Bill to make commissioners’ job full-time in trouble

By Cy Ryan

Monday, April 13, 2009 | 2:24 p.m.

CARSON CITY – A bill to make the Clark County Commission a full-time job is in trouble.

The Senate defeated an amendment to the bill that would have permitted the commission to set its own salaries. The bill would have made the seats full-time after each commission seat comes up for election.

The tally to defeat the amendment was taken by a standing vote, but Senate officials said there appeared to be only eight of the 21 Senators in favor of it.

Assistant Majority Floor Leader Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, said he didn’t know why the amendment was voted down. He said he will talk to senators before the measure comes up for a final vote later this week.

Sen. Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, said there is general opposition to the bill, not just the amendment.

The bill, Nolan said, would force commissioners to quit good jobs or give up businesses to devote full-time to the job of county commissioner. He said commissioners are involved in community activities now.

Care and Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani are proponents of the bill, saying Clark County has a budget larger than the state’s budget.

The bill, as it stands now says a commission “shall devote his entire time and attention to the business of his office and shall not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office of profit.”