Candidates unload barrage against absent McDonald

With incumbent City Councilman Michael McDonald a no-show at a candidates forum Tuesday night, three of his opponents for the Ward 1 seat seized the opportunity to mount unanswered claims against him.

McDonald campaign volunteer Nathan Taylor stood in as a proxy during the three-minute opening statement segment of the forum sponsored by the Charleston Neighborhood Preservation group.

But some in the sparse audience of 18 took exception to the young, albeit well-meaning, campaign representative.

"I don't understand why we have a sub," one man said angrily before walking out of the event at the West Charleston Library. "We came here to hear the candidates."

Three of the five candidates vying in the May 4 primary shared their views on a number of city issues, including crime, traffic and neighborhood preservation.

But they spent most of their time assailing McDonald, who said he had a previously scheduled meeting with the Hispanic Republican Association and could not attend.

"He won't face me," said Linda Gray, a former city employee and 35-year resident of Ward 1.

"This is the sixth occasion that I've appeared before a candidates forum when Councilman McDonald didn't show or sent someone on his behalf," added Steve Miller, a former councilman and McDonald's staunchest critic in the race.

Miller then handed out copies of McDonald's first campaign contribution and expenditure report -- released to the public earlier that day -- showing $535,551 in total contributions for the incumbent.

"I've lived in this county for 40 years, and when I came here, prostitution was legal," Miller said. "I can assure you, it's back.

Prostitution has been illegal in Clark County since World War II.

"This is prostitution we're talking about," Miller added, waving a copy of the report.

Chris Christoff, a longtime community activist in the Meadows Village neighborhood in the shadow of the Stratosphere Tower, told the crowd he can better address their concerns.

"The little guy has only got representation from people like me," he said. "When a person spends $600,000 just in the primary to get elected, why should we allow it?"

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