Jan. 13, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Goodman puts merger with NLV on table
By OMAR SOFRADZIJA
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Las Vegas and North Las Vegas have been inseparable as long as anyone can recall. So Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman thinks it's long overdue for each city to finally ask the other: Will you marry me?

The merits of merging the two cities should be debated by the public as part of upcoming transit planning sessions, Goodman told his peers on the Regional Transportation Commission board Thursday. But, the mayor said, politicians should stay on the sidelines of the debate.

"It makes absolute sense to me," Goodman said after the meeting. "We're contiguous to one another. It's a wonderful opportunity to start a serious discussion about merging the two cities. I've looked at the idea, but it's never had the political will to go along with it."

Some North Las Vegas officials said they're flattered, but believe their suburb is happy to remain single and in control of its destiny.

"Anytime Oscar wants to join North Las Vegas, he's welcome to join," said Stephanie Smith, a North Las Vegas city councilwoman.

Three of five North Las Vegas elected officials contacted Thursday indicated they'd never heard from a constituent wanting the city to meld with Las Vegas.

"I've never gotten that phone call. But, then again, I've only been mayor for eight years," said North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon.

"It's a bit like merging Canada and the United States. It probably makes a lot of sense, but there's a whole lot of people involved," Montandon said. "I don't see it happening in the foreseeable future."

Goodman hoped merger discussions could come up as part of public workshops on a possible rapid transit system linking the two cities, or public meetings regarding the widening of North Fifth Street in North Las Vegas, which would link to Las Vegas Boulevard in the city of Las Vegas.

"Up to this point, there hasn't been a vehicle" for dialogue or to move the issue forward, Goodman said. "This gives the public the opportunity to have their input, instead of politicians."

Goodman did not suggest government taking an active role in moving toward merger. Rather, he said he wanted to make such discussions part of public planning meetings as the northern Las Vegas Valley, where the two cities share a border, develops.

Goodman did not propose creating committees, commissions or studies to specifically address or advance the issue.

"It's up to the people," Goodman said. "The problem is, whenever a politician talks about consolidation people feel there's an ulterior purpose. If the community gets behind it, that's OK."

But Montandon said the issue would die without political guidance.

"Throwing an issue out into the public almost kills it," Montandon said. "You have so little public participation in the process. We'd have to stay involved."

Las Vegas Councilman Gary Reese, who is also the city's mayor pro tem, said he wasn't sure where he stood on the mayor's idea. "I don't know what the benefits are and what the harm would be."

Either way, "it's not a priority with me," Reese said.

North Las Vegas has been one of America's fastest-growing cities in recent years, with a 2004 population of 158,748, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 1990, its population was just 47,707.

Las Vegas in 2004 had a population of 534,847.

Both cities have been aggressively expanding northward into former desert that's among the last undeveloped areas in the valley, leading in recent years to various regional development projects that include both municipalities.

The cities share a border that essentially runs along Decatur and Lake Mead boulevards.

Each city has its own city hall, public works department, fire department and property tax structure. But North Las Vegas also has its own police department, while Las Vegas shares its police with Clark County.

Both cities are in the Clark County School District. Las Vegas and North Las Vegas have their own housing authorities, but talks are under way to merge those agencies with the county's housing authority.

Montandon thinks there's pros and cons to merging.

"There are certain issues, like transportation, that are far better discussed regionally. But there are other issues, mainly to do with land use, which are easier to cover close to home," Montandon said. "A larger city brings more resources to bear. The cons are the amount of bureaucracy.

"We've got arguments on both sides. Take the police, for example. People like having police they're familiar with, police for their neighborhoods. The arguments for the larger police departments, they can have helicopters, search and rescue, crime labs."

Buck said her constituents overwhelmingly prefer the former.

"They're happy with having a smaller government," Buck said. "When you look at the school district and their problems with such a huge bureaucracy, I'm not sure there are many in North Las Vegas that would be willing to go through such problems."

Agreed, said Smith. "Why are we talking about breaking up the school district? They want local control," she said of the residents she represents. "I think they'd worry if they get in the mix with Las Vegas, they'd be on the back burner of things."

