LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- It's voting day in Las Vegas and Ward 6 residents are heading to the polls to decide whether to remove Councilman Steve Ross.
The recall election for Las Vegas city council member Steve Ross comes to an end tonight.
Early voting took place last Thursday and Friday, The polls opened up 7 a.m. Steve Ross and his challenger Byron Goynes, a 51-year-old planning commissioner, are both very confident they're in the right position to win this election. More than 2,900 Ward 6 residents have already voted.
Clark county election officials expect the results to be posted after the polls close around 7:00 p.m.
Recall supporters succeeded on their second attempt of forcing an election. Their first attempt at a recall fell short of the number of signatures needed.
Ross is in his second term on the City Council. He claims the recall is being driven by car dealer Joe Scala, who is upset Ross did not push through a zoning change that would have allowed his car dealership to remain open.
News 3's Rob Munoz caught up with both Ross and challenger Byron Goynes today.
Some residents called the recall a waste of taxpayer money while others said it was necessary to have a clean slate. Both candidates said they're confident they'll win.
It's a fight to the finish in Ward 6 before the polls close for city council member Ross and his recall election opponent Goynes. Ross says this vote is a distraction.
“Keep in mind Goynes has run for every office in Clark County, and this just an opportunity for him to try and win this seat” Ross said “And this is an opportunity for Joe Scala to get a 'yes' man in that office. And my vote's not for sale.”
Ross claims car dealer Joe Scala is the driving force behind the recall. Scala is upset Ross didn't push through a zoning change that would have allowed his car dealership to remain open.
“This is one guy manipulating the election system, this is Joe Scala, the used car salesman spending a whole lot of money to recall me because I wouldn't do what he wanted me to do” Ross said.
Recall supporters claim Ross listens more to special interests and then to residents. Goynes doesn't have nice words for the man he's up against.
“It's like playing three-card Monty.” Goynes said. “That’s what Steve Ross has done, and always done, he never talks about his record. He never comes up and defends his record but yet he wants to say I'm a puppet, and if that be the case, I'm the most handsomest puppet I've ever seen.”
Today both candidates are going door-to-door campaigning before the polls close at tonight at 7 p.m.
Ross isn't planning a big night tonight and sid he plans to get the results at home.
Goynes will watch the numbers come in at the Streets of New York pizza parlor in Ward 6.
The last city recall was in 2005 when Lois Tarkanian defeated then-incumbent Janet Moncrief.
We'll be following the returns here at News 3 after the polls close. Tune in tonight at 11 for more on the outcome of the special recall election.
