Goodman’s proposal for Legislature pulled

Erin Neff

Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman spoke freely Monday in favor of a pulled proposal that would have given him and other public officials the ability to invest in downtown projects.

Goodman discussed his plan at a special City Council meeting to review bill drafts the city plans to send to the 2001 Legislature. Goodman's idea had been one of four, but only three will be sent to Carson City.

Attacks on his proposal flowed as freely as the martinis Goodman proposed serving in his hypothetical gin joint, "Oscar's Speakeasy."

"I just think if I want to open up a restaurant downtown, I should be able to," Goodman said. "If we're not able to do this, I feel that's phony.

"If we have the ability, we should put our money where our mouth is."

Under Goodman's proposal, members of the City Council and the private-sector City Centre Development Corp. would be permitted to invest in downtown redevelopment projects.

Marvin Leavitt, the city's chief state lobbyist, said Goodman's proposal was pulled from a list of four bill drafts for the 2001 Legislature because of the controversial way most people read it.

"He realized that what starts out to be a good idea can sometimes be too controversial," Leavitt said.

Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald bristled at Goodman's proposal after he announced it during the council legislative workshop.

"It sets up a dangerous precedent," said Boggs McDonald, who has authored two city ordinances toughening disclosure laws. "It's almost insider trading."

Such criticism is rooted in the fact that much of downtown redevelopment has benefited from public funds.

Goodman said that although his proposal was pulled because it proved "too controversial," he was willing to take the political heat if the measure was taken to the Legislature.

"I would like to keep that one on the burner," Goodman said.

Goodman said he got the idea during a recent trip to Albuquerque, N.M., to examine that city's redevelopment efforts. Officials of Albuquerque's redevelopment agency are allowed to invest in downtown projects there, he said.

"I take my own ethical mores and apply them to the situation," Goodman said.

But Boggs McDonald said she can't be certain that all officials would enter such proposed investments with the same ethical standards.

Boggs McDonald was not the only critic. Charleston Heights resident Juanita Clark said she didn't know how anyone could separate good intent from the ethical conflict.

"I don't know how in the world to do that," Clark said.

Michael Mack, who has owned a boutique on the Fremont Street Experience since before becoming a councilman, said he believes public officials undergo greater scrutiny because of their position.

"I think your intention is right," Mack said to Goodman. "But the perception is that the hand that's feeding the deal is the dealmaker."