Nonetheless, "I'm always willing to have those kinds of discussions," Buck said. "That's one of the things that I admire about Oscar. He'll throw these ideas out there and get input. That's a good thing."

Goodman said his sights aren't set beyond North Las Vegas. Not yet.

"It's where you start," he said. "You have to do it incrementally."

What about Henderson?

"That's way down the line," Goodman said.

Jan. 11, 2006
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: Goodman banishes cynicism in speech
Mayor shies away from announcing downtown projects
By DAVID McGRATH SCHWARTZ
REVIEW-JOURNAL

[[[Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman gives State of the City address Tuesday. The mayor delivered his 40-minute speech to about 300 people in downtown's historic former federal courthouse and post office.
Photo by John Locher.]]]

Mayor Oscar Goodman banished cynicism from Las Vegas on Tuesday, offering a rosy retrospective of accomplishments over the past year in his State of the City address.

"There is no place for fear or lack of confidence," Goodman said. "We are pursuing lofty goals. Any doubt about our viability has run its course. From this moment on, cynicism will not be tolerated."

Goodman shied away from specific announcements about new projects coming downtown. In the past, he has used the televised event attended by many influential community members to announce downtown developments.

"The lesson that has been the toughest for me to learn since I've been elected," Goodman said, "was I'm always in too much of a hurry. Unfortunately, you don't accomplish a dream, a vision that you set out to accomplish, except in incremental levels."

The mayor delivered his 40-minute speech to a crowd of about 300 people packed into downtown's historic former federal courthouse and post office, which has been refurbished and is now being called "POST Modern." Officials hope the building will become a cultural center, with museum exhibition space.

Goodman began his speech by rehashing last year's centennial celebrations, proclaiming that it was done without taxpayer money except for three city employees who helped organize it.

Goodman also highlighted the city's hosting of the NBA All-Star game in 2007 and an offseason Major League Baseball meeting that the city will host in 2008. Goodman said only with the support of the gaming industry can Las Vegas land a major league franchise. He said he would not ask sports books to ban betting on a local pro team to gain a franchise, saying it would be hypocritical.

He added that it would be up to interested teams to make the first move.

"Major league sports need Las Vegas more than Las Vegas needs major league sports," he said after the speech.

The mayor also announced that a think tank of leading experts in degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer and Parkinson's, would be meeting in Las Vegas later this year to work on cures for those diseases.

When talking about hopes for an academic medical center on the city-owned 61 acres, Goodman told the audience he sometimes felt like Sisyphus, the mythological figure condemned to push a rock to the top of a mountain only to have it fall back down. But Goodman said the local medical and academic community has gotten behind the idea.

He also pointed to some accomplishments next to the city's Union Park acreage, including the World Market Center building and the Internal Revenue Service building.

He mentioned two new steps in the redevelopment of downtown, which has been his core issue since taking office in 1999. He said that the developers of the high-rise condominium project Streamline had taken out $990,000 in permits on Monday to build downtown.

Councilman Larry Brown described the speech as "positive, positive and positive." But, Brown said, "he's no Pollyanna. He's optimistic yet realistic about meeting the city's challenges."

Goodman also said that the city was continuing to work on the problem of homelessness.

Former Councilman Michael McDonald, now working in development, praised the speech. McDonald said that increasing real estate prices downtown are a good sign. "People are not going to pay so much for dirt if they're not going to put something on it," he said.

Hennessey's Tavern and Mickie Finnz Fish House and Bar are two of the newest downtown hangouts scheduled to open in 2006.*1

With a string of Hennessey抯 restaurants dotting the Southern California coastline from South Bay to San Diego along with a High Sierra mountain location in Mammoth Lakes, the two establishments at the Fremont Street Experience will be the first Hennessey抯 locations in Nevada.

The combination of the traditional Hennessey抯 Tavern with the beach-themed Mickie Finnz Fish House and Bar will bring a new and fun experience for Las Vegas visitors and locals alike.

