Las Vegas NowMayor Goodman Backs Off on Apology Request

Mayor Goodman Backs Off on Apology Request

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman says he misspoke when he said President Barack Obama should apologize to Las Vegas, but the mayor still expects President Obama to set things right.

Mayor Goodman's weekly news conference was dominated by talk of President Obama's comment that businesses should not go to Las Vegas on the taxpayer's dime.

Goodman says he has not received any word from the White House but there has been some communication through Senator Harry Reid's office. Reid told Mayor Goodman that President Obama was only talking about junket trips, not legitimate business trips.

Mayor Goodman still maintains that by singling out Las Vegas, the president further tarnished the image of doing business in Las Vegas.

"There has been an impression out there that somehow if you come to Las Vegas, it's going to reflect on your business culture. That is a bunch of hooey. That is a joke. It's exacerbated when the President of the United States uses Las Vegas as an example," Goodman said.

Stephanie Arone is the general manager for Activity Planners. Companies call her and she sets up the entire event, from hotel rooms to convention space to any activities. When companies cancel meetings, that's 20 to 30 vendors Arone won't call for help with the client.

"The scaling back, in addition to the cancellations that we are seeing, have a huge effect on our local economy," she said.

The ripple effect means fewer Las Vegas residents will be hired.

"I don't think that the president did anything intentionally wrong, I believe that he was not thoughtful and careful in what he was saying or he would not have sited Las Vegas," said Goodman.

The Mayor says even businesses that received taxpayer bailout money should come to Las Vegas, but for the right reasons, "If it's for serious purposes and not for vacation, but to get business done, I see nothing wrong with it."

In the wake of this, Senator Harry Reid says he invited the president to Las Vegas and he accepted. The trip is being scheduled for late spring or early summer.