NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV (FOX5) -
More than 200 people packed into a room at Aliante Station Wednesday night to hear about what might be in store for struggling North Las Vegas.
Mayor Shari Buck laid out a strategic plan and five-year goal for the city. However, many in attendance said they weren't satisfied with what she said and are frustrated with what she didn't say.
"The city has been going through what you've been going through in your own homes for the past three to four years, which is a devastating economic downturn," Buck told the crowd. "We are very mindful of wanting to make sure that you have a great quality of life."
Those who attended had much to be upset about. About 125 city employees were laid off at the beginning of the month. City recreation centers and libraries were forced to reduce personnel and operating hours. The city jail was shut down.
"I was not happy about it (speech)," said attendee Sydelle Mendelson.
"I was actually kind of appalled," added Josh Adully, another attendee.
The mayor tried to assure residents that recent fire station closures are temporary and determined by day-to-day staffing levels.
"Very rarely do you have any fire stations closed or more than one fire station closed," Buck said.
Residents said even one station closed is too many.
"The citizens in that area become more vulnerable to potential future damage than necessary," Adully said.
Still, the mayor said some firefighters were making double their salaries with overtime and the city had no choice but to crack down.
Buck also used the city's contracts with unions as an example of wasteful spending, saying that under the old ones the city paid $62 an hour to clean park restrooms. Buck told those gathered that the city is working to renegotiate many contracts.
That's something some residents believe should have been done a long time ago.
"The last thing we need are unions telling us how to run our city," said attendee Ken Angell.
The mayor said she and the city are proud that police officers and firefighters have not been laid off. She also said that one of the nation's largest manufacturers of nails is considering a move to North Las Vegas.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
