Who should lead our cities? There’s a simple answer

Sunday, March 22, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Early voting has begun for city council elections in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas.

Depending on their financial resources, the candidates are promoting themselves with television commercials, billboards, lawn signs and printed materials hanging on front doors and stuffed inside mailboxes.

At best, we can glean some specific knowledge of them. But there is another way to decide whether to, as the cliché goes, throw the bums out or return them to another four-year term.

Ask yourself: Overall, do you like where you live? Is your city headed in the right direction? Is progress being made in your city as we pull out of the Great Recession? Do you have confidence someone else could do it better?

When The Sunday looks at how our cities have suffered because of the economy’s punch to the gut, how each is recovering today and how bright their futures are, we reach one conclusion: The incumbents seeking re-election certainly are not bums.

Our elected city leaders are serving us tirelessly and, with good overall decisions and smart strategies, are moving our cities forward with our best interests at heart. There are other good candidates, but we think it is best to stick with the tried and proven.

LAS VEGAS

Mayor Carolyn Goodman is seeking a second term, and she deserves it. Councilman Stavros Anthony, the most viable of five other candidates seeking the mayorship, says Goodman should be fired for pursing a downtown soccer stadium. We disagree. Even if her efforts were not popular, that’s not sufficient reason to remove an otherwise good public servant who, on the whole, has been a strong leader. We applaud her for her unbridled passion and vision.

In the ward races, each of the council members should be returned to office. In Ward 1, 12-year veteran Lois Tarkanian, a former teacher and school board member, is as devoted as any to the city, her leadership framed by her reasoned voice and wealth of experience. In Ward 3, former state Sen. Bob Coffin has proven independent, savvy and a strong champion for his constituents. In Ward 5, Ricki Barlow has been a popular and effective advocate who understands how the city runs.

HENDERSON

This city is widely branded as a great place to live and work, and for good reason. Even when financially pressed, it has kept its focus on quality of life and economic development. There’s every reason to re-elect the three incumbents.

Gerri Schroder, who has a government affairs background, is steeped in community involvement, from promoting the arts and youth achievement to economic development and diversity. Well versed in land use and economic development, Debra March understands quality-of-life issues and the nuances of smart community planning. Sam Bateman brings experience as a planning commissioner, plus the pointed, incisive questioning of a criminal prosecutor, which he is. All three are dedicated to Henderson’s future.

NORTH LAS VEGAS

The city has rebounded tremendously after years of financial miscues, and it’s important to stay the course. Incumbent Pamela Goynes-Brown, an educator, has proven her understanding and love of the city, and has earned her seat for another four years. For the other seat, retired postal carrier Richard Cherchio, who was appointed to the council for two years only to lose his first election by one vote, would serve the city well. He has remained active in civic affairs, understands what’s at stake and works well with others while remaining independent.

WHY VOTE?

Our three cities are on a roll. If we want to keep that momentum, it is vital that you vote. To stay home this election jeopardizes the progress these cities have made.