Henderson election

Henderson voters couldn’t ask for a bigger contrast in candidates in the Ward 4 City Council race — the only contest on next week’s municipal ballot.

Mike Mayberry, a retired Henderson police chief, is part of the city’s old guard and has the backing of public employee unions. Sam Bateman, a Clark County prosecutor and chairman of the Henderson Planning Commission, is part of the city’s new blood and isn’t vested in the status quo. They’re vying to replace the term-limited Steve Kirk.

Mr. Bateman, a graduate of UNLV’s Boyd Law School, has worked as a deputy district attorney since 2004. His four years on the Planning Commission have exposed him to the challenges the city faces in helping new businesses open their doors. As a councilman, he’ll have the ability to propose changes to burdensome requirements.

Mr. Bateman knows the city must close a roughly $20 million budget hole with compensation concessions from unionized workers. He won’t support a property tax increase to maintain current salaries and benefits.

Mr. Mayberry is living proof that those benefits need to be reined in. Upon his retirement from the police force in 2005 after nearly 30 years of service, including more than five years as chief, Mr. Mayberry started collecting more than $30,000 per year in disability pay on top of his six-figure pension because of heart problems. He continues to collect disability pay even though he was well enough to run for mayor two years ago, and even though he’s healthy enough to pursue a $45,000-per-year council post. He shouldn’t be able to have it both ways at taxpayer expense.

Public employee unions see Mr. Mayberry as their ticket to the gravy train. Henderson voters can’t afford that.

Sam Bateman has the energy, integrity and fresh perspective Henderson needs to return to prosperity. The Review-Journal endorses Sam Bateman for Henderson City Council.