Hopes for mob museum are far-fetched

Joel Rector, North Las Vegas

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 | 2:04 a.m.

I read Michael Green’s letter in Sunday’s paper, headlined “Mob museum aims to educate, entertain.”

I have my doubts.

Do Mayor Oscar Goodman and other supporters of the mob museum truly believe that 600,000 visitors a year (1,643 a day!) will leave the comfy rooms, tropical pools and expansive casinos on the Strip to venture downtown to spend time and money looking at photos of mobsters — mobsters getting killed, mobsters arrested by gallant FBI agents and mobsters being led to court by a young attorney who would later be mayor?

Do these bright and talented supporters really believe people will flock to see remnants of a wall once used as the backdrop for a massacre?

How many locals will go downtown to visit this attraction? Of those who do, how many will go more than once? Where will they park? Is there any proof that a museum attraction will keep people downtown to spend money in restaurants, casinos or anywhere else?

Historically, it is true that murderers, arsonists, drug dealers and assorted racketeers contributed to the building and growth of our city. Will putting our dark history on display create the impression we want visitors to go home with? Will it help attract business to our fair city?

I think not.