Letter: All-Star weekend debacle exposes Goodman

Monday, March 5, 2007 | 7:16 a.m.

A true test of leadership is best evidenced when and how one responds to events that go awry. Clearly our fair city was put to the test over the NBA All-Star weekend as Las Vegas Boulevard and the service industries were overwhelmed. It was one long traffic jam for four days.

Other events added to the saturation, but the crown jewel was the game played at the Thomas & Mack Center. Prior to the event, our mayor touted the extravaganza in his best showmanship and at times clownish manner. Throughout the yearlong buildup, there were countless opportunities where "Hizzoner" waxed eloquently about how "his" city would be the capital of the universe for this esteemed event.

Well, what happened when the final grade for the host city was mixed, at best, and how did the mayor respond to the tragedy that marked its final day? I certainly didn't hear or read of him at his bombastic best. In fact, comparatively, he all but shriveled away. In truth, the city employees and service industry workers deserve an A-plus for putting up with the low-brow, trash-talking element that the mayor so desperately coveted.

The mayor's next great event was teaching mixology classes at the Community College of Southern Nevada.

Mayor Goodman, where is your public outrage toward the out-of-town coward who crippled one of our own, Tom Urbanski? Step up and use your position to help clean up this mess. Leaders lead in tough situations. Windbags suddenly become mute and disappear. Which are you?

Peter McMurran, Las Vegas