Mayor eyes longevity

Goodman exploring how he could get around limits, run for a fourth term

By David McGrath Schwartz (contact), Sam Skolnik (contact)

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Behind the Scenes: Mayor on New Year's

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A behind the scenes look at Mayor Oscar Goodman on New Year's Eve.

Term limits be damned, Oscar Goodman wants to be Las Vegas mayor for life.

Goodman has asked Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley to review a 1996 attorney general opinion that outlines a potential path to exempt the mayor from the state’s 12-year term limits.

Goodman’s third and final four-year term under the constitution’s limits is set to expire in 2011.

With legislative approval, however, Goodman believes he could seek reelection in 2010 and continue to perform his current mayoral duties, including presiding over City Council meetings, except for voting on matters before the council.

Currently, the Las Vegas mayor is a voting member of the City Council, which sets policy executed by the city manager.

A new, seventh council member would be elected, Goodman said, so that council votes do not result in ties.

“He would definitely be OK with giving up his voting power,” said Goodman’s political consultant, Jim Ferrence, of the mayor’s plan to keep his job. “He’ll always have the bully pulpit.”

Term limits, passed by voters in 1994 and 1996, set a maximum of 12 years in office for state legislators and members of local “governing bodies.”

The 1996 attorney general opinion states: If “the mayor’s main function is to be an administrator for the city, and the mayor does not exercise legislative power as a member of the city council, then the mayor would not be subject to term limits.”

Such a reading of state law exempts county clerks, sheriffs and district attorneys from term limits.

To change the Las Vegas mayor’s position, the state Legislature would have to revise the city’s charter, said Legislative Counsel Bureau director Lorne Malkowich.

Buckley, in an interview, said she hasn’t examined the legality of changing the mayor’s job, but “I think it would be a difficult road.”

“I’ll tell you what I told the mayor: I think he would be much better served running for lieutenant governor,” Buckley said.

That position’s primary function is to promote the state and attract businesses to Nevada, Buckley noted. “I told him he should spread his wings.”

Goodman said he first broached the idea with Buckley during an informal sit down with the speaker about four months ago. He said he asked her whether she knew of the attorney general opinion and showed her a copy.

Goodman also recounted Buckley’s suggestion that he run for lieutenant governor — “and I said to her, ‘I’d love to be the mayor.’ ”

Goodman and Buckley, both Democrats, have expressed interest in running for governor in 2010.

Goodman insisted he did not ask for Buckley’s assistance with the term limits issue in return for his not running for governor.

“There’s no quid pro quo here, that’s for sure, and I want to emphasize that. No backroom discussions, just two friends talking to each other,” Goodman said. “The bottom line is there is nothing nefarious, there is nothing except the expression of good friendship.”

Goodman has said he commissioned a poll to test his chances of running for governor. He has not released the results.

Goodman said he was intrigued by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who recently persuaded the council there to extend the term limits law to allow him to run next year for a third term.

Goodman said his decision would hang largely on the state of the economy.

“A lot of it depends on the economy coming back. If it comes back and I see projects that we’ve been talking about being started and placed in the ground, then I’ll be satisfied that I’ve done what I set out to do,” he said.

If the economy is still stalled, however, Goodman said: “I would seriously consider trying to stay on.”

The two councilmen who appear to be the most interested in Goodman’s job, Steve Wolfson and Gary Reese, had different reactions to the mayor’s term limit tactics.

“I think that Oscar Goodman has been the best mayor Las Vegas has ever had,” Wolfson said. “Whether it’s as mayor or in some other position where he could continue what he does best — which is promote the city of Las Vegas — then that’s something we should consider.”

Wolfson declined to say how Goodman’s maneuvering, if it comes to pass, would affect his plans to run for mayor.

Reese said he voted against term limits, but now that they’re law, all — not just some — elected officials should have to live by them.

“I’ve always said, the voters voted on it twice, and I do what the voters want,” Reese said. “They voted on it for mayors and everyone else.”

