Steve Ross wants to be a County Commissioner. He is running against Marilyn Kirkpatrick for the District B seat, which encompasses the north end of Las Vegas. This is the seat that was recently vacated by Tom Collins.
Ross is currently a Las Vegas City Council Member, but he has been term limited out. He also sits on the Southern Nevada Water District board and has long ties to labor unions in Nevada.
We talked to Ross about what he wants for the county, and what he will bring to the job.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:
Why jump to the county?
The city of Las Vegas has been extremely successful in its redevelopment efforts in helping businesses get started, identifying sectors of industries we want to promote. Certainly downtown core, East Fremont Street, is a good example. But it's all about job creation. I don't think Clark County has an economic development department like the city of Las Vegas does.
I've spent 11 years on the Las Vegas City Council. We've streamlined the way we do business. We are very customer friendly, customer oriented. I don't believe Clark County is to that point. That's what I would bring over to the county.
How would you leverage private sector money and what would you leverage it toward?
You open it up for discussion, certainly. I think that's the primary example of what we need to do. There is no economic development department in Clark County whatsoever. You talked about the size of Clark County. Think about the economic opportunities.
Clark County should be bending over backwards to help the municipalities within its borders create jobs.
What is the number one issue still facing the city before you leave?
Probably jobs. I've always been a big jobs pusher. Public safety is always our number one concern. The majority of our budget for every local government goes to public safety.
Governments don't create jobs, but they can get out of the way to help the private sector to do that and by identifying those sectors and making them grow.
The Las Vegas Strip is in the county and there are a few empty properties on the boulevard. What can you do to stimulate this?
The convention center is growing out to Las Vegas Boulevard. I think that is a sign of things to come. Once that process takes place, all eyes are going to be on Las Vegas Boulevard. I think that Fontainebleau is going to be one of those premiere hot spots and we'll see what happens to it.
How about transportation and getting around the resort corridor?
Transportation has always been an issue. It is always going to be an issue. We had 42 million visitors last year. We're shooting for 43 million visitors this year. If we continue on that scale, what does that transportation model look like?
I favor the light-rail concept. I think light rail down Maryland Parkway from McCarran Airport into downtown and into North Las Vegas. I think that is probably the best bet. The economics behind it are tremendous. I've witnessed what they did in Salt Lake... it's amazing what's happened in regards to the business growth in sectors of the city that were blighted. They're starting to blossom now.
You think light rail should extend into North Las Vegas?
Without a doubt... This is a regional issue. Transportation, flooding these are all region issues that need to be addressed regionally, not in silos like the county is currently doing.
We have a Regional Flood District. We have a Regional Transportation Commission. These are quasi-governmental organizations where representation from every level of government is on these boards. And that's how a I think everything should be done in Southern Nevada. We don't live in silos. People don't care what border they live on. They don't know if they're in the city, or North Las Vegas or Clark County. No one cares, but we need to and we need to address that.
What are your thoughts on the stadium versus the convention center debate?
We need both. We need all of the above, if you ask me. We need light rail. We need better transportation. We need a stadium for state-of-the-art events. We can't slow down and we can't miss the mark. We need a larger convention space. Our customers are calling and saying 'We want a permanent presence in Las Vegas how can we get there?'
Would you be in favor of the county paying for a stadium?
Public-private partnership certainly needs to be part of the mix. If you recall, that's what we attempted to do downtown with Major League Soccer. I think that is how it is going to have to take place. It just needs to be done. Regardless of how we get there, it has to get done.
What do you want to do with this special property tax to pay for firefighters?
Public safety is the largest part of any local government's budget. I think that when you dial 911 you expect someone at your door in a matter of minutes. I don't think we can jeopardize that level of safety in Clark County.
Why did you run for elected office in the first place?
I grew up here. I went to school here. I have five kids and 14 grandchildren. Because I grew up here. Because I care so much for this city. In the past 11 years as city councilman, I love my job. I love serving the people of this city. I love being the go-to guy to get problems solved. And if I'm not the guy, I'll get someone who can. That's what I really enjoy about my job.
What is something you've accomplished that you are proud of?
There are so many. The highlights: I created a youth council in the northwest from the five high schools in my area. These are future leaders of tomorrow and I'm exposing them to civic opportunities.
Also, the Tule Springs National Monument. The fossil beds out there. Probably the greatest accomplishment and it wasn't just me. It was ten years of hard work on everybody's level. That is probably going to be the big legacy marker for me for generations to come.
Steve Ross, Las Vegas City Councilman
