Friday, Oct. 31, 2003 | 8:56 a.m.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman crossed the line with his suggestion that East Fremont Street be turned into a legal red-light district. He could not have thought this idea through to its logical conclusion.
Would tourists and Las Vegans have to step over used heroin syringes and unconscious addicts as they walk through Goodman's "Little Amsterdam?" That is the daily reality in the real city of Amsterdam in The Netherlands.
Normal tourists avoid Amsterdam's dangerous, sin-filled area like the plague. Serious crime and the cost of constant police presence in Amsterdam's red-light district have long ago made the area a massive drain on the city's treasury.
Goodman says he wants young families living downtown. Will the young wives, children and teenagers be safe from the drunken men who've just left the topless bars and are now cruising the red-light district?
As mayor, Goodman should have a temperate voice and a moderating influence on those who would go too far in promoting our city as an adult destination. Reckless statements by Goodman, such as turning "old motels into beautiful brothels," may make for good talk-radio and news copy but they are very poor public policy. Because words do have consequences, Mayor Goodman should think before he speaks.
The families of Las Vegas look to Mayor Goodman for reasoned leadership. He should exercise some for a change.
DALE WYNN DAVIDSON
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