The city of Las Vegas Office of Business Development helped to facilitate introductions between the pub owners and the Fremont Street Experience, leading to the signing of the lease in 2005. The two new restaurants will be vital in driving pedestrian traffic between the Fremont Street Experience and the city of Las Vegas� newly formed entertainment district.*2

--------------------------------------------
References

*1. City of Las Vegas. 'A profile of Las Vegas on visitors,' "A search of 'Mayor Oscar Goodman' on the Google.com," (January 4, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Properties in the city's downtown area, and along Martin Luther King Boulevard, Eastern Avenue and Main Street, can receive a rebate for making improvements to their facade.*1

Read More...

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Reference

*1. City of Las Vegas. 'A profile of Las Vegas on visitors,' "A search of 'Mayor Oscar Goodman' on the Google.com," (December 23, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.

Dec. 08, 2005
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Mayor opposes flight path plan
City Council delays passing resolution against proposal
By DAVID McGRATH SCHWARTZ
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman promised Wednesday to fight plans to change the flight path for departing planes out of McCarran International Airport, as the City Council delayed passing a resolution against the proposal.

City staffers said the Federal Aviation Administration had published its environmental document, with new information, after staff had prepared the resolution.

City Planning Manager Tom Perrigo said staff will update the resolution and bring it back at the council's Dec. 21 meeting.

The FAA said some of the city's information was wrong.

The resolution, for example, said the planes would fly over the Stratosphere tower.

"There's no way our planes could make that turn," said Del Meadows, air traffic hub manager out of McCarran.

"It's physically impossible."

The plan comes about as McCarran continues to experience growth.

Adding another path for planes to use could decrease departure waiting times, increasing efficiency, Meadows said.

It would also save fuel for the airlines.

About two dozen residents came to speak against the proposal at Wednesday's council meeting.

Those who live in the area that would be affected, which includes some of the upscale neighborhoods of Summerlin and The Lakes, fear that their home values would drop because of the noise from as many as 200 planes per day that Meadows said could be taking the new route.

They also said their quality of life would be affected.

But not everyone in the Las Vegas Valley is against the change.

Noah Rhein lives in Coronado Ranch in southwest Las Vegas where most of the planes fly over now.

He said one area shouldn't have to shoulder all of the side effects of the region's economic growth.

"Why is it that one part of the valley must suffer day and night and others can live in harmony," Rhein said in an e-mail.

Goodman said he planned to go to the two public workshops the FAA will hold on the proposal next week.

One is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at Sierra Vista High School, 8100 Robindale Road.

The other is at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Centennial High School, 10200 Centennial Parkway.

Clark County Aviation Director Randall Walker on Wednesday said McCarran neither supports nor opposes the FAA's proposal to route some departing flights over the heart of the valley.

Walker on Tuesday said the Department of Aviation opposed the FAA's 2001 decision to remove planes from a similar "right turn" flight path four years ago, and added the FAA's proposed change would improve efficiency at the nation's sixth-busiest airport.

However, an airport spokeswoman said those comments did not constitute support for the FAA's plan, and Walker declined requests to address the issue further.

"The (Clark County Aviation Department) supports a more efficient use of airspace, but the FAA ultimately makes those determinations," said spokeswoman Elaine Sanchez.

"The details of the FAA's proposed plan will be heard in public meetings."

Review-Journal writer Chris Jones contributed to this report.

Oscar B. Goodman is the colorful Mayor of Las Vegas. He is committed to rebuilding 'downtown' Las Vegas.

Encyclopedia Entry About Oscar B. Goodman

---A search of 'mayor oscar goodman' on the Google.com in the morning on November 28, 2005

Nov. 11, 2005
Copyright � Las Vegas Review-Journal

Mayor invites players to talk
10 asked to discuss Walters land deal at council meeting
By DAVID McGRATH SCHWARTZ
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Current and former officials are being asked to appear in front of the Las Vegas City Council to rehash details of agreements between the city and developer Bill Walters in the 1990s.

Mayor Oscar Goodman sent letters to 10 people -- the list includes Walters, four current city officials, four former city officials and a police detective -- asking them to show up at Wednesday's City Council meeting.

During the meeting, the council is scheduled to consider rescinding a previous vote to allow Walters to build 1,200 homes on the Royal Links Golf Club, the acreage adjacent to the city's sewage treatment plant that was the subject of the now controversial deals.

The full cast might not show up for the hastily called reunion.

