Recapping our municipal endorsements

Today is Election Day for Southern Nevada's municipalities. With each of Clark County's three largest cities facing fiscal challenges as a result of declining tax collections, voters have every reason to participate in elections that traditionally feature poor turnout.

The Review-Journal has issued endorsements in the valley's various campaigns.

In Tuesday's biggest race, Carolyn Goodman, founder of The Meadows School and wife of term-limited Mayor Oscar Goodman, is a better choice than former assemblywoman and current Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani. Like her husband, Mrs. Goodman is a big-picture visionary with the energy and charisma to continue his legacy of downtown redevelopment and economic diversification.

In the Las Vegas City Council Ward 3 race, former state Sen. Bob Coffin is our choice to replace term-limited incumbent Gary Reese. Mr. Coffin is more likely to make tough budget choices than city employee Adriana Martinez.

Las Vegas Municipal Judge George Assad, seeking re-election in Department 3, is among the valley's lowest-rated judges in our biennial judicial survey and has demonstrated little regard for the rights of those who appear in his court. Local attorney Heidi Almase deserves voters' support.

In Las Vegas Municipal Court's open Department 2 seat, public defender Sonny Bonaventure is a better choice than county prosecutor Susan Roger, whose campaign suggests a lack of respect for the rights of defendants.

In Henderson, prosecutor and city Planning Commission Chairman Sam Bateman wins our endorsement over retired city Chief of Police Mike Mayberry to replace term-limited Ward 4 City Councilman Steve Kirk. Mr. Bateman appreciates the struggles of the private sector, understands how poorly conceived city codes can hinder commerce and opposes increasing taxes to prop up city salaries and benefits.

North Las Vegas City Councilman Richard Cherchio, a voice of common sense, has been targeted by city unions because he advocates reining in salaries and benefits to balance the budget. That's exactly why voters should choose him in Ward 4 over challenger Wade Wagner, a local dentist.

In North Las Vegas' Ward 2 council race, assistant principal Pamela Goynes-Brown is a better choice than real estate agent Linda Meisenheimer to replace William Robinson.

In North Las Vegas Municipal Court, Department 1, the Review-Journal endorses deputy city attorney Catherine Ramsey over attorney Marsha Kimble-Simms.