Mayor gives ‘buy Vegas’ message to nation

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2001 | 10:11 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is garnering national attention as he strives to lure tourists back to the other city that never sleeps.

During the time between ground-breaking ceremonies and city briefings, Goodman has been miked, powdered and interviewed by representatives of numerous broadcast media outlets.

The message he relays to viewers is simple: Las Vegas is safe and ready to welcome back tourists who have hesitated to travel in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Still, Goodman has good reason to be concerned about the recent economic downturn.

Gaming companies have reacted to decreased visitor volume by laying off thousands. And though hotel room occupancy rates are said to be hovering around 75 percent, Las Vegas has become accustomed to signs declaring, "No vacancy."

"Our lifeblood is to have tourists and visitors participate in our entertainment facilities, do retail shopping ... all the things that Las Vegas is known for," Goodman said.

"I want people to feel very comfortable that we're open for business; it's bargain basement time in Las Vegas. The rooms are reduced, the stores have special sales, air fares are phenomenal ... This is a chance of a lifetime to experience this great city."

On Tuesday, Goodman began his day at 4 a.m. with a live appearance on "The Early Show" on CBS, in which he joined the mayors of New Orleans and Atlanta to discuss their cities' reaction to the tragedies. He then taped an interview with "Inside Edition."

In his spare time between the shows he provided sound bites to be used by Las Vegas radio and television stations.

On Wednesday Goodman, after an interview for ABC's "World News Tonight" with Peter Jennings, said he has embraced the media's interest as a way to promote the city.

"The truth of the matter is, our Las Vegas Strip is probably the safest street in the United States," Goodman said on "The Early Show." "We have law enforcement officers out there all the time. And the hotels have their own security forces."

Although most of the television news shows have focused on how the city is faring economically, an interview with ABC News for "World News Tonight" carried a more haunting theme.

Goodman was asked repeatedly whether he had been contacted by Attorney General John Ashcroft about a possible terrorist threat to Las Vegas. Information that one of the suspected terrorists, Mohamed Atta, visited Las Vegas in June and August apparently prompted the inquiries.

"I haven't heard from anyone that Las Vegas was ever considered a target," Goodman said. "Probably if (outlaw) Billy the Kid were still around, he'd be coming by here because people like to have a good time. But that doesn't indicate there was any kind of criminal activity taking place here."

The mayor, who also on Wednesday taped segments for ABC's "20/20" and "Extra," urged locals to help stimulate the economy.

Goodman, Clark County Commission Chairman Dario Herrera and officials from North Las Vegas, kicked off the "Liberty Las Vegas -- Support local businesses" campaign at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Officials urged residents to patronize hotels, casinos and restaurants. They also urged consumers to start their Christmas shopping early.

"I want to see everyone back to work," Goodman said. "If we can do our small share, shore up the economy, which would allow (laid off workers) to get back to work, then I'll feel like I've done my job.