Biography of Oscar Baylin Goodman

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Oscar Baylin Goodman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 26, 1939. Goodman and Carolyn, his wife of 42 years, have raised four children in Las Vegas, three of whom continue to call the city home. This American politician has been a Democratic Party, and an attorney. He has currently taken on the role as the mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada. Furthermore, Oscar was born in to a Jewish family. He attended Haverford College, Pennsylvania in 1961 where he earned undergraduate degree. He then received a Juris Doctor (J.D) from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1964. He furthered career when he was admitted to the Nevada Bar Association in 1965 and he served as a Chief Public Defender in Clark County, Nevada from 1966 to 1967.

Oscar is a defense attorney who has represented defendants accused of being some of the notorious organized crime figures in Las Vegas.

Nicky Scarfo, Meyer Lansky, Phil Leonetti, and former Stardust Casion boss – Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal. During 1970’s Drug Trafficker, Jamiel “Jimmy” Chagra, Oscar client had ordered the murder Federal Judge John Wood. One of his most infamous defendants was reputed Chicago mobster Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro, who was known to have a very short and dangerous temper. Goodman, had a cameo appearance as himself in Casino a semi- factual movie in 1995, Spilotro was portrayed by actor Joe Pesci. San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock, who was convicted of accepting illegal campaign contributions, who was forced to resign - was also Goodman’s client. At Goodman, Chesnoff & Keach, Goodman was a senior partner in the law firm. He was elected Mayor of Las Vegas on June 8, 1999. He received 32,765 (63.8%) votes in the election. He defeated five opponents and received 29,356 (85.7%) votes, and was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2003. In addition, he was a member of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority from 1999.

In February 2004, multiple complaints where filed with the Nevada Commission on Ethics. Robert Rose, a retired auto mechanic and self- proclaimed ethics watchdog declared that Goodman was hosting a cocktail party and during the United States Conference of Mayors, he was handing out invitations to fellow Mayors, conference attendees and other political