Listen to our May 13 interview with Victoria Seaman on the podcast.
Victoria Seaman, a Las Vegas councilwoman, answers our questions below.
In April, City Cast Las Vegas invited all qualified mayoral candidates to respond to a questionnaire so that our readers could get to know them a little better. All candidates were sent the same questions, and given a 600 character-count limit. As you'll see, some questions are a little more policy-oriented and some are a little more fun!
Read the rest of the questionnaire responses here.
1. What is the single most pressing issue facing the City of Las Vegas? Why?
"Public Safety:
The number one issue is public safety, but we are faced with two other pressing issues, which I have added. We are a unique city with nearly 60 million tourists a year and a growing population. The economic impact of the tourist industry is dependent on keeping people safe.
"Unhoused:
We are seeing an uptick in our unhoused due to an increase in addiction and mental health issues. Inflation is another factor making it harder for people to make ends meet.
"Affordable and Workforce Housing:
We have seen an increase in insurance rates and material costs, as well as inflation, which are the driving force behind the increased cost of housing. Additionally 80% of the land in Nevada is owned by the federal government, making it harder to purchase land for development."
2. Why is the Mayor of Las Vegas an important role for everyone living in the Valley?
"It is important to make sound policy decisions in the city, and others will follow. For example, we enacted and voted for the No Camping Ban in 2019 which was later enacted in Henderson in 2023."
3. Buskers at the Fremont Street Experience: yea or nay?
"When speaking with the stakeholders (Businesses and law enforcement), they are intimidating and threatening and mostly bring no added value."
4. Should the Tesla tunnels expand to the City of Las Vegas?
"Yes, I look forward to the expansion to relieve traffic congestion and give people options for transportation."
5. What’s your position on rent control?
"Having lived in Los Angeles and seeing what rent control did to many properties in Santa Monica, I will not support rent control at the state and local levels. If implemented, it would devastate new investment while creating dilapidated properties and increase the need for affordable housing.
"The unintended consequences of rent control policies can lead to market distortions such as reduced housing supply, deteriorating housing quality, and disincentives for new construction. It may also discourage investment in rental properties, limiting tenants' housing. In issues that affect our realtors, it is important to hear their voices on issues that concern the industry."
6. Oscar Goodman has the martini glass. What would your mayoral trademark be?
"A Frenchie, but I’m a lover of all animals."
7. What was Carolyn Goodman’s greatest accomplishment as mayor?
"The Goodman’s have done a phenomenal job of bringing culture and the arts to Las Vegas, including Symphony Park, and revitalizing downtown."
8. What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in Las Vegas?
"There are too many good restaurants to name one, but I do love the filet mignon at Andiamo in the D, and the pasta at Nora’s. And most recently had an amazing Filet at Bugsy and Meyers Steakhouse and William B’s in Ward 2."
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