Askew, Herrera meet; directors' jobs threatened

Clark County's top administrators were scheduled to meet with department heads today to address Commissioner Dario Herrera's comment Wednesday that some directors might lose their jobs.

The same day Clark County Manager Dale Askew returned from vacation to discuss Herrera's and Commissioner Erin Kenny's concerns about his job performance, a new ripple of controversy was sent through the County Government Center.

Herrera said that during his half-hour meeting with Askew, the county manager assured him he would replace department heads whom commissioners believe are ineffective.

Commission Chairman Bruce Woodbury said no such promises were made.

"Dale didn't say he would be getting rid of anybody," Woodbury said. "I think it's regrettable it's being talked about. It can't be doing much for the morale of the staff."

Askew released a brief statement Wednesday before retreating back to the mountains of Utah to resume his vacation.

"I have decided to stay on as county manager having talked to the majority of commissioners face-to-face and listened to concerns and issues," Askew said in a prepared statement.

"I've responded to all the commissioners, including those who spoke for my resignation to define issues and resolve problems we're facing."

Herrera and Kenny went public with their wishes for Askew to resign last Thursday, a day after the county manager left for vacation. Woodbury said it was unfortunate Askew had to interrupt his vacation, but he said it was necessary for him to quickly address the board members' concerns.

Woodbury also wanted the issue resolved before he leaves town on Friday. He said he felt comfortable with his departure after Wednesday's meetings, but that was before he heard about Herrera's comments.

"The latest wrinkle is not a calming factor, but we'll deal with it and move on," Woodbury said.

Most commissioners met with Askew in person on Wednesday. The county manager met with Kenny and Woodbury together for nearly two hours. Herrera and Askew talked for a half-hour.

Following their conversation, Herrera said the harsh comments he made last week about Askew paid off and he was promised what he wanted -- change.

"I can't say I felt completely satisfied, but I do feel good about at least affecting positive change in Clark County," Herrera said. "I think this is a good starting point."

Herrera said along with replacing ineffective directors, Askew promised to be more responsive to all the commissioners' needs and to be a better communicator.

Both Herrera and Kenny have said they like Askew as a person, but they don't believe he is innovative or energetic enough to lead the county. The two also are concerned about top administrators who have left while Askew has been at the helm.

"I'm in the mode of continually striving to improve county government," Herrera said. "Any opportunity to improve, I'll advance the interest of our constituents and the public as a whole."

Board members Woodbury, Yvonne Atkinson Gates, Mary Kincaid and Myrna Williams were angry about the attempted coup. Since Herrera announced last week that he, Kenny and Commissioner Lance Malone wanted Askew to resign, the other four -- the majority of the board -- have lobbied heavily for Askew.

"I spoke with him and told him I supported him; I told him I didn't think he should step down," Atkinson Gates said. "We're 100 percent behind him."

If the allies and adversaries on the Clark County Commission weren't transparent before the attempted ouster of Askew, it appears the lines have been drawn now.

Atkinson Gates, Williams and Kincaid typically have each other's support on votes while Kenny and Malone have traditionally shared the same views on issues. It might appear Herrera is siding with Kenny and Malone, but the newest board member maintains he and his colleagues simply vote on what they believe is best for their constituents.

He said the latest battle over Askew has not polarized the board.

"All the commissioners recognize we have a certain responsibility to the people we serve," Herrera said. "Regardless of any disagreements that may occur with the commission, it's vital we work together and continue to tackle the challenges our public is faced with."

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