Political Notebook: Goodman signs reminders of coming election

Erin Neff

Friday, Jan. 3, 2003 | 9:20 a.m.

The signs popping up around town certainly aren't for name recognition or to keep other notables out of the race.

"Re-elect Mayor Oscar Goodman," the blue signs with the smiling pol say.

The only reason Goodman needs to run a campaign is to remind the city's residents that they will be hitting the polls this spring.

Goodman probably wishes he could bet on himself to recover some of the losses he sustained wagering on the college bowls.

This campaign is about starting the Goodman legacy. When he was first elected, out of the blue in 1999, he talked about cleaning up the city whose downtown he likened to a rotting apple core.

Now he wants an orchard, figuratively, on the 61 acres purchased under his watch. He hopes to see it developed to serve as his legacy.

"It's the future of Southern Nevada. It's the heart and soul of the valley and I'm not going to make a mistake on it," Goodman said.

Goodman plans a major announcement during his State of the City address Tuesday about plans for 5 acres of city-owned property at the northern portion of the site. He's also been talking with Dr. Keith Boman and businessman Bob Forbuss about earmarking 8 acres for a cultural arts center so that they can launch a fund-raising effort.

Although Goodman doesn't think the site will be anywhere close to developed by the time if he leaves office after his inevitable second term, he does think the "first spade will be turned."

Filing for the municipal election starts Jan. 28. The primary is April 8.

Yucca in 2004

If Nevadans really remember the Yucca Mountain vote next year, Thursday's media darling John Edwards won't have a chance here.

The Democratic senator from North Carolina announced Thursday that he will be forming an exploratory committee to run for president.

Unlike some of the other potential Democratic candidates for president, he voted for Yucca Mountain.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and former House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., all voted against Yucca.

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who with Kerry and Edwards, are the only Democrats in the race so far, didn't get to vote on Yucca, but given the Vermont Yankee plant in Vernon, the guv would probably like to ship the waste out of his home state.

The only other Democratic senator still thinking about the White House is Bob Graham of Florida. He also voted for Yucca Mountain.

Then there's George W. Bush. Despite all the anti-Bush rhetoric at the time of last year's vote, state Republicans are still going to do everything they can to get him back here for the campaign.

Ohrenschall tapped

Assemblywoman Genie Ohrenschall's most noted legislation in 2001 was commending REM for recording "Everybody Hurts"(because, she said, the song promoted understanding of depression.)

Sidelined for much of the session after breaking her leg in a freak accident in her hotel, Ohrenschall never really got on track when she made her way to Carson mid-session in a wheelchair.

But the Las Vegas Democrat will probably make some more noise during the 2003 session now that she's been named to the newly created position of assistant majority whip for procedures.

The role, created by Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, is designed to help the new legislators move forward through the 120-day session efficiently as possible while complying with all the rules.

Maybe Ohrenschall will use a line from another REM song to tell freshmen to "stand in the place where you are."

Ohrenschall, an attorney, was first elected to the Assembly in 1994. She is vice chairwoman of the Transportation Committee.

For the record

Speakers from the Nevada Policy Research Institute will talk taxes at the Nevada Republican Men's Club general membership meeting on Monday at the Ellis Island Casino, 4178 Koval Lane. A buffet lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. for $15. Information: 361-2185.

The men's club recently elected its 2003 officers. In addition to choosing Margaret Conway to be recording secretary, the club picked Jim Bauberger as president, Len Yelinkek as vice president, John Stanhagen as corresponding secretary and Marc Zuckerman, treasurer.