Goodman to help those who help Las Vegas

Erin Neff

Friday, Feb. 18, 2000 | 11:04 a.m.

Mayor Oscar Goodman is flexing a new kind of political muscle in an effort to advance his goals for Las Vegas.

Goodman on Thursday announced he would establish a Political Action Committee with funds collected at a recent fund-raiser so that he could donate money to local, state and federal candidates who show they will support the city.

"I'm trying to get my own little PAC where I can donate money to various people who can help the city," Goodman said Thursday during his weekly press conference.

He said he planned to donate to both Democrat and Republican candidates who can help the city achieve its goals.

"I am in a nonpartisan office, and I'll be working with anyone who can help Las Vegas," Goodman said.

Goodman said he raised about $20,000 during a fund-raiser last week at the Smith and Wollensky steakhouse.

Unspent campaign contributions and money raised at specific events can be donated to political candidates. Goodman would have to disclose on Jan. 15, 2001, to whom he donated money.

The mayor's attempts to bring more clout to the city doesn't solely involve helping city-friendly politicians win election.

Goodman has already traveled to Carson City to meet state Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, the most powerful state legislator.

The mayor also is meeting with state legislators of each party to introduce himself and describe the city's goals.

Last week he met separately with state Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, and with Assemblyman Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas.

Goodman also meets weekly with the city's chief lobbyist, Marvin Leavitt, to learn about the city's complex tax formula. Goodman plans to seek legislation to increase park impact fees and said he needs to fully understand the tax formulas prior to next year's legislative session.

Craig Walton, an ethics professor at UNLV, said he thinks Goodman's PAC might be beneficial if the ultimate goal is tied in with the mayor's park impact fee agenda.

"If he did that kind of thing, it could be terrific," Walton said. "I'd like to see him tell us all how to send our $5 or $10 if that's what it's all about."

But Walton also warned that Goodman could get contributions from the developers, construction industry and labor unions that might fight his proposed hike in home-construction taxes to fund parks.

"That could be dangerous," Walton said.

Overall, Walton said, Goodman's decision to create a PAC has "terrifying" implications because it provides further evidence to him that the United States is becoming more of a plutocracy than a democracy.

"What happens to the public interest if the money interest is what's driving things?" Walton asked.