“Former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman Lead Crowded Race for Las Vegas Mayor”
Former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman are emerging as the frontrunners in a competitive race for Las Vegas mayor, according to a recent poll. Berkley, a Democrat, leads with 16% support, closely followed by Seaman, a Republican, with 12%. Councilman Cedric Crear trails behind with 7% of the vote.
In interviews with The Current, Berkley and Seaman outlined their campaign priorities and plans if elected. Berkley, who has a long history of public service, highlighted issues such as public safety, homelessness, and affordable housing as her main focus areas. She emphasized the need for action on these critical issues facing the city.
Seaman, on the other hand, aims to streamline business processes in Las Vegas to support small business owners and job creators. She has positioned herself as the “law and order” candidate, with endorsements from law enforcement organizations.
One of the key challenges facing the city is the rising homelessness crisis, particularly in downtown Las Vegas. Both Berkley and Seaman support the city’s “camping ban” and are in favor of a proposal from the resort industry to build a homeless facility with mental health services and transitional housing.
In terms of development, both candidates support efforts to secure more federal land for development in Southern Nevada. They also address concerns about the housing market, with Berkley criticizing Wall Street investors for driving up housing costs and Seaman advocating for incentives for mixed-use projects.
The candidates also weigh in on revitalizing blighted areas in Las Vegas, with a focus on the Historic Westside. Berkley and Seaman acknowledge the need for more development in the area and emphasize the importance of community input and incentives for developers.
On the issue of animal overpopulation, Seaman has raised concerns about the Animal Foundation and is pushing for a new contract and oversight. Berkley, on the other hand, advocates for adequate funding for the existing shelter and stricter regulations on pet breeding.
With the primary election approaching on June 11, Berkley and Seaman are positioning themselves as strong contenders for the mayoral seat. The top two candidates from the primary will advance to the general election, where they will face off against a crowded field of 11 other candidates. Early voting is scheduled for May 25-June 7, and the outcome of the race will have significant implications for the future of Las Vegas.