County Commission choices

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008 | 2:05 a.m.

The seven members of the Clark County Commission establish the policies that are carried out by the county manager. Four of the districts have races this election and all are being contested.

We believe the following candidates are the most qualified:

In District A, term limits mean that Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury cannot seek reelection. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat and member of the state higher education system’s Board of Regents, is facing Brian Scroggins, a Republican and former chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, in a race that has become increasingly negative. The County Commission needs leadership and experience more than ever, and we believe Sisolak has those qualities. During his time on the Board of Regents, Sisolak exhibited leadership, a quality we think he can bring to the County Commission. The Sun endorses Steve Sisolak.

Commissioner Tom Collins, a Democrat, is the superior candidate in District B. A five-term member of the state Assembly before joining the commission in 2005, he has a reputation for knowing his constituents and giving them a strong voice. The Sun endorses Tom Collins.

The District C seat, which opened when Chip Maxfield decided not to seek reelection, has attracted two well-known candidates — three-term Las Vegas City Councilman Larry Brown, a Democrat, and three-term state Assemblywoman Valerie Weber, a Republican. We believe Brown is the better choice, given his experience in local government. He has been instrumental in improving how the city budget is crafted and he played a leading role in expanding Las Vegas’ park system. His service on many regional boards — the same boards that county commissioners also serve on — has prepared him well for this office. The Sun endorses Larry Brown.

Lawrence Weekly, the Democratic commissioner in District D, was serving on the Las Vegas City Council when he was appointed to the County Commission in 2007, replacing Yvonne Atkinson Gates. Weekly, who is experienced in the areas of neighborhood revitalization and economic development, was a good addition to the commission. He has earned the support of his constituents. The Sun endorses Lawrence Weekly.