The upcoming Las Vegas mayoral election is crucial as the winner will have to deal with the ongoing litigation surrounding the Badlands golf course. The potential cost to taxpayers is estimated to be over $500 million. Both Councilwoman Victoria Seaman and former U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley have expressed their support for settling the issue with EHB Cos. and ensuring that taxpayers are protected.
Berkley has criticized Seaman for not doing enough to resolve the matter during her time as a council member, while Seaman has accused Berkley of only showing interest in the issue when she decided to run for mayor. Despite being just one of seven votes on the City Council, both candidates believe that their leadership skills are essential in resolving the litigation.
The cases involve the disputed 250-acre golf course that EHB intended to develop into housing until it was blocked by the City Council due to community protests. EHB filed lawsuits claiming that the city’s actions amounted to a property “taking,” and judges have awarded EHB millions in compensation.
While the City Council has settled one case by paying $64 million to EHB, they voted to appeal an $80 million judgment in another case. Seaman and Councilwoman Nancy Brune opposed the appeal, causing frustration to EHB. If the city loses the remaining cases, the potential financial risk to taxpayers could be between $450 million to $650 million.
City Attorney Jeff Dorocak emphasized the need to reduce this risk through a combination of defending the city in court and seeking a settlement. Both Seaman and Berkley were asked how they would address the Badlands issue if elected mayor.
Seaman, who has been advocating for a settlement, emphasized the importance of coming together to resolve the matter. She suggested mediation with the developers and city officials to reach a settlement as soon as possible. Seaman has been vocal about avoiding unnecessary legal expenses and exploring options like city ownership of the golf course.
On the other hand, Berkley, who has not been directly involved in the controversy, expressed her intention to sit down with the city attorney and developer Yohan Lowie to understand the situation and negotiate a resolution. She highlighted the need to protect taxpayers while finding a solution that the developer would accept.
Berkley acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in her ability to convince the council to agree on a settlement. She emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus and working with council members to address their concerns and find common ground.
In conclusion, the next Las Vegas mayor faces a challenging task in resolving the Badlands controversy and protecting taxpayers from significant financial losses. Both Seaman and Berkley have outlined their strategies for tackling the issue, emphasizing the need for leadership, negotiation, and collaboration to reach a settlement that benefits all parties involved.
