Las Vegas mayoral candidates Victoria Seaman and Shelley Berkley recently participated in a 90-minute forum where they discussed key issues facing the city, including the long-standing dispute surrounding the defunct Badlands golf course. Both candidates agreed that resolving the Badlands matter should be a top priority, as it could potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Seaman, who has served on the city council for five years, emphasized her efforts to end the litigation surrounding Badlands, while Berkley, a former member of Congress, highlighted the importance of leadership in moving the city forward.
The Badlands issue has been a contentious topic in Las Vegas, with developers seeking to turn the golf course into a housing development. The city has been locked in a legal battle with developers, resulting in a costly judgment that the city had to pay off. Both Seaman and Berkley expressed their commitment to settling the matter and moving the city council in the right direction. Berkley emphasized the need for a change in leadership to achieve progress, while Seaman highlighted her consistent votes to end the litigation.
As the mayoral election approaches, voters will have to decide who they believe is best suited to lead Nevada’s largest city. Both candidates have put forward their visions for the city, with Berkley focusing on her extensive experience in public service and Seaman highlighting her dedication to understanding the city’s needs and working closely with the community. The upcoming election will mark a significant shift in leadership, as it will be the first time in 25 years that a member of the Goodman family is not on the ballot.
In addition to the Badlands issue, the candidates discussed other important topics such as public safety, affordable housing, homelessness, and improving medical services. Both candidates expressed their commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the community. Seaman emphasized her endorsements from various law enforcement organizations, while Berkley highlighted her past collaborations with the police and her plans to work collaboratively with them if elected.
On the issue of affordable housing, both candidates acknowledged the need for more affordable housing opportunities in the city. Seaman emphasized the importance of providing incentives for builders and developers to expand affordable housing options, while Berkley supported recent city council ordinances that eased development restrictions to allow for more affordable housing. Both candidates recognized that addressing affordable housing is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach.
The candidates also discussed the intertwined issues of homelessness and mental health, recognizing the need for proper mental health services to reduce homelessness in the city. Seaman expressed her commitment to working with Governor Joe Lombardo to bring a transformational homeless campus to Las Vegas, while Berkley highlighted the city’s current spending on homeless services and the need for improved solutions to address the issue. Both candidates agreed that homelessness is a humanitarian problem that requires a comprehensive approach.
In terms of improving medical services, Seaman expressed her goal of bringing a standalone children’s hospital to Las Vegas, highlighting her discussions with Intermountain Health on potential locations for the hospital. Berkley supported the idea of a children’s hospital and emphasized the importance of working with medical corporations to address the community’s healthcare needs. Both candidates recognized the importance of expanding medical services in the city to meet the growing demand for healthcare.
Overall, the mayoral candidates presented contrasting profiles and approaches to addressing the key issues facing Las Vegas. While both candidates agreed on the importance of resolving the Badlands dispute and addressing issues such as public safety, affordable housing, homelessness, and medical services, they offered different perspectives on how to tackle these challenges. As voters prepare to elect a new mayor, they will need to consider the candidates’ visions for the city and their ability to lead Las Vegas into the future.