Discussion: 16 comments so far…

By GunslingerA10

1/9/09 at 4:46 a.m.

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I think the job of mayor or city council depends upon the votes of the people, and if the law was changed to allow for a 6 term mayor, GREAT!

However, what strikes me most is this comment the Mayor made- "A lot of it depends on the economy coming back. If it comes back and I see projects that we've been talking about being started and placed in the ground, then I'll be satisfied that I've done what I set out to do," he said.

If the economy is still stalled, however, Goodman said: "I would seriously consider trying to stay on."

I just wish he had said it the other way around, and wanted to be here during the hard times so he could help pull the city back to its good-ol days.

I like the Mayor and he has been good for the city, but if we wants to see new ideas and changes, as Las Vegas has in the recent past, then yes change most come in the form of the Mayor too.

The Mayor can always stay on as an advisor to help the new mayor get their feet wet and or seated. Regaurdless, I think Oscar Goodman has Cart Blanc in Vegas, unless he too must get a players card.
By WilliamClarke

1/9/09 at 5:07 a.m.

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Please run for Guv,please!
By johnevegas

1/9/09 at 5:42 a.m.

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"I just wish he had said it the other way around, and wanted to be here during the hard times so he could help pull the city back to its good-ol days."

That's what he said. Below...

"If the economy is still stalled, however, Goodman said: "I would seriously consider trying to stay on.""

People of Vegas (and Vegas valley communities) should be thankful for Oscar. He's a one in million perfect mayor for this town. I have never seen anyone evoke the personality of a city so well, and remain so committed to it's success.

And say what you will, this man is the master of marketing for Las Vegas, and nobody NOBODY understands better what makes this town go! No bucks? No Buck Rogers!

You go Oscar! I am 100% for this idea. And if you are not successful with it, please run for Governor! The entire state could benefit from your savvy leadership.
By GunslingerA10

1/9/09 at 6:10 a.m.

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I stand in support of Oscar, I am said he is doing and has done a supper job for Vegas.

His help in the city/state, in any capacity, would be beneficial to everyone.

He has my support.

Thanks for the clearing that for me Johnevegas.
By stevem

1/9/09 at 8:25 a.m.

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no, no, no,

he's part of the reason las vegas is in the mess it's in right now.

how much time and money did he waste chasing bonehead ideas like the nba all-star game and the pro sports stadium.

most of the development in this town from 2001 - 2005 was from corporate america and the politicians that rolled on their backs and gave away every square inch of useable land.

if people knew how jacked up the RTC was, we'd be at city hall with torches and pitchforks.
By LV4LIFE

1/9/09 at 9:54 a.m.

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Goodman was good for this city in the past. Now its time for him to move on. His questionable dealings and failed attempts at revitalizing downtown has overshadowed any marginal success he has had in the recent past. Also his old style politics are a thing of the past.

Move on Oscar, move on.
By LasVegas2009

1/9/09 at 10:31 a.m.

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I like the Mayor but term limits where voted in by the people and should be honored.
By johnevegas

1/9/09 at 11:41 a.m.

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"...bonehead ideas like the nba all-star game..."

As someone who profited tremendously from the event, bonehead is not exactly how I would describe it.

This would easily support the Kings better than Sacto. His efforts in that regard are also commendable.

I'm sorry, but I just don't get why anyone would have an issue with a mayor who is constantly promoting the town and business and growth. Seems to me that benefits everyone.
By VegasVegas

1/9/09 at 1:29 p.m.

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*** NO ***

Please, let's stop trying to get around and skirt the laws in this town and start playing by the rules. Is this city really better off under his leadership? No way whatsoever.

This guy is one big self-promoting idiot. He's not a leader, but just an old marketing gimmick. He's more about selling Las Vegas to those OUTSIDE of Nevada rather than fixing the problems that currently exist in the city.

