Planning panel woos support from critics

Members of the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition want to make peace with two of their harshest critics: Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani and Sen. Dina Titus.

The pair of Democratic state legislators from Las Vegas have been critical of the newly formed group, which will give advice to local governments on planning issues.

Giunchigliani has said instead of forming an advisory group, the state should form a powerful regional planning board that would have the ultimate say on planning issues affecting multiple cities or a city and Clark County.

Titus said Tuesday the new advisory group -- which includes representatives of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Clark County and Boulder City -- is "window dressing for doing nothing."

Titus added that she has seen little evidence in recent months that the planning coalition will do much to significantly reshape how the Las Vegas Valley deals with urban growth.

Despite the criticism, Clark County Manager Dale Askew, who also serves as chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee for the coalition, said he hoped the two legislators will work with the coalition. The board plans to invite Titus and Giunchigliani to a meeting, he said.

"Basically, we are extending an olive branch to them. We really want to hear what they have to say," he said Tuesday.

Titus said later she would accept the invitation, as long as it does not conflict with her legislative schedule in Carson City. Giunchigliani could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

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