Walters plans to attend. "I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

However, when former Mayor Jan Jones was told her name was on a list of those invited to speak to the council Wednesday, she said she had a management meeting that day and couldn't attend.

"If they want to know answers, why don't they call me?" she asked. "I don't see the purpose."

Jones, who left office in 1999 and has since been one of Goodman's most vocal critics, said she had no problem talking about the issue in public -- indeed, she has gone on TV and spoken to reporters. But she worried Wednesday's council meeting would deteriorate into a political blame-game.

"This is all a practice in obfuscation," Jones said. "If there was something wrong, don't lift the restriction. Or if you want to lift the deed restriction, put it out to public bid."

At his weekly news conference Thursday, Goodman said the council has subpoenalike authority and could force the people on the list to appear before the council. But, the mayor added, there wasn't time for the council to meet and take the required steps to require the people to appear on Wednesday.

Others invited to speak at the meeting include: Virginia Valentine, the city manager from 1998 to 2002; former Councilman Michael McDonald, who was on the council from 1995 to 2003; and Richard Goecke, the former public works director whose decisions benefiting Walters were criticized in a Las Vegas police report and a memo prepared by the city attorney's office.

The controversy began after the council voted 6-1 on Nov. 2 to lift a deed restriction that had been placed on Royal Links Golf Club when it was sold to Walters. For having the restriction lifted, Walters agreed to pay the city $7.2 million and return rights to buy inexpensive treated water from the adjacent city sewage plant.

Lifting the deed restriction because it allows residential development increased the value of the acreage by $24 million, to $35.6 million, according to one appraisal the city commissioned. Another appraisal for the city found lifting the deed restriction raised the land's value by $28.7 million, making the parcel worth $55.7 million.

A day after the council's vote to lift the restriction on the land, the Review-Journal obtained results of a Las Vegas police investigation that said Goecke probably committed criminal acts benefiting Walters related to the Royal Links land that cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

This week, the city attorney's office released a memorandum that detailed actions by Goecke that benefited Walters.

The current city staffers Goodman asked to appear at the meeting include City Manager Doug Selby, and three representatives from the city attorney's office, City Attorney Brad Jerbic, Deputy City Attorney John Redlein and Bill Henry, the senior litigation council for the city attorney's office.

Also invited is Detective Joe Kelley, who signed the Metropolitan Police Department investigation.

Goecke, Jerbic, McDonald, Redlein and Valentine couldn't be reached for comment late Thursday.

Councilman Steve Wolfson requested Wednesday that an item be placed on the agenda so the council could decide whether or not to rescind its vote to lift the deed restriction. Wolfson said he was concerned that the council made its decision without all the information.

If the council rescinds its vote Wednesday, that action would be followed by the council's reconsideration of lifting the deed restriction.

Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian cast the only vote against lifting the restriction. On Thursday, she repeated her concerns about allowing homes to be built as close as 20 feet from the sewage treatment facility.

"How in the world do you take $7.2 million when we have to pay $5 million right away?" she said, referring to the cost to the city of minimizing odors from the plant.

She said she asked for an outside report to be done because she wanted an outside opinion. When two different drafts of an outside report were leaked, one of which significantly downplayed the costs, concerns and dangers of building homes next to a sewage plant, Tarkanian asked for another report to be done.

The editing of the report to cast the proposal in a more favorable light led to the Las Vegas police investigation of the matter.

The Las Vegas Municipal Court is moving to the new Regional Justice Center (RJC) on Monday, November 7, 2005, allowing citizens to access all court services in one location.*1

---------------------------------------------
Reference

*1. City of Las Vegas. 'A profile of Las Vegas on visitors,' "A search of 'Mayor Oscar Goodman' on the Google.com," (November 1, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.

Oct. 22, 2005
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Developer from Summerlin project courted by city
Consultant sought by mayor for 61-acre site
By DAVID McGRATH SCHWARTZ
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Two weeks after negotiations with a potential master developer for the 61-acre Union Park ended without a deal, Mayor Oscar Goodman thinks he has found the man to help make the city's long-held vision a reality.

The city is negotiating with Dan Van Epp, former president of Summerlin developer The Howard Hughes Corp., to become its lead consultant on the highly touted land.

