Las Vegas NowSome Say Mayor Has Conflict of Interest

Some Say Mayor Has Conflict of Interest

(Apr. 6) -- The Nevada Ethics Commission executive director says she is just doing her job. The comments came after the director was accused of launching the inquiry into Mayor Oscar Goodman for political reasons. Last week the commission decided there was enough evidence to hold a hearing on charges of ethics violations by Mayor Goodman.

(Apr. 5) -- Mayor Oscar Goodman says he will represent himself next month when he appears before the Nevada Commission on Ethics. Evidence will be presented and Mayor Goodman will have a chance to respond to allegations of ethic violations during the public hearing.

Mayor Oscar Goodman: "I want to make it clear, as the Mayor of Las Vegas, I am going to run the city the way I want to run it. I am not going to have people tell me how the city is run."

Mayor Goodman didn't hold back when responding to the news that he would be appearing before the Nevada Commission on Ethics. Goodman faces eight allegations of ethical misconduct, including the alleged promotion of his son's business at a cocktail party, his free use of a luxury car and a $100,000 contract for a liquor endorsement.

UNLV Professor Craig Walton responded, "That was shocking. He said the kinds of things you'd expect to hear from dictators -- 'will run Las Vegas anyway I want to run it' -- 'no one will tell me how to run it' -- and attacking other people attacking the ethics commission the director, the citizen who made the complaint. It's frightening and it's arrogant for any of us to take that attitude in a Democratic republic it's not suitable."

Professor Walton is a professor of Ethics and Policy Studies at UNLV. He says while it may not be about money, there is still the question of conflict of interest -- something Mayor Goodman denies.

Professor Craig Walton: "He's blurred the line between the person, husband and father who can do lots of things and take the consequences, and the Mayor who is a vested office. He is our voice."

A city spokesperson tells Eyewitness News that Mayor Goodman responded to the allegations at Friday's news conference and is done commenting until the hearing -- unless new information surfaces.

Mayor Oscar Goodman: "I am looking forward to the hearing. I have no problem with the hearing. They better be ready for me at the hearing."

The Nevada Commission on Ethics is made up of eight members. Four are appointed by the governor and four are appointed by the legislature. All serve four-year terms and are paid $80 a day each time they meet, which is usually once a month.

If the commission finds that Mayor Goodman had 3 separate willful violations, it can lead to the commission filing paperwork with the proper courts for Goodman's removal from office.