Editorial: Williams, Kenny, Herrera earn votes

What makes the election for three Clark County seats distinctive compared to other years is the fact that one man -- Las Vegas Sands Inc. Chairman Sheldon Adelson -- is trying to buy the County Commission, spending upwards of $1 million on an advertising blitz to defeat two incumbents.

Adelson already was instrumental in funneling money to the successful election in 1996 of Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone. If he is successful at getting three more commissioners on the commission, he effectively will be the "boss" of the County Commission, a disastrous situation.

The Sun's endorsements in the County Commission races:

In District E, Williams, a Democrat, is facing Republican Mark Smith. When she was a state legislator Williams fought hard to improve conditions for her constituents and the state as a whole. Williams has brought that same concern to her job as a county commissioner, getting sorely needed services for her district.

It's also noteworthy that Smith, who used to run the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, didn't get that group's endorsement. Instead, the chamber gave its nod to Williams. Without a doubt, Williams deserves to be re-elected.

In District F, former Trooper Steve Harney is running against Kenny. Harney initially appeared to be a fresh face, someone who would run a clean campaign. He rebuffed initial entreaties by Adelson to move to Williams' district and run against the incumbent. Now we find out that not only is he taking money from Adelson's company, the Venetian, but that he believes it's OK for Adelson to buy the race. The latest turn of events shows Harney to be one of the biggest disappointments this year.

Meanwhile, Kenny has run an aggressive and clean campaign, talking about her record as a county commissioner. She performed well in a recent debate against Harney and demonstrated why she was elected four years ago. Kenny is in touch with her constituents and should be re-elected.

In District G, Doyle, a Republican, is running against the Democratic Herrera. As a freshman lawmaker in the 1997 Legislature, Herrera was energetic and demonstrated he was a quick-study with common-sense thinking. He also will listen to his constituents. Herrera would bring some fresh ideas and new insight to the commission and should be elected.

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