"He'd be shepherding the development," Goodman said. "The developer is the city. He'd be acting on behalf of the city."

The land, as envisioned by city leaders, would be a key to revitalizing downtown, with high-rise residential buildings, an academic medical center and a new City Hall.

Plans for a performing arts center and Alzheimer's research center are further along, and were not affected when The Related Cos. stepped away from the Union Park parcel after a year of negotiations.

Van Epp, currently regional president with the residential builder Newland Communities, did not return messages left Friday afternoon at his Phoenix office.

But Goodman said that one of the keys to finalizing a contract agreement was the ability of Newland to participate in the development.

The mayor called Van Epp "a man of great integrity," and said it was the city's job to watch for any potential conflict the dual roles could foster.

The Related Cos. and the city walked away without an agreement because of a difference over the timeline. Goodman wanted an assurance there would be a "shovel in the ground" within two years, a commitment Related wasn't willing to make, said Marty Burger, president of Related Las Vegas.

While Burger predicted that some things, like City Hall and the Alzheimer's center, would begin construction in two years, he didn't think high-rise residential could start within that time.

"I'd love to be proved wrong because I share the vision of the mayor," he said.

Burger praised Van Epp, who has worked closely with the city on the 61 acres.

Van Epp and Goodman began talking soon after the Related talks fizzled, the mayor said.

"At this point, it's out of my hands," Goodman said.

City staff will work on coming up with an agreement with Van Epp.

New Entertainment And Dining Options Open Downtown*1

The Block on Third Street in downtown Las Vegas is becoming the place to be for an exciting evening out, unique shows and gourmet meals. City officials recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Celebrity Las Vegas nightclub. For more information on Celebrity Las Vegas, call (702) 384-CLUB.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. City of Las Vegas. 'A profile of Las Vegas on visitors,' "A search of 'Mayor Oscar Goodman' on the Google.com," (October 21, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Don't have enough change for the parking meter? Tired of saving quarters? The city of Las Vegas is making the downtown parking experience a little easier with new technology that will help visitors avoid the hassle of needing change for parking meters.*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. City of Las Vegas. 'A profile of Las Vegas,' "A search of 'mayor oscar goodman' on the Google.com," (October 13, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Welcome to the fastest growing community in the nation, Las Vegas, Nevada.*1

As the Mayor of Las Vegas, I invite each of you to explore the many facets of
our great city. From gaming resorts to five-star dining, Las Vegas has it all
and is always adding more to the horizon beyond anyone's wildest
imagination. It does not matter what age you are, the young at heart play and
relax here and leave with memories that can not be created elsewhere.

As you visit our fair city during your Internet travel planning, I hope you find
Las Vegas as interesting, fascinating, exhilarating and fun as the residents of
this fabulous city do.*2

Sincerely,

Oscar Goodman
Mayor
City of Las Vegas

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. City of Las Vegas. 'A profile of Las Vegas,' "A search of 'mayor oscar goodman' on the Google.com," (September 20, 2005), Mountainview, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

On Saturday, April 30, 2005, the CCBA抯 Community Service Committee and New Lawyers Committee participated in the annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica. Proceeds from WalkAmerica support the March of Dimes mission of preventing birth defects and infant mortality through research, education, community services and advocacy. Team CCBA, led by co-captains Kari Oakes and Las Vegas

Mayor Oscar Goodman, led a group of more than 50 walkers through the streets of Downtown and raised donations in the amount of $7,155 for the March of Dimes. Mayor Goodman, wearing his Team CCBA T-shirt, kicked-off the walk in front of a large crowd at Neonopolis. From the Fremont Street Experience, the 1.2 mile walk headed south on Main Street, east on the scenic Lewis Street corridor, north on Las Vegas Boulevard and ended at Neonopolis.*2
.....................................

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References

*1. Clark County Bar Association. 'A press release and profile of CCBA,' "A search of 'oscar goodman esq' on the Google.com," (September 8, 2005), Mountainview, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

[[[PHOTO: MAYOR CELEBRATES NEW CLUB]]]

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who calls himself the happiest mayor in the universe, dresses up to celebrate the opening of Celebrity, a gay show bar downtown. Goodman was joined on stage by singer Mark Smith, right, at the club at 201 N. Third St. Photo by Craig L. Moran.

