|
 Longtime
Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates is
leaving public life March 2, retiring from public
service to pursue her life as a private citizen.
The
commissioner’s elected career spanned three decades
during which she shepherded projects and sponsored
initiatives benefiting the citizens.
“I
have enjoyed an extraordinary career representing the
constituents of District D,” Atkinson Gates said.
“But after 22 years in the public eye, I am returning
to private life where I will now dedicate my time to my
family, my education, and my business.”
One of Atkinson Gates’ legacies will be the early
childhood development centers she championed over the
years. The centers provide classes for parents and
pre-school aged children.
“These
centers give a helping hand to young families going
through challenging times,” Atkinson Gates said.
“I am proud of my fellow commissioners for their
support of this project and others like it that help
those citizens who most need it. ” The Yvonne Atkinson
Gates Early Childhood Development Center at 951 Tonopah
Drive, which is one of the three existing centers, is
named for the commissioner.
 A
fourth center will be adjacent to the Dr. William U.
Pearson Community Center, located on the southwest
corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Carey Avenue
in West Las Vegas. The commissioner was the driving
force behind the center, which is currently under
construction.
The
center, expected to open later this year, also will
include a gymnasium, computer room, multipurpose rooms,
fitness room, game room, teen room and senior
room. The center also will offer programs focused
on health, education, computer-based literacy, job
skills training, arts, crafts and recreation.
“The
Pearson Community Center will be a wonderful addition to
the community and bring positive activities and programs
to the inner-city,” Atkinson Gates said.
Atkinson
Gates also was a strong force supporting many recreation
and park facilities, including the Clarence Ray Memorial
Park in West Las Vegas and Alexander Villa Park in East
Las Vegas. Among her other accomplishments is the
development of the Walnut Cecile Recreation Center,
Clark County Community Resource Center that is home to
the life-size bronze statue of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.,
Silver Mesa Recreation Center and METRO Bolden Area
Command Police Substation. Atkinson Gates was a
strong voice for agencies that serviced residents in
District D and she dedicated resources to making sure
agencies such as the Shade Tree Shelter, the West Las
Vegas Cultural Arts Center, Nevada Hand and the Las
Vegas-Clark County Urban League remain viable.
“I
have spearheaded a number of projects over the years
because I saw a need, but I have also had the good
fortune of working with other agencies to bring vital
resources to a community in need,” Atkinson Gates
said. “I am very pleased with the projects I was
able to complete and I know that I could not have done
any of it by myself so I am grateful for the community
partnerships that I was able to foster and cultivate.”
Atkinson
Gates is retiring before her latest project is
completed, a tennis complex planned for Lake Mead
Boulevard and Allen Lane. The complex will offer
youth and adults in the area a recreational alternative
that will foster community and opportunity, Atkinson
Gates said.
“I
have always wanted to afford the youth and families in
my district every advantage that is available in other
communities in Las Vegas and around the country.
The early childhood development centers, this tennis
complex and all of the projects I have dedicated energy
and passion to were done so that the people I represent
would have access to opportunities.”
A
lifelong resident of her commission district, Atkinson
Gates graduated from Clark High School and then earned a
bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism
from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Atkinson Gates
also received a master’s degree in public
administration from UNLV, where the commissioner is in
the process of completing her dissertation for a
doctorate degree in public administration.
Atkinson
Gates was first elected to public office in 1985 as a
member of the Clark County School Board, where she
served two terms before moving on to the County
Commission.
In
1992, Atkinson Gates was elected county commissioner
from District D, which includes many of the older Las
Vegas neighborhoods such as downtown and historic West
Las Vegas.
Her
fourth term as a commissioner began on Jan. 3, 2005 and
expires in January 2009. The governor will appoint
Atkinson Gates’ replacement on the commission.
During
her time on the commission, Atkinson Gates has served in
a variety of capacities including two terms as chair of
the County Commission. She also has served on
numerous boards and panels on behalf of the county, such
as the Clark County Water Reclamation District, Las
Vegas Valley Water District, and Las Vegas Convention
and Visitors' Authority.
Atkinson
Gates has been president of the Nevada Association of
Counties, served on the National Association of Counties
Board of Directors, and been co-chair of the Greater Las
Vegas After-School All-Stars (formerly Las Vegas Inner
City Games). She has chaired the Democratic
National Committee Black Caucus, and is an
at-large-member of the Democratic National Committee.
The
commissioner’s efforts have won her recognition from
many organizations over the years. She received
the 2002 Eleanor Roosevelt Award, the 2004 Unity Council
Community Achievement Award, and more recently
Commissioner Gates was among a select group of women
recognized as a Nevada Distinguished Woman for 2004.
“I’ve
had a wonderful career, and have been truly blessed to
be a part of the good things happening in our
community,” Atkinson Gates said. “I am truly
grateful and honored to have been chosen to represent my
friends, neighbors and the citizens of District D for so
many years. Thank you.”
Atkinson
Gates will be replaced by Las Vegas City Councilman
Lawrence Weekly. The announcement was made by Gov.
Jim Gibbons on Tuesday at a news
conference attended by Commissioners Bruce Woodbury,
Tom Collins and Susan Brager.
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