The Happiest Mayor On Earth…
Our mayor, Oscar Goodman, is a man with both a colorful past and a colorful present. Goodman became widely known for representing mafia enforcer Tony “The Ant” Spilotro back in the day (Joe Pesci played the screen version of Tony Spilotro in “Casino” with not much but the name changed.) More recently he was given national attention for telling a class of fourth grade students if he were lost on a deserted island he’d like to have his favorite bottle of gin with him, because he really enjoys drinking, apparently, as he listed to the same group of kids “drinking” among his hobbies. He says he’s the George Washington of mayors, in that he can not tell a lie. Hell, I have to say – honesty is something refreshing in any politician, even if he might not be accused of speaking to his audience with the greatest sense of appropriateness.
Mayor Goodman went into office in the last term with what can not truly be described as a “landslide” – avalanche might be a more appropriate description. He won with 86% of the vote. After such an incredible win, you can imagine that there aren’t a lot of folks really excited about running against him (though at least two have filed thus far and are not being considered serious challengers.) It was with that in mind that he decided to not only file for re-election but to take a campaign approach that would have him running essentially against himself. He actually wants to get more than his previous 86% of the vote. “I’m more effective showing I have the support of the people. There’s no question about it,” Goodman says. He’s right.
For all of the controversy that he’s knowingly gotten himself into, Mayor Goodman does a fine job. I disagree very strongly with his approach to “dealing” with the homeless issue, but what would Las Vegas be without him at the helm? There are people who are trying to homogenize, to dilute the nature of our fair city. Our uniqueness is our greatest resource. There are too many other places to simply go gambling all over this country for us to not differentiate ourselves – as we always have in the past, mind you – from other tourist and convention destinations. Goodman is just about the only choice to lead the city in that capacity. If not him, who else? He says that the next four years will be the term in which he brings a national sports team to Las Vegas. That’s not much of a selling point for me, but, I’m in the minority on that one. A national sports team would be great for the city and state, no doubt, and a lot of people are really hoping that comes to fruition soon. So let’s see if he can pull it off. Cheers, Oscar… I’d tell you “good luck” but competing against yourself isn’t much of a race 
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3 Comments
Collin on February 7, 2007 :
Love the blog.
Just out of curiosity, any idea which gin is Goodman’s “fav?”
-Collin
whilevegassleeps on February 8, 2007 :
hehe I’ve often wondered that myself. I’m personally a fan of Boodles, Ten, and Hendrick’s. If I run into him around town any time soon I’ll remember to ask him!