City Of Las Vegas Plays Host To First Furniture Mart

Downtown Las Vegas will be brimming with activity when the first Las Vegas Market opens to furniture professionals at the end of July. The debut event will encompass nearly 2.5 million square feet of permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, bedding, area rugs, and related segments, as well as a Design Center open year-round to the trade.

While the furniture mart is not open to the general public, the market is expected to attract thousands of representatives from leading companies in the home furnishing industry.

The city of Las Vegas provided financial incentives to the developers of Las Vegas Market to attract them to the downtown area. The project is seen as a boost to Las Vegas because it will diversify the economy and also bring thousands of people to downtown and the valley.

The following information is post through the courtesy of Google.com:

......................

No one pines for the old Vegas like Nevada抯 best writer, John L. Smith. Smith has chronicled much of the Las Vegas story in his books about the city抯 famous and notorious, as well as in his columns in the Las Vegas Review Journal newspaper. His latest book, Of Rats and Men: Oscar Goodman抯 Life*2 From Mob Mouthpiece to Mayor of Las Vegas is the biography of Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman. Goodman describes himself as the "happiest mayor in the country." Once happy hour starts, and Goodman commences to consume his considerable daily intake of gin martinis, no doubt, other mayors would be hard pressed to keep up in the happiness department.*3

........................

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Oscar Goodman is the Mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada, U. S. A.
*2. Google.com. 'A profile of Oscar Goodman,' "A search of 'mayor oscar goodman' on the Google.com," (July, 15, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
*3. Ibid.

Term: 2003 - 2007
Mayor's Office: (702) 229-6241
Contact Mayor Oscar B. Goodman

The 19th mayor of the city of Las Vegas, Oscar B. Goodman was re-elected for a second four-year term in April 2003. His trademark no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is style helped him capture 86 percent of the vote during his re-election efforts.

Mayor Goodman has been a champion of downtown revitalization, focusing his efforts on creating a downtown urban village filled with small businesses, boutiques, fine restaurants, bookstores and an art component where the public can have social dialogue and exchange ideas. 揕ike it or not, downtown is the core of our city, the heart and soul of southern Nevada, and without a healthy inner core, the city will rot from the inside out,� Goodman has stated.

During his first term, Goodman was successful in acquiring a 61-acre parcel in downtown Las Vegas without having to use eminent domain. In addition, the mayor played an integral part in getting the first Class A office building built in the downtown area in more than 20 years and he worked to acquire the historic downtown post office, which will be used for a downtown cultural center. Goodman has also led efforts to develop both an Arts District and an Entertainment District.

The self-proclaimed 揾appiest mayor in the world,� Goodman was born and raised in Philadelphia, graduating from Haverford College and receiving his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He has become one of the city抯 premier criminal defense attorneys, having been named one of the �15 Best Trial Lawyers in America� by the National Law Journal. He has also been featured in numerous publications such as Of Rats and Men and even portrayed himself in the movie Casino. Mayor Goodman also serves on the Advisory Board of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Goodman and his wife of 42 years, Carolyn, moved to Las Vegas in 1964 with $87 in their pockets. The couple raised four children in Las Vegas, with three of the four now calling Las Vegas their home. All were educated in Las Vegas and went on to acquire college and graduate level degrees. 揥hen Carolyn and I came here, Las Vegas was truly a land of opportunity,� the mayor says. 揧ou could establish a career, make something for yourself and enjoy a great quality of life. I want to make sure that never changes.�*2

Contact Mayor Goodman:
400 Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Mayor's Office: (702) 229-6241
City Hall FAX: (702) 385-7960
Click here to Contact Mayor Goodman

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Google.com. 'A profile of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman,' "A search of 'oscar goodman' on the Google.com," (July 4, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

The City of Las Vegas*1

Las Vegas Celebrates 100 Years!

Welcome to the city of Las Vegas Web site! Our goal is to enhance our residents' quality of life, while making sure Las Vegas remains the premiere entertainment destination in the world. The city staff strives to be open, accessible and responsive to our citizens. Through this Web site, you can find important information about our great city, our departments and handle city business at the click of a mouse. Visitors can also take advantage of the information on travel, lodging, transportation and entertainment.*2

The city of Las Vegas Web site is always open for business, 24 hours a day.*3

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Oscar B. Goodman is the Mayor of The City of Las Vegas.
*2. The City of Las Vegas. 'A profile of The City of Las Vegas,' "A search of 'mayor oscar goodman' on the Google.com,' (June 15, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
*3. Ibid.

Portrait of Las Vegas, Nevada Mayor Oscar B. Goodman.Oscar Baylin Goodman (born on July 26, 1939) is a lawyer and the Mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Goodman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received an undergraduate degree from Haverford College in 1961 and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1964. He was admitted to the Nevada Bar Association in 1965 and he served as Chief Deputy Public Defender in Clark County, Nevada from 1966 to 1967. He is married to Carolyn and they have four children.

During his career as a defense attorney he represented defendants accused of being some of the leading organized crime figures in Las Vegas, such as Meyer Lansky and former Stardust Casino boss Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal. One of his most notorious clients was reputed Chicago mobster Anthony "Tony the Ant" Spilotro, who was known to have a very short and violent temper. Spilotro was portrayed by actor Joe Pesci in the semi-factual 1995 movie Casino, in which Goodman had a cameo appearance as himself.

Goodman is a senior partner in the law firm of Goodman Chesnoff & Keach. He was elected Mayor of Las Vegas on June 8, 1999, receiving 32,765 (63.76%) votes while his opponent, Las Vegas City Councilman Arnie Adamsen, received 18,620 (36.24%). He was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2003, defeating five opponents and receiving 29,356 (85.72%) of the votes. .....
................................
---------------------------------------------
Reference

*1. Google. 'A profile of Oscar Goodman; Answers.com ---Fast Facts,' "A search of 'mayor Oscar Goodman' on the Google.com," (May 22, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.

Oscar B. Goodman

As Chairperson of the Centennial Committee, Oscar B. Goodman is known as the "Happiest Mayor in the World." He was elected the 19th Mayor of Las Vegas in June 1999 and began serving his second term in April 2003. Some say his unique character and quick wit are befitting a mayor in Sin City. Others say his irreverence and refusal to be politically correct are a refreshing change, but whatever you say about Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, no one can doubt the love he has for this community and his overwhelming desire to make it even better.

Mayor Goodman was born in Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He moved to Las Vegas in 1964 and soon became one of the city's premier criminal defense attorneys. He has been recognized as one of the "Fifteen Best Trial Lawyers in America" by the National Law Journal and is listed annually in the publication "Best Lawyers in America."

Oscar and Carolyn G. Goodman have been married for 40 years and most proud of their four children. "I raised a family in Las Vegas and built a successful law practice here," stated Mayor Goodman. "Now, I want my legacy to include building a community where future generations will have even more opportunities and advantages to live a prosperous life."

Dear Mayor Honorable Oscar Goodman,
Dr. Tony T. Lei, Advisor of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas [President of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)], Mrs. Wendy Wu, Chairperson of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA), Miss Sue Phelps, President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas, Mr. Lo-Yu Sun, Board Advisor of TBAA, and Ms. Hui-Ching Chen, Director of Secretary Division of TBAA

request the honor of your presence
as a Kenote Speaker (for short speech) and/or as a grantor of Greetings Letter*1
at the Opening Ceremony of 28th Annual Convention of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA)

on Saturday, the Thirty of July, 2005
at the Paris Hotel and Casino
3655, Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Participants: About 500 people.
Attire: Business

RSVP: Please e-mail Dr. Tony Lei at tojulei@yahoo.com.
Or please call Judy for RSVP at 255-9058 on or before Friday, April 22, 2005.

*1. We received Greetings Letters from U. S. President George Bush, U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, California Governor Gray Davis, U. S. Senator Barbara Boxer, U. S. Congressman Pete Stark, City Mayor of Sunnyvale Julia Miller, among others for the 26th Annual Convention of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA) in 2003.

