Globe Files Open Records Request to Examine Redistricting Ties to Prominent Dem Consultant

The Clark County Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 10 am on an ordinance to set new boundary lines for each of the seven Commission districts, a process that takes place every 10 years following the U.S. Census.

The ordinance was introduced at the Oct. 19 meeting of the board, where the public was afforded an opportunity to provide input. Residents also provided comments at an Oct. 4 community meeting.

The Nevada Globe attended the Oct. 4 meeting and found that the County’s redistricting consultant, Dave Heller of Main Street Comunications, is more than a statistician—he is a Democratic activist. As president of Main Street Communications, an award-winning political media firm, Heller has “compiled the best win-loss record in the Democratic Party helping clients win election to Congress.” Heller’s bio boasts of “winning 9 out of 10 House races” in 2012. Interestingly, Heller has a slightly different bio under a slightly different company name—Main Street Redistricting.  During this public meeting, Heller admitted that the Commissioners had tasked him with creating “two majority Latino districts.”

As a follow up to this meeting, The Nevada Globe has issued an open records request to the county on October 12 asking for all communications between the Commissioners, the consultant, and Silver State Voices.  We were told that are request is ‘in cue’.  Due to this delay, which appears to be in violation of Nevada statute NRS 239, The Nevada Globe has contacted the County for clarification.

The Nov. 2 Commission meeting will be held in the first-floor Commission Chambers at the Clark County Government Center at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas. Those unable to attend in person may watch the proceedings live on Clark County Television (CCTV) and at www.Facebook.com/ClarkCountyNV, www.Twitter.com/ClarkCountyNV and https://www.youtube.com/user/ClarkCountyNV/live. One also may submit comments or questions to redistricting@ClarkCountyNV.gov.