North Las Vegas City Council member following an open-door policy

To say Pamela Goynes-Brown followed in her father's footsteps is an understatement.

The similarities between the newly elected North Las Vegas City Council member and her father, Theron Goynes, are downright eerie .

She sits in the very City Hall seat her father once occupied during his 20 years on the council. Both assumed mayor pro tem duties -- taking over the gavel from mayors Shari Buck and Jim Seastrand upon their absences. Goynes-Brown was on the council for less than two months before being given that responsibility.

"I had mixed emotions about that, only because I was a freshman person on council," she said. "But I also knew, yeah, I can do this, although I knew some people would have reservations and hesitations about it. I'm extremely honored. I'm proud because I'm carrying that same title that he carried. Hopefully, I can do a good job like he did during his time."

On Sept. 16, 1981, Goynes chaired his first meeting, becoming the first black elected representative to officially head a government body in Nevada's history.

Goynes-Brown, who hasn't yet chaired a meeting, is the first black woman to be elected to the council.

Both have served decades as educators in the Clark County School District. Goynes worked as an elementary school principal and teacher from 1964 until 1992. Goynes-Brown has served as teacher and administrator, beginning her career in the district in 1984.

"It's very elating for me," Goynes, 81, said. "It's very heartwarming to see her following in my footsteps."

But her entrance into the political arena didn't come without some advice from Dad.

"I told her to keep an open mind and a listening ear," Goynes said. "All the residents of North Las Vegas are your constituents, and regardless of what their conversation is about, you listen to them. They're taxpayers, and they do deserve ... the best from their representation on council."

Goynes-Brown's admiration for her father is clear in her 1982 college essay titled, "The Making of a Politician." She examines her dad's educational background and budding political career. "Political quotes that Theron feels help his campaign tremendously are 'I am a peoples' candidate'; 'I won't make a promise that I won't follow up on.' I also support an open door policy for all North Las Vegas,' " she wrote.

Although Goynes-Brown began her term as the city faces dire economic challenges, her father said it isn't the first time the city struggled financially and survived.

Pink slips? Housing crisis? Parks and recreational centers facing closure? Take a look back at the city's history in the 1980s, Goynes said.

According to the National Housing Initiative, home foreclosures soared and homeownership rates declined nationwide, mirroring tough economic times comparable to the Great Depression. Rent and utility costs increased. The council created a housing commission, which Goynes chaired, to examine the problem locally. Appraisers at that time took about 25 percent off on home appraisals in North Las Vegas.

Local builders at the time discussed how the city's property values were 25 percent less than in surrounding areas. In December 2010, the city's housing authority functions were assumed by the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority, according to the group's website.

The Las Vegas Valley was dubbed "Ground Zero" for the nation's housing crisis in 2008. High foreclosure rates plaguing North Las Vegas have forced families to walk away from their homes. The city's property taxes are the highest in the valley. Again, the nation experienced economic decline compared to the Great Depression.

"It's a different world than back then," Goynes-Brown said. "We survived then, and I'm pretty sure we'll survive this. It's a slow process. It will take time, but I think it will rebound."

Local news reports from 1982 reveal reduced staffing, shortened hours, program cuts and swimming pools struggling to stay open. The following year, city officials investigated $109,000 missing from recreation department funds and concluded that a city employee was embezzling.

Petitions urging the council not to lay off any firefighters were presented to save jobs. The city eliminated 40 positions from its payroll in 1982 to 1983, which included five firefighters, two fire prevention personnel and one secretary. Additional reductions came from within the police department.

This year, city staff members recommended a plan to the council that included laying off dozens of employees, likely closing pools and facilities to help fill a now $4.9 million gap in the fiscal 2012 budget. The council has postponed the decision to close Silver Mesa Recreation Center, 4025 Allen Lane, and Neighborhood Recreation Center, 1638 N. Bruce St., more than once in hope of reaching an agreement about contract concessions with the police union to fill the budget shortfall. The state has been keeping an eye on the city's budget problems, and city staffers have said the city could suffer a severe financial emergency if it can't balance its budget.

Despite the city's tough times, Goynes said his daughter is a "people s' person " who listens to others even when they disagree on issues -- something he adopted during his public service long ago.

"She always has an open-door policy," he said. "Her telephone is always open. She's going to give you her best, and she won't make a promise she can't keep."

Contact Downtown and North Las Vegas View reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@viewnews.com or 383-0492.