Ethics Commission looking into abstention by councilman

Sito Negron

Friday, Sept. 19, 2003 | 11:18 a.m.

Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack confirmed this morning that the state Ethics Commission is looking into an abstention in voting Aug. 6 on a matter involving Eric Goodman, one of the mayor's sons.

Mack said he received a letter from the commission this week indicating the examination.

"I really don't have a comment at this time," he said.

Stacy Jennings, executive director of the Ethics Commission, said she could not confirm or deny an inquiry into Mack. She said state law mandates confidentiality on such issues.

Mack abstained from voting on an application for a zoning variance to allow a billboard placement. Eric Goodman represented the billboard company.

"An attorney in his firm did some legal work for me on a business venture," Mack said.

He said that venture involved Ross Goodman, another of Mayor Oscar Goodman's sons. Mack said the business involves a "digital publication" but he would not elaborate.

He said he didn't have much information about the state's inquiry other than the letter, and said he was hoping to hear more today.

Jennings said the process is given up to 60 days -- 10 days for the public official to respond, 35 days for her to write a report, and 15 days for a two-person panel to recommend whether to pursue the complaint or drop it. That is when the file becomes public, she said.

"To the extent possible we try not to take that long," Jennings said.

Complaints can be initiated either by the commission or by citizens, she said.

Mack previously has come under scrutiny for ethics issues. In 2002 he was acquitted of four criminal charges in municipal court after he voted against a car dealer's application. In doing so, he did not say that he owed money to a competing car dealer, he confirmed Friday.