First-time candidate announces Las Vegas City Council bid
First-time political candidate Shawn Mooneyham plans to run to represent Las Vegas’ Ward 3 in municipal elections in spring 2019.
Mooneyham, 36, said he would prioritize services for the homeless population if he were elected. He called the city’s courtyard project, a one-stop shop where homeless people can go to access a range of services, a “good start.”
“I’d like to see somewhere where the homeless have computers to use, a place that offers help to get them IDs,” Mooneyham said.
The annual Southern Nevada Homeless Census found 6,083 people living in shelters and on the streets in Clark County during a point-in-time count in January.
Former Las Vegas parks commissioner David Lopez late last year announced his intent to run for the Ward 3 seat. Incumbent Bob Coffin hasn’t announced whether he’s seeking a third and final four-year term on the council.
“Living here, I feel like we get the same people over and over again,” Mooneyham said of the candidates for office.
If elected, Mooneyham said, he would scour the city budget to find more dollars for services that benefit seniors, veterans and mental health, and prioritize rebuilding city infrastructure.
“I’m not promising anything. I want to look at the budget and see where the money is going,” he said.
Mooneyham works in guest services for a casino but wouldn’t identify which casino.
The municipal primary election will be held April 2, and, if necessary, the general election is June 11. Candidates will make their runs for city offices official during a 10-day filing period that begins Jan. 22.
Contact Jamie Munks at jmunks@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0340. Follow @Journo_Jamie_ on Twitter.
