Goodman: McDonald may lose mayor pro tem title

Diana Sahagun

Friday, Oct. 20, 2000 | 10:37 a.m.

Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald -- now facing a full-fledged ethics hearing next month -- could be in danger of having his position as mayor pro tem taken away.

At his weekly press conference Thursday, Mayor Oscar Goodman said he will consider taking the title away from McDonald if the councilman is unable to perform his city duties.

"If I feel that his status jeopardizes good government in that position, then I will consider doing something about it," Goodman said.

The Las Vegas Ethics Review Board Thursday decided there was enough evidence for an investigation into whether McDonald misused his office by attempting to broker the sale of the Las Vegas Sportspark.

The board also will consider whether McDonald violated any ethics laws by working behind-the-scenes to block a zoning matter involving a proposed adult business and a controversial church that opened suspiciously nearby.

The ethics hearing is scheduled for Nov. 8.

Goodman said Thursday he stands behind his decision to ask Metro Police to investigate McDonald's role in the matters.

"I believe the public is entitled to have all the facts. I don't think there should be any secrets," he said. "I think if there's a question of credibility, the public has to have that issue put before them."