To the polls

Elected officials have plenty of opportunities to cut government expenses and find savings for taxpayers. Elections should not be among them.

The Las Vegas City Council acknowledged as much Wednesday — barely — when it voted to hold a special election to replace outgoing Ward 2 Councilman Steve Wolfson, who will vacate the office to become Clark County district attorney.

Appropriately, Mr. Wolfson broke a 3-3 tie with his vote, provided over the telephone from Hawaii, where he was vacationing. Eight years ago, Mr. Wolfson became a councilman by winning a special election to replace Lynette Boggs McDonald, who resigned to accept an appointment to the Clark County Commission.

The 2004 vote to hold a special election was the right decision in booming economic times, when the city was flush with cash. And Wednesday’s decision was the correct call, even if it costs taxpayers some $75,000 during a stalled economy, when the council is cutting back.

The alternative to a special election was to have the council appoint someone to complete Mr. Wolfson’s term, which expires next year. That would have allowed the mayor and the council members elected by the city’s other five wards to decide who represents Ward 2, a back-room process that leaves an appointee loyal to other council members instead of voters.

Direct election leaves the decision in the hands of thousands of citizens, not six politicians. Allowing the public to decide who represents them and carries out their business is one of the most essential functions of a republican democracy.

It’s full speed ahead in this campaign. Candidate filing will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, and the special election will be held March 20.

Ward 2 residents should take the time to learn about each of the candidates so they can cast an informed ballot.