The 2024 Las Vegas Mayoral Debate
MY THOUGHTS ON LAST NIGHT’S LAS VEGAS MAYORAL DEBATE
I watched last night’s televised debate between the three leading candidates who are running for Mayor of Las Vegas. Even though 15 candidates have officially filed to run, this now appears to be a tight and combative race between three well-established civic leaders, all of whom are well known to those of us who follow local politics. In short, all three are strong and knowledgeable candidates.
It’s hard to believe, but “the Goodman era” is finally coming to an end. Some have even called the husband-wife duo a political dynasty that’s lasted a quarter century. Former mob lawyer Mayor Oscar Goodman initially served for 12 years, who was then followed into the big chair by his wife, Carolyn Goodman, who has served as Mayor since 2011. So, whoever is elected this coming November will be the first non-Goodman of the 21st Century.
Jon Ralston, Nevada’s top political journalist, moderated the debate. He’s the editor of The Independent, which sponsored the event held at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas and was broadcast live on the local NBC affiliate. Ralston was characteristically in top form, keeping all three candidates on track and asking tough questions, while also allowing everyone a fair chance to share their unique visions for the city’s future. Though I think some things were missed last night, there’s no one better at civic coverage and moderation than Ralston.
The three candidates were:
— Victoria Seaman, Las Vegas City Council member (she represents my home district and I’ll be meeting with her in a few weeks as President of the Lakes HOA). Although the mayoral race is non-partisan, Seaman is a Republican, which would typically be an automatic disqualifier for my endorsement. That said, she’s done a good job for her constituents — which I’ve witnessed firsthand — and I’ve respected her tireless work ethic. Seaman was excellent in last night’s debate.
— Shelley Berkley, the former U.S. Congresswoman (I ran into her last year while she was doing her own shopping at Whole Foods). I’ve had some policy differences with Rep. Berkley when she served in Congress, but she’s the person I probably most align with politically. That doesn’t mean I’m supporting her–I’m not sure she’s the leader Las Vegas needs right now. She just strikes me as a voice and face from the past, rather than the future.
— Cedric Crear, the longtime community activist and city council member who is running an aggressive campaign and appears to being an ideal crossover between business and labor interests, growth and conservation, and areas of the valley that haven’t usually played a role in shaping the future of the city. I was most impressed by Crear’s demeanor and presentation in the debate.
The 90-minute debate was surprisingly informative and very spirited at times. All three leading candidates performed well, and no one stumbled. All were highly-informed on the issues and articulate — even if we may disagree with them, at times. I did sense that these are all very much “establishment” figures in Las Vegas. This is a city that fancies itself as an outlier on many lifestyle issues, but then Las Vegas also tends to play it safe politically as to who gets elected. Fact: Rebels and troublemakers do not get elected as Mayor.
The mayoral debate did include a few shortcomings. Not nearly enough time was spent discussing urban sprawl (which is out of control!), conservation measures (which are steamrolled by mostly out-of-state developers), inadequate mass transit issues (woefully lacking), crime problems (including lots of petty crime), the F1 fiasco / A’s relocation / Tropicana boondoggle stadium financing / Strip congestion problems, and other stuff. Unfortunately, the debate began with a time-wasting discussion about the Badlands golf course controversy and lawsuits, which is only a concern to a bunch of rich people living in Queensridge. A million people are worried about air quality, skyrocketing housing costs, crime, and wonder if we’ll have enough water to drink in a few years, and the four powerful people up on the stage were arguing about a vacated golf course. Shameful, but I guess this is where the real power rests in Las Vegas politics–ass kissing the homeowners backing up to the 15th green. Mini-rant over.
Las Vegas Mayor is just as much a symbolic and ambassadorial role as an active issues-driven position. Former Mayor Goodman was the best ambassador Las Vegas ever had, the ideal swashbuckling image for a growing world-class city built on escapism and excitement. However, civic responsibility comes with the job, as well. Bringing in tourists is great, but remember — we have to LIVE here.
The debate was informative and I gained respect for all three candidates, in different ways. However, I remain undecided as to my endorsement and vote.