*****The Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA) will hold its 28th Annual Conference in Las Vegas Nevada from July 29, 2005 to July 31, 2005 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel (3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109). Our theme for this year is the Future Development of TBAA, a topic that reflects our commitment to pass on our traditions and legacies to Taiwanese Americans in the United States. We would be very honored if you would join us at the Opening Ceremony on July 30, 2005 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

As the largest civic organization representing U.S. immigrants from Taiwan, the TBAA currently has approximately 15 chapters and 30,000 active members nationwide. Our members are concerned about the new developments in Cross-Strait Relations, the U.S China Relationship and the Asian Economy. They are increasely focused on working with the mainstream of American society on these and other issues. Your participation would greatly inspire us as we move forward to achieve our goal.

Thank you for your kind attention and we look forward to hearing from you very soon.

Sincerely yours,

Wendy Yu-ping Wu
Chairman, TBAA Convention Committee
Sue Phelps
Chairman of T.B.A.A.-L.V.
Lo-Yu Sun
Board Advisor
Hui-Ching Chen
Director of Secretary Division

***Although we have sent out just a few invitations at the time being, but the responses from them are enthusiastic. Nevada Clark County Commissioner Lynette McDonald will be very pleased to attend. She will also present us the Proclamation of Clark County Commission. Nevada Assemblywoman Valerie Weber felt honored to be invited by us. She will attend ours with great pleasure. Justice of the Supreme Court Michael Douglas will be in Hawaii, but he promised to grant us a significant Greetings Letter. Regional Representative Liane Lee is collecting detail information about TBAA, TBALV, and their leaders from Dr. Tony Lei for U. S. Senator Honorable Harry Reid to write a Greetings Letter for our 28th Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 29, 2005 to July 31, 2005 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. ............

The following is the profile that we found through the search of "mayor oscar goodman wbti" on the Google.com in the evening at March 28, 2005:

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman
Term: 2003 - 2007
Mayor's Office: (702) 229-6241
Contact Mayor Oscar B. Goodman

The 19th mayor of the city of Las Vegas, Oscar B. Goodman was re-elected for a second four-year term in April 2003. His trademark no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is style helped him capture 86 percent of the vote during his re-election efforts.

Mayor Goodman has been a champion of downtown revitalization, focusing his efforts on creating a downtown urban village filled with small businesses, boutiques, fine restaurants, bookstores and an art component where the public can have social dialogue and exchange ideas. 揕ike it or not, downtown is the core of our city, the heart and soul of southern Nevada, and without a healthy inner core, the city will rot from the inside out,� Goodman has stated.*2

During his first term, Goodman was successful in acquiring a 61-acre parcel in downtown Las Vegas without having to use eminent domain. In addition, the mayor played an integral part in getting the first Class A office building built in the downtown area in more than 20 years and he worked to acquire the historic downtown post office, which will be used for a downtown cultural center. Goodman has also led efforts to develop both an Arts District and an Entertainment District.

The self-proclaimed 揾appiest mayor in the world,� Goodman was born and raised in Philadelphia, graduating from Haverford College and receiving his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He has become one of the city抯 premier criminal defense attorneys, having been named one of the �15 Best Trial Lawyers in America� by the National Law Journal. He has also been featured in numerous publications such as Of Rats and Men and even portrayed himself in the movie Casino. Mayor Goodman also serves on the Advisory Board of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Goodman and his wife of 42 years, Carolyn, moved to Las Vegas in 1964 with $87 in their pockets. The couple raised four children in Las Vegas, with three of the four now calling Las Vegas their home. All were educated in Las Vegas and went on to acquire college and graduate level degrees. 揥hen Carolyn and I came here, Las Vegas was truly a land of opportunity,� the mayor says. 揧ou could establish a career, make something for yourself and enjoy a great quality of life. I want to make sure that never changes.�*3

Contact Mayor Goodman:
400 Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Mayor's Office: (702) 229-6241
City Hall FAX: (702) 385-7960
Click here to Contact Mayor Goodman

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References

*1. PAI is the initial of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Office of the Mayor. 'Downtown Las Vegas ---the heart and soul of southern Nevada,' "A search of Mayor Oscar Goodman on the Google.com," (March 28, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
*3. Ibid.