New NLV city attorney calls Henderson home

     By Tiffannie Bond
     View staff writer
      New North Las Vegas City Attorney Sean McGowan sat in on the Minnesota Legislature when he was 10 years old.
      At the time, his father Martin McGowan, who ran a small-town weekly newspaper in western Minnesota, was in the midst of a four-term run on the Legislature and his son came to visit whenever he had a chance.
      "Government is a good thing. They're doing good work," Sean McGowan said. "It felt exciting, so I've always had that affinity for government. That's why I am a lawyer."
      McGowan's other influences also came from past.
      "I grew up reading biographies of presidents, and they were all lawyers," McGowan said. "And I thought `Wow, lawyers are important people.' "
      With those two influences, McGowan completed his education in 1978 at the University of Arizona and went to work in Fallon as a law clerk before taking a position as a deputy attorney general in Carson City.
      After a 12-year stint working for the Del Webb Corp. and private law firms, McGowan decided it was time to get back into government.
      "As a private attorney, you're advocating one person's interests. You're a hired gun," McGowan said. "It doesn't stimulate me anymore. It's not the same lift, the same appreciation for the process and structure."
      The Henderson resident and single parent officially moved into his North Las Vegas position Jan. 3, but that doesn't mean he has moved into his office, however. The only signs of ownership are the photos on his desk of his children -- Cullen, 10, and Courtney, 6.
      "I'm actually not moved in very much yet," McGowan said on Jan. 20. "In the three weeks I've been here, I really haven't concentrated much on unpacking."
      Although McGowan doesn't directly serve the community, he feels the legal support he gives the City Council and elected officials, as well as various city boards, commissions and departments, affects the community indirectly.
      "I help (the council) delineate their vision of the future," McGowan said.
      McGowan's vision for North Las Vegas is one of the reasons the city council chose him for the position.
      Councilwoman Stephanie Smith and city manager Pat Importuna were appointed by the council to head the search for the new city attorney. Once the finalists were chosen, council members were encouraged to conduct interviews with the applicants so they could provide input to Smith and Importuna.
      However, once Smith and Importuna weeded through the recommendations and solicitations of those interested, McGowan's experience in government and private practice stood out.
      "Sean came out clearly ahead of the rest," Smith said. "His recommendations were impeccable.
      "He came across as the person who was most in line with our vision as a City Council. He was excited and upbeat and up to the challenge."
      After he was appointed at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting, McGowan made himself available to catch up on issues around city hall.
      "I do think public service can be a noble practice if done with the right attitude," McGowan said. "To be able to serve the public is a good feeling. Perhaps it could be a legacy."
      McGowan fits into the same mold as employees hired in the last year -- sharing a similar vision and enthusiasm for the city.
      "He is another example of the new people we have here in North Las Vegas," Smith said. "It is not the same old city, particularly from the inside."