Commissioners to wrestle with assemblyman’s replacement, Metro budget request

By Conor Shine

Sunday, April 14, 2013 | 2 a.m.

Assembly District 17 could finally have a new representative to replace the expelled Steven Brooks after Clark County commissioners consider nine candidates at their meeting at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday.

Commissioners also are expected to discuss a request for increased funding from Metro Police and the current state of mental health care in Southern Nevada.

Brooks replacement

Nearly three weeks after Brooks was expelled from the Legislature, commissioners are expected to pick a replacement to serve out the remaining term representing constituents in North Las Vegas.

Nine people applied for the spot, including a former assemblyman, a former police lobbyist and a former state official.

The commission has the option to conduct a public question-and-answer session with candidates before their vote. Commissioner Tom Collins, whose district covers most of the area Brooks represented, said he planned to follow the recommendation of Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, although it’s unclear who she will choose.

Metro Police budget

Sheriff Doug Gillespie canceled a scheduled appearance before the commissioners two weeks ago so he could testify on a bill in Carson City.

That bill, which as originally proposed would raise the sales tax by a quarter-cent to hire more police, plays an important role in the discussion Gillespie will have with commissioners on Tuesday when he presents Metro Police’s budget request for next year.

The proposed $502.1 million budget would require an additional $17.1 million from the county, which could be a tough sell to commissioners facing another tight budget.

Developments previewed at Zoning Commission

Commissioners will get a glimpse of plans for new developments along the Strip and elsewhere in the county when they meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday as the Zoning Commission.

One proposal up for review details major renovations to the entry of the Monte Carlo casino. The changes would be focused on the northeast corner of the property and would create space for five new restaurants and a pedestrian plaza along the Strip.

Plans for a fairground for festivals and outdoor events in a parking lot near the Luxor that were delayed from the April 3 Zoning Commission meeting also are scheduled to be heard Wednesday.

Away from the Strip, the commission is expected to approve a zone change allowing a 1,200-acre nature preserve in Moapa to move forward. Plans for the land, which is currently owned by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, include installing fencing, creating trails, and regrading and revegetating some of the area.