LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas is less than a month away from choosing its first mayor not named Goodman in 25 years.
The mayoral candidates, former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and current Ward 2 Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, sat down with senior political reporter Steve Sebelius to share their views on the issues important to Las Vegas voters. Here's what they said.
Battle over Badlands
As our chief investigator Darcy Spears has uncovered, the City of Las Vegas' legal tab in the battle over the defunct Badlands golf course is expected to reach nearly $500 million.
Here's how each candidate said they would tackle the massive Badlands legal tab if they're elected:
They also shared their perspectives on how the Badlands settlement would impact the city's budget and where cuts would need to be made.
Battle Over Badlands
'Staggering sum' of Badlands judgments impact Las Vegas jobs, projects, property
Affordable housing
We know the issue of housing affordability — now and in the future — is top of mind for local voters in this election. Steve asked Berkley and Seaman how they would tackle affordable housing, including the issue of investors outside the city buying up housing — and what to do when residents oppose nearby development.
Here's what each of them had to say:
Homelessness
On a related note, Steve asked the candidates how they would address homelessness in the City of Las Vegas.
Education
In Las Vegas, public education is handled by the Clark County School District. However, the city did open a public charter school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve asked Berkley and Seaman why the city should be involved in education, given that it's not listed in the city charter and the city is facing a raft of other issues.
Public scrutiny
Over the past few decades, the position of mayor has evolved to more than just a municipal leader, Steve said, and has almost become a celebrity representative of the entire valley. Berkley and Seaman were asked how they would be able to handle that aspect of the job if elected.
Use of public funds
Las Vegas is now home to multiple major sports teams, with more possibly on the way. Steve asked the candidates their views on using public funds to lure sports teams to Las Vegas.
Political experience
Lastly, while the two candidates both have extensive experience in politics, Steve wanted to know if they felt their backgrounds, from Berkley's time in Congress and Seaman's time on the city council, better prepared them to become the next mayor of Las Vegas.
Early voting began on Oct. 19, and election day is set for Nov. 5.
If you have a question about politics, elections or government, or you have seen an ad you'd like us to check, you can Ask Steve at ktnv.com/asksteve. He will endeavor to answer your questions on air or online.