Goodman defends his Cabinet selection

Erin Neff

Friday, Aug. 6, 1999 | 10:59 a.m.

Mayor Oscar Goodman is defending his selection of Rose Dominguez as his volunteer liaison to the Hispanic community despite her Anglo background and lack of Spanish language skills.

Her appointment to his "Kitchen Cabinet" of volunteer ombudsmen has drawn criticism from some in the Hispanic community and was the focus of a stinging editorial in a local weekly newspaper.

But Goodman had nothing but strong support for Dominguez, the president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, during his weekly press conference Thursday at City Hall.

"She is very involved in the Hispanic community, and I think she's an excellent choice," Goodman said.

Goodman said his staff member Chris Castro, who is Hispanic, suggested Dominguez would be a good liaison to the Hispanic community. Goodman said he met her on the campaign trail and agreed with Castro that she would be a good choice.

He also defended his decision by saying he's the first mayor to have any kind of direct representation to specific minority concerns. In addition to Dominguez, Cabinet members were appointed to deal with the concerns of blacks, Asians, the disabled, veterans, seniors, gays and lesbians and youth.

In an interview Dominguez called the criticism spiteful and said she considered the Kitchen Cabinet concept "wonderful."

"It's the first time historically that an official has gone out and put himself on the line to listen to concerns and critics," she said.

An editorial in the Aug. 4 edition of the Las Vegas Tribune titled "Mayor Goodman insults the intelligence of every member of the Hispanic community" dominated questions at the press conference.

The editorial names four Mexicans, four Cubans, a Colombian and two Puerto Ricans believed to be better choices than Dominguez to represent Hispanics.

Dominguez said the criticism about her appointment "is typical." She said she stands by the 20 years of service she's given to the Hispanic community and vowed to give "110 percent" to Goodman's efforts.

"Anybody can throw the crap wherever they want to, and I'm going to come out clean," said Dominguez, who owns a travel agency.