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In an effort to recoup North Las Vegas’ $30 million dollar plus shortfall, 40 firefighters received pink slips June 13.
Unfortunately, this significant cut is anticipated to be followed by another round of layoffs this October or next July.
The move comes from the 2012 budget approved by North Las Vegas’ city council May 17, in which a total of 250 city positions were identified to be cut.
In talking with firefighters debating the issue and waiting to find out their fate, the story takes an interesting turn. Although perspectives vary in the fire house, one thing is agreed upon.
Following the news closely these days is important, as a discussion to hold a special election for North Las Vegas’ Ward 4 council is scheduled to take place Thursday.
In a one-vote victory, local dentist Wade Wagner defeated incumbent councilman Richard Cherchio 1,831 to 1,830 on June 7.
Several days after the election, the Clark County Elections Department discovered that one invalid vote had been cast in Precinct 4306. When Cherchio called for a recount, Wagner sued.
Thursday’s meeting determines if a new election will be held for the precinct in question. The idea of a new vote in a largely democratic precinct surely doesn’t bode well for republican Wagner.
Wagner is the North Las Vegas’ unions favorite, as Cherchio voted for the public safety budget cuts that led to the firefighter layoffs.
Union members would likely vote for Wagner, as they’ve been known to aggressively campaign against Cherchio. One paid advertisement in particular pictures a burglar breaking into a house, with the message that Cherchio is to blame for the city’s alleged increased crime rate.
It’s also been reported that the majority of Wagner’s campaign funds came from the valley’s public safety unions.
A tough job is ahead for whoever ultimately wins the council seat, as North Las Vegas continues wading in economic turmoil.
(Additional information collected from Las Vegas Sun, firefighternation.com, CBS Las Vegas, and Las Vegas Review Journal.)