Monday, March 3, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
The chairman of a legislative committee created to address the state's infrastructure problems has said funding Southern Nevada's growth is not high on his agenda.
"We could fashion a bill to deal with these infrastructure issues, but it's not on my legislative agenda," Assemblyman David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, said. "My jurisdiction as a state legislator is state law. We are concerned with the state."
Goldwater said his infrastructure committee -- which has met only three times -- has not come close to a plan for financing infrastructure needs.
"We considered flood issues," Goldwater said, following the New Year's Day flood that devastated parts of Northern Nevada.
Growth is the No. 1 problem among Southern Nevadans, according to recent polls. But Goldwater, who represents a densely developed section of Las Vegas that includes part of the Strip, said it was not "on my particular agenda."
Asked what his priorities were, Goldwater listed crime, senior issues, services provided by the state, transportation and other "quality of life issues."
That hasn't stopped Goldwater from criticizing Clark County Commission Chairwoman Yvonne Aktinson Gates for not bringing her plan forward yet. Gates said she has been trying to forge a package of revenue sources rather take a piecemeal approach to paying for the county's growth-related needs.
Gates admitted it has been frustrating getting all the various players to agree on how they will help fund infrastructure needs and plans to hold a news conference this week.
"Obviously there is no consensus among business people in the community to solving this as a comprehensive approach," Gates said. "Until we begin to be on the same accord, then I don't think you can come up with a proposal."
Goldwater said Gates is using the infrastructure issue to grab the spotlight. He also said he was upset she has not involved him or other legislative leaders in her efforts.
Goldwater also criticized her for allegedly forcing out County Manager Pat Shalmy, who announced he was stepping down in April.
"Here they are in the middle of a legislative session, Clark County has desperate needs, and they fire -- the county manager is apparently asked to leave right in the middle of a session," Goldwater said. "I think that wealth of experience down there would be valuable as we discuss one of Clark County's most critical sessions."
Goldwater admitted his impression of what's going on in county government has come from discussions he's had with Shalmy and a couple of commissioners he wouldn't name.
"They spoke to me confidentially," Goldwater said. "If I told you, it wouldn't be confidential."
Commissioner Erin Kenny, a Shalmy loyalist who wanted to be commission chairman, said she talked to Goldwater about various issues, "but I don't remember having a conversation about that."
Shalmy said he left on his own terms, and didn't think his departure would have any effect on the county's legislative agenda. However, Shalmy has told people he was disappointed that Gates was keeping him "out of the loop" on infrastructure talks she's been having.
Goldwater also has been listening to powerful gaming lobbyists, such as Nevada Resort Association President Richard Bunker.
"I spoke to people in the industry, people who represent a large industry," Goldwater said.
Bunker said his main contacts at the Legislature have been Goldwater and Mike McGinness, chairman of the Senate Taxation Committee.
Myrna Williams, who spent 10 years in the state Assembly before her election three years ago to the County Commission, said the gaming industry is orchestrating dissension between the commission and the Legislature "to bring the good old boys back into power."
Despite her loyalty to the Legislature, Williams said it has done little to control growth, slow it down or even help pay for it, despite the fact that two-thirds of the Legislature and as much of the state's funding comes from Southern Nevada.
"The Legislature has shown no leadership this session and are going after the few who are trying to get something done," Williams said.
Williams said the legislators she has spoken with have expressed no concern about the county's leadership. She added that nobody was indispensable, and that Dale Askew, who was unanimously appointed to replace Shalmy, has just as much experience dealing with the Legislature.
"Of course there's leadership, but there's different leadership," Williams said. "This is that resistance to change, but times have changed."
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