Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

HENDERSON CITY COUNCIL:

City planner appointed to fill seat Hafen vacated

Updated Wednesday, July 8, 2009 | 1:59 p.m.

Click to enlarge photo

Debra March

Debra March was appointed to Henderson City Council Wednesday, filling the seat left vacant by Mayor Andy Hafen in Ward 2.

Sixteen candidates vied for the position with two withdrawing before the special committee meeting was held. Council members narrowed it down to six nominees before declaring March the winner.

"I'm truly, truly honored," she said.

The council ranked each candidate 1 through 6. Their first choice would receive five points, their second would receive four and so on. March received 16 points. Michael Lamoreaux and Roland Sansone tied for second with 11 points. Stan Olsen came in third with 9 points.

March is a member of the City Planning Commission and executive director of the UNLV Lied Institute for Real Estate Studies. She has also held positions at the Urban Land Institute, American Planning Association, Nevada Housing and Neighborhood Development and National Architectural Accrediting Board.

"As a successful team builder and collaborator, I'm committed to finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face today while building on our community's past prosperity and wonderful quality of life," she told the council. "I believe it's our shared mission to build a future that benefits all of Henderson's residents."

In addition, she said her past experience as chairwoman for a planning subcommittee for the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority has allowed her to better understand the city's relationship with its partners in the southern part of the state.

During her speech to the council, March emphasized her drive for the position.

"No one's passion, commitment or dedication to Henderson exceeds mine," she said. "I will accept the responsibilities of this position and hit the ground running as a team player."

Mayor Andy Hafen said he was very pleased with the outcome and commended both the staff and candidates for a smooth process.

"I look forward to serving with council member March," he said.

Councilwoman Gerri Schroder called March the best candidate in a pool of highly qualified people. She described her decision as a "very difficult" one and cited past experience with March as a factor in making her choice.

"I served with (March) for four years on the Planning Commission," Schroder said. "She knows the work, she knows the staff, she knows the community. She's been very involved for many, many years, and I think that she's a wonderful choice. I'm very excited that she'll be serving on the council with me."

March will be sworn in on July 21 at the regular city council meeting at 7 p.m.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy