Posted on: November 8, 2024, 01:03h.
Last updated on: November 8, 2024, 01:03h.
In a significant political shift, Shelley Berkley is set to become the next mayor of Las Vegas in January, having recently triumphed over Victoria Seaman in the mayoral race. For those less familiar with the history of Las Vegas, particularly the events of the last few decades, Berkley’s ascent is marked by not only her political achievements but also her involvement in a scandal linked to one of the most prominent figures in the city’s gambling landscape: Sheldon Adelson, former owner of the Las Vegas Sands.
Early Days: Political Background
Shelley Berkley, born Rochelle Levine in New York City in 1951, began her political career in Nevada, serving in the state assembly from 1982 to 1984. In 1989, she took on a notable role as the vice president of government and legal affairs for Sheldon Adelson after he purchased the Sands Hotel and Casino for a staggering $110 million. This position would place her at the crossroads of legal issues, political maneuvering, and scandal.
Inside the Las Vegas Machine
The decision to hire Berkley was more than mere legal expertise; Adelson sought to navigate the intricate political waters of Las Vegas. Berkley was tasked with managing contracts and liability issues, but her true value lay in her ability to provide political insight. As the Sands was poised for demolition years later, Adelson relied heavily on her advice to facilitate a smooth transition to his next venture—the Venetian.
Berkley’s role evolved to encompass crafting strategies to influence local politicians. Among her various memos and recommendations, one chilling suggestion stood out: she advised Adelson to consider bribing local judges to ensure favorable outcomes for the Venetian’s construction permits. In a particularly striking memorandum, Berkley outlined how political donations could create allies among local judges, hinting at a toxic blend of altruism and opportunism within Las Vegas politics.
Connections and Controversies
Berkley’s strategies extended beyond vague suggestions; she specified names. In a recorded conversation from May 1997, she advised Adelson to hire the uncle of Erin Kenny, a Clark County commissioner with significant influence. This relationship would later play a crucial role when Kenny faced prison time tied to a federal corruption investigation.
Perhaps most controversially, Berkley urged Adelson to grant a business lease to Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates as a quid pro quo for securing her vote on essential permits. This chapter of her career suggested a deep-seated understanding of the game being played, one that blurred the lines between ethical lobbying and outright corruption.
The Fallout and Political Resurgence
Berkley’s tenure with Adelson ended in 1997 when tensions escalated over labor practices at the Venetian. Publicly fired for her opposition to Adelson’s non-union policies—though he cited a breach of attorney/client privilege as his reason—she soon set her sights on a Congressional seat. During her campaign, leaked recordings of her conversations with Adelson created a media frenzy.
Despite admitting the veracity of her statements, Berkley managed to pivot the narrative. The scandal highlighted the complexities and imperfections of Las Vegas politics, with Berkley ultimately securing her position in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served for seven terms from 1999 to 2013.
A City That Moves On
The aftermath of the scandal saw little in the way of legal repercussions for Berkley. Local and federal authorities opted not to pursue investigations into her actions or those she named, leaving many observers surprised. As reported by journalist Jeff Burbank in his book “Las Vegas Babylon,” “Vegas didn’t seem to mind,” highlighting the city’s unique tolerance for political mischief intertwined with the gambling culture that defined its identity.
Even as the Fat Tuesday’s franchise Berkley referred to eventually opened at the Venetian in 2023—years after the initial negotiations—her legacy has persisted.
As she climbs back into the spotlight as the newly elected mayor, Berkley embodies both the allure and complexity of Las Vegas. Her career reflects the city’s blend of aspiration, controversy, and relentless pursuit of opportunity. As she embarks on this new chapter of her political journey, the question remains: how will her past shape her future leadership, and what will that mean for the people of Las Vegas?
In the land of bright lights and high stakes, only time will tell.