Remember the "Vegas brand" he wanted to sell, because "Vegas sells"? What ever happened to that. Or about the professional sports teams he seems to think really want to settle in a town filled with transients and no culture or history? What about the inappropriate comments about drinking made to young children while at a school?

We need a mayor that wants to get onto the TV for the RIGHT reasons, address OUR city and tell our citizens that he will spend his term doing everything in his power to fix our schools, the growing crime rate, and help get neighborhoods back on their feet after the foreclosure crisis.

When we see Goodman on TV, we see him celebrating at some trailer-trash party down on Fremont Street talking about how great Vegas is. Perhaps he should listen more to the people who live here and less to the tourists who only see a small glimpse of the city from the perspective of a visit to the strip.

Time for new leadership in this town.
By LaDiDa

1/9/09 at 1:53 p.m.

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People in this town don't understand that Oscar has nothing to do with the Strip. The Stratosphere, the POS that it is, is the only Strip property within the City of Las Vegas. All the major development on the Strip has been south of Sahara Avenue--Clark County's jurisdiction.

I know Oscar has the rest of the country fooled into thinking he has some sort of power over the Strip and the goings on there--he even showed up to the Trump Tower opening, much to the surprise of Rory Reid and other Clark County Commissioners--but I am surprised at how many locally don't know that either.
By stevem

1/9/09 at 5:13 p.m.

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LaDiDa and VegasVegas sort of extended what I was trying to say.

And Johnvegas...if you profited from the NBA game, you must work in law enforcement or be a bounty hunter or something because it is WELL known that it was a colossal failure. that's why it's been swept under the rug and isn't really talked about.

If you look at what he has REALLY done in the legal area of "Las Vegas", he hasn't done a whole lot to actually IMPROVE the city for the people that live here.

Sure, he's the mayor or "Las Vegas" and 99.99% of the world has no idea that The Strip isn't actually IN Las Vegas so I understand that he needs to pander to the tourism market, but it seems like that's all this guy cares about now.

A football stadium? Yes, we need MORE $8.00 per hour jobs.

Yes, he got East Fremont going again, but it's just bars and clubs, nothing of REAL value there.
By Randy

1/9/09 at 5:43 p.m.

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Honestly, I pay a lot of attention to the news, and I truly do not know Oscar's "accomplishments" as mayor. I really don't know much more than he talks about how happy and optimistic he is. Oscar is convincing, as he sure seems pleased to be mayor.

Putting that aside, the issue is term limits. I am sure that politicians want to do away with term limits for one reason and only one reason: ego. I believe they like the power and will do what they can to hang onto it, and/or they honestly think that we cannot live without them in office. Either way, ego drives them to seek to find ways around term limits.

Please, name one politician who is/was so essential that we cannot live without him or her in office. When someone can truthfully answer that challenge, I will support rescinding term limits.

Until then, thank you, Oscar. I appreciate the time you have taken from your schedule on behalf of our community, even if I am uncertain of what exactly you achieved.
By jacqueline

1/9/09 at 10:08 p.m.

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If we can't have straight arrow Bruce Woodbury back then His Honor will have to look for another job too.

Times up. Fair is fair.
By johnevegas

1/10/09 at 6:37 a.m.

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"Johnvegas...if you profited from the NBA game, you must work in law enforcement."

I sell private lodging. Booked everything we had at 30%~50% over normal rates.

And you're blaming Oscar for an event that didn't work well, but that part would not have anything to do with him would it? He would only have been responsible for bringing it here in the first place, not running the event or for it's outcome. Should he have known the outcome in advance? Seems to me that's asking more than is reasonable.

If this town loses Oscar, it will have lost it's biggest fan and biggest promoter.
By wannabe1indc

1/10/09 at 2:59 p.m.

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If you lose the Mayor...what will the alcohol industry do? And all of those showgirls, that seems to be always around him when I see him on TV or in person. See how the snowball grows if you lose him? Vegas citizens can't be that stupid to revote him in, even if they allow it?

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