Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman with the Las Vegas City Council including new Ward 2 Councilman Steven G. Seroka and Ward 6 Councilwoman Michele Fiore.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017 | 12:06 p.m.
The Las Vegas City Council today welcomed two new members — one a familiar face in Nevada politics and the other a political newcomer.
Former Assemblywoman Michele Fiore and retired Col. Steve Seroka were sworn in by Mayor Carolyn Goodman at a meeting this morning.
Fiore represents Ward 6, which encompasses Centennial Hills and the far northwest. It is the fastest-growing ward in the city.
Seroka represents Ward 2, which encompasses the southwest part of the city, including Peccole Ranch, Queensridge, the Lakes and part of Summerlin.
Joined by family and friends, the new council members expressed excitement for their new roles and said it was honor to serve the people of Las Vegas.
Seroka thanked the voters and promised to stick to his values and make decisions for the greater good. “I’m honored,” he said.
Fiore took a lighter tone.
“Vegas is amazing,” she said, before joking about former Mayor Oscar Goodman, the current mayor’s husband. “Following Oscar’s footsteps, it’s Vegas, baby, and we’re going to have a good time.”
Both new council members faced difficult battles for their seats.
Fiore edged out Kelli Ross, the wife of the outgoing Councilman Steve Ross, during the general election, capturing 51.1 percent of the vote. While the two candidates never publicly debated, they ran exhaustive grass-roots, door-to-door campaigns.
Seroka defeated incumbent Councilman Bob Beers during the general election with 54 percent of the vote.
The race was dominated by controversial redevelopment plans regarding the shuttered Badlands Golf Course. Beers had voted for the development and stood by his decision, citing legal obligation and fiscal responsibility.
Seroka positioned himself as an outsider. He had never run for office before.
Also sworn in at today’s meeting were Municipal Court Judge (Dept. 3) Cara Campbell, who defeated incumbent Heidi Almase in the general election, and City Manager Scott Adams, who was chosen by the council to succeed former City Manager Betsy Fretwell, who left this month to work in the private sector.
The new City Council’s first item of business was to unanimously vote Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian as mayor pro tem. The mayor pro tem acts as mayor when Carolyn Goodman is unable to serve. Tarkanian was nominated by Goodman to replace Steve Ross.
