New community group spotlights candidates

The first meeting of a new community group brought political candidates to the public at the West Las Vegas library Thursday night.

"Bringing the candidates to the community instead of the community to the candidates is a main focus of the group," said Ron Current, public relations director for the newly formed Clark County Civil Political Rights League.

The meeting was one of the first of many that are planned, said Current, who estimates that the league has 1,000 members.

Gubernatorial candidate Sen. Joe Neal and sheriff candidate Chuck Lee were among the candidates that addressed residents at the meeting.

"It's good to see the candidates come out to the community so that we can see who we're voting for," said resident Maurice Drew. "The early voting periods really help the name-recognition candidates, so these venues are important for the public."

Current said he hopes that the organization will continue to grow and provide more opportunities for the public. The league has similar, more established, sister organizations in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Detroit.

The organization has three other points of focus besides getting political candidates to the people. First, Current said, the organization is very concerned with what politicians do once they get into office.

"This is a no-nonsense organization, and we intend to hold your feet to the fire on campaign promises," Current said to the candidates. "We will hold you to what you promise the community."

The league also plans to serve as a watchdog on government funds for programs in the black community to make sure that monies actually find their way to the people that need help. Finally the league plans to form an action committee to take a direct part in the development of the community and to combat drugs.

On Sept. 21, the league will hold another meeting at the West Las Vegas Library with speakers on the topics of black organization, economics and leadership. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the library conference room.

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