Mayor storms out of press meeting after ethics questions

Sito Negron

Friday, April 9, 2004 | 9:45 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman stalked out of his weekly press conference Thursday after refusing to answer questions about issues related to the ethics complaint against him.

Goodman objected to a question from Sun political columnist Jon Ralston and then walked out after another question by Dana Gentry, who produces "Face to Face with Jon Ralston" on Las Vegas ONE, Cox Cable channels 1 and 19.

The exchange began when Ralston, a frequent critic of the mayor, asked Goodman what he meant when Goodman said during a news conference last week that Stacy Jennings, the executive director of the state Ethics Commission, had an agenda.

"I'm not going to discuss that," Goodman said.

Goodman had called the April 2 press conference to respond to Jennings' report that called for a full commission hearing into eight possible violations of the state's ethics laws. At that news conference, Goodman said the alleged agenda would come out during the hearing before the full Ethics Commission. The hearing is scheduled for May 12 and 13.

Jennings' investigation had been prompted by a complaint that Goodman had unethically promoted a business in which his son Ross and Councilman Michael Mack have part ownership. Jennings also found cause for the hearing to include reviews of possible ethics violations in connection with Goodman's $100,000 gin promotion contract, his appearance in a recent Jane Magazine promotion for which the city was to receive $2,000, and his use of a loaned Cadillac.

In addition to attacking Jennings and her report last week, Goodman also denounced journalists who were trying to make a name "on my bones." He did not mention Ralston by name, but Ralston has been the mayor's most relentless critic among local political commentators.

Goodman refused to answer Ralston's questions during the Thursday press conference, a regular event televised on the city's station, KCLV, Cable Channel 2. The event is intended to give reporters weekly access to the mayor, who is not always easily available because of a tight schedule.

Ralston asked why the mayor wouldn't answer his question. "I'm not going to talk to you, that's why," Goodman said.

When further pressed, Goodman said, "I'm not going to answer any of your questions. I have no respect for you."

Ralston said he would continue to ask the question and the mayor said "Anything else? I'll see you, everybody. Thank you," and started to walk out.

Gentry spoke up telling the mayor she had a question, and Goodman returned.

She asked Goodman when he decided to give half the proceeds from a $100,000 contract to promote Bombay Sapphire Gin -- a contract under review by the Commission on Ethics -- to a school run by his wife.

"You know that's a lie. I did not make that decision," said Goodman, voice rising. He said that decision was made by Larry Ruvo, the owner of Southern Wine and Spirits, "and you know it!"

With that, he said "That's it folks. Bye!" and quickly left.

According to newspaper stories at the time, Goodman said he was going to give $100,000 to the city if he were named spokesman for Beefeater Gin, the brand he used to drink. After he signed with Ruvo's company, he said the deal was $50,000 to Meadows and $50,000 to the city.