We arrived here in Las Vegas in our mid-20s, with just $87 in our pockets," laughingly recalls Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. "We couldn't go back to Philadelphia. We couldn't afford to. We looked down over the valley from Boulder City when we first got in front of our car and a couple of twinkling lights and my wife carolyn said, "Where have you brought us?"
Over the 40-plus years in Nevada, the lives and times of the Goodman family have changed the landscape of the Las Vegas valley for the better.
"We raised four great kids right here in Las Vegas. Oscar Jr. is a doctor in New York City and is now going for his fellowship in oncology; Ross, a retired major from the Marine Corps, is now a lawyer; Eric, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania law school and Las Vegas lawyer; and Cara, recently married with a fresh master's degree from Stanford University."
Wife Carolyn has been the family center and has contributed greatly to the Las Vegas community. A true leader, she is the founder of The Meadows School, one of the leading private and no-sectarian schools in Las Vegas.
"I started out with a job in the DA's office. I eventually became a high-profile defense lawyer for the mob. Every morning I would be fighting the FBI, the IRS, the DEA, the judges, the prosecutor, my clients, the whole works, then as the mob dissipated and the corporations came in, my life wasn't as interesting as it was. This is when I decided to run for major."
One local headline read, "Anybody But Oscar," Goodman now laughs. "The only ones that agreed with me were the people. I got 64% of the vote in 1999 and 86% in 2003."
Mayor Oscar Goodman tirelessly puts in long hours from sunup to way past sundown and seems never to sleep. From the city council meetings, to breakfast, lunch and dinner functions, to fund-raisers to family, somehow he manages to squeeze in some well-earned time for a bit of just plan fun.
The mayor's 10th floor office at City Hall is a mini-museum. Photos of the Who's Who of America with him are everywhere: Muhammad Ali, Donald Trump, Siegfried and Roy, President Clinton, Jay Leno, and his most important possession, the priceless photos of his beloved family.
Goodman is the quintessential Las Vegan. He has spanned the old days and the new days. "It's been a great life," he smiles."I've seen it all." At the same time, Goodman maintains his health and is in excellent shape, walking regularly, never failing to stay in touch with his fellow citizens. Indeed, he is the mayor who led Las Vegas into the 21st century.
"Personally, I am most proud of my family. Professionally, revitalizing the downtown with great properties such as the Golden Nugget and developing the 61 acres downtown, which will house an academic medical center, a performing arts center, a furniture mart and many leading businesses."
Each year, report after report continues to name Las Vegas as one of the best places in the country to live, raise a family and grow a business.
"I love this job. I can't get enough of it. It's addicting!" No doubt Mayor Oscar Goodman will continue to build the most livable city in the country, which is also the fastest-growing city in America. Viva Las Vegas!
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We arrived here in Las Vegas in our mid-20s, with just $87 in our pockets," laughingly recalls Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. "We couldn't go back to Philadelphia. We couldn't afford to. We looked down over the valley from Boulder City when we first got in front of our car and a couple of twinkling lights and my wife carolyn said, "Where have you brought us?"
"I started out with a job in the DA's office. I eventually became a high-profile defense lawyer for the mob. Every morning I would be fighting the FBI, the IRS, the DEA, the judges, the prosecutor, my clients, the whole works, then as the mob dissipated and the corporations came in, my life wasn't as interesting as it was. This is when I decided to run for major."
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