WHO'S WHO IN NORTH LAS VEGAS: Meet Commissioner Angelo Carvalho

Larry Cruikshank/ViewIraq War veteran and North Las Vegas Planning Commissioner Angelo Carvalho restores cars for his company, Auto Visions, 6050 Hinson St. Larry Cruikshank/View Advertisement

CARVALHO AT A GLANCE

* Age: 40

* Hometown: Bradley, Calif.

* Years in North Las Vegas: 12

* Education: Pasa Robles High School, Calif., University of Phoenix

* Political stats: Appointed to North Las Vegas Planning Commission four years ago by Mayor Michael Montandon. Term ends January 2009.

Most people with political ambitions aspire to become a judge, a senator or a city councilman. North Las Vegas planning commissioner Angelo Carvalho never had any such ambitions.

THE START OF A POLITICAL CAREER

The Iraq War veteran's political career began somewhat unconventionally, when he mentioned to a friend that the county increases on taxes for small businesses were unfair.

Carvalho has owned his own business, Auto Visions, in Spring Valley for the past eight years.

"I spend the day tinting glass and pimping rides," he said. "I never imagined I would have a job like this one. I always thought I would be a cop or something."

That's when Carvalho was introduced to the idea of joining the bureaucratic ranks.

"I was complaining, and my friend suggested I do something constructive to solve the problem, and I'm not the kind of guy to not take action when I see something is wrong," Carvalho said. "So I did."

According to Carvalho, he began to be introduced to various North Las Vegas politicians, including Mayor Mike Montandon, who eventually appointed Carvalho to the North Las Vegas Planning Commission.

"I never thought about becoming a politician," Carvalho said. "It's funny the way that life turns out. I never planned for this, but I'm proud to be making a difference in this community."

Community activist and friend Bob Borgerson said Carvalho has been a constant, buoying presence in North Las Vegas, and he enjoys working with him.

"Angelo is the kind of guy who stands up for what is right because it's right," Borgerson said. "He's not interested in doing something because it's good public relations or it is good for a campaign. That, as a taxpayer, is refreshing."

AN AMERICAN STORY

Carvalho was born in Thailand but moved to the United States with his parents at the age of 7. He did not speak English.

"It's strange because now, it's gone," Carvalho said with a laugh. "I moved to California with my family, and we never looked back."

Carvalho said that he has a memory of his father beseeching his mother to only speak English to their son.

"I heard my father say to my mother, 'I don't want you speaking Thai to my son.' From then on, she didn't. All we spoke in my house from then on was English, and now I can't speak Thai."

Carvalho said that he has fond memories of summer camping trips in northern Nevada, a childhood recollection that he credits with his love for the state.

"I love Nevada, I love North Las Vegas," he said. "As soon as I was old enough to live on my own, I made the move here."

The father of two and a Boy Scouts of America scoutmaster became an official U.S. citizen in 1994, but had been an active member of the military since 1986.

"I signed up for the Army as soon as I graduated (from) high school," Carvalho said. "It was always my dream. I'm a soldier, and I love it."

TOUGH TIMES IN IRAQ

Carvalho returned from an 18-month tour of duty in Iraq, where he served in the military police, only two months ago. He characterizes the experience as stressful, eye-opening and positive.

"Leaving this country makes you realize how great we really have it," he admitted. "I saw a lot of ugly things in Iraq. But, at the same time, I saw hope. I saw beauty. I believe we're making a difference there."

Carvalho said that although he would miss his family terribly, he would go back to the desert in the Middle East at a moment's notice.

"When my country calls, I will always answer," he said.

Carvalho, who plans to run for City Council in January, said he believes he's been fortunate enough to live the American dream, and he hopes to continue to serve the community.

"I'm living the American dream," he said. "I believe in that. I believe in patriotism, a love of God, family and country. And I have worked since I was 18 to protect that ideal, and will continue to do so."