Our choices in Las Vegas

Sunday, May 22, 2011 | 2:01 a.m.

Las Vegas voters will go to the polls to cast ballots in four races this general election, and at the top of the list is the contest to succeed Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Although the job of mayor is largely ceremonial, the position is still important. The mayor is a member of the City Council and runs the meetings. As the top elected official in Las Vegas, the mayor often represents the city in a variety of matters, including efforts to bring in new business. Goodman elevated the position to become the representative of not just the city but also the region. He also has regularly set the public agenda.

No one can reasonably expect the next mayor to be another fireball like Oscar Goodman, but his successor can certainly use the bully pulpit to bring attention to important issues, including improving education. Both candidates in the race to succeed him have plenty of experience. Primary winner Carolyn Goodman, the founder of the Meadows School and wife of the current mayor, is facing Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani.

Giunchigliani has been on the commission since 2007, and before that she was a member of the state Assembly for 16 years. She is a hard worker who delves into the nitty-gritty of policy and issues.

Carolyn Goodman has a long history in the community, and has spent years working with a variety of civic and business leaders. Her character and determination were instrumental in making the Meadows School the vital community asset that it is. Her commitment to excellence at the school was met with her commitment to provide scholarships to underprivileged children.

Clearly, the edge in the race goes to Goodman. She has pledged to continue the effort to redevelop downtown Las Vegas, and with her deep roots in the community and record of success, she is best suited to lead the city.

The Sun endorses Carolyn Goodman.

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Former state Sen. Bob Coffin is running against former state Democratic Party Chairwoman Adriana Martinez to replace longtime Councilman Gary Reese in Ward 3.

Both candidates bring good skills and experience. Martinez is currently the liaison to Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian. Coffin served in the Legislature for 28 years. Coffin’s experience is the difference in this race. He spent years working with state law and complex budget issues, and we admire him for always speaking his mind.

The Sun endorses Bob Coffin.

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Criminal defense attorney Sonny Bonaventure is running against prosecutor Susan Roger for the open seat in Las Vegas Municipal Court, Department 2.

Both candidates are qualified and have good courtroom experience. Bonaventure handles a variety of criminal cases for the public defender’s office. Roger has spent her career prosecuting cases for the Clark County district attorney’s office.

It’s a close call, but Bonaventure is the best pick. He has a good demeanor and pledges to be tough and fair in applying the facts to the law.

The Sun endorses Sonny Bonaventure.

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Judge George Assad is running for re-election in Las Vegas Municipal Court, Department 3. Assad, who has served since 2002, is facing the voters for the first time since he was reprimanded by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline.

The commission in 2007 took issue with an incident in which a woman, who went to his court on behalf of her boyfriend, was handcuffed and detained for more than two hours. Assad called it a “misunderstanding,” saying he didn’t mean for the bailiff to detain her, but a transcript of the incident speaks for itself. Before she was handcuffed, Assad told her to go with his bailiff to call her boyfriend, saying, “Tell him you’re going to jail if he doesn’t get his butt down here real fast.”

Heidi Almase, a seasoned attorney, is challenging Assad and brings a rich life experience to the race. She worked her way through UNLV as a janitor and earned a master’s degree. Before going to law school at UNLV, she worked as a state law enforcement officer. After graduating, she clerked for a state Supreme Court justice. She since has handled criminal and civil cases in municipal court for the Las Vegas city attorney’s office, has worked in the state attorney general’s office and is now in private practice. With her experience and qualifications, Almase would be an asset on the bench.

The Las Vegas Sun endorses Heidi Almase.