Ethics Commission looks into abstention by LV councilman

Sito Negron

Friday, Sept. 19, 2003 | 9:46 a.m.

Las VegasCouncilman 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.

Commission officials could not be reached for comment.

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 Las Vegas 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.

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.