.

The other candidates were former Las Vegas Municipal Judge George Assad, Marc Cardinalli, Richard Hinckley, Keith Kizer and Paul "Luke" Puschnig.

The interviews were conducted by council members in a closed session Nov. 2 and 3.

Councilman Sam Bateman said his ideal candidate would have a mixture of legal experience and leadership capability.

"I want someone who has been in a leadership position in a previous job," Bateman said. "But I can only speak for myself."

Bateman said it is more important to him to have a candidate who has been successful in one job opposed to someone who has served numerous positions.

Reid and Guerci-Nyhus were identified as the front-runners on Nov. 4.

"They were told after all the other candidates were informed," Cranor said.

The two front-runners are expected to meet individually with each council member within the next few weeks.

"My questions will be more broad-based to see what (the candidate) intends to do on day one (of being hired)," Bateman said.

Because of the holidays, Cranor said coordinating interviews might be difficult, which could delay the final decision.

Cranor said the final salary has not been determined.

"It is something that has to be negotiated," Cranor said.

The former city attorney's salary was $190,000.

The city began looking for an new city attorney after Elizabeth Quillin resigned in August. She had pleaded guilty to drunken driving and other charges in August. Quillin received a $99,500 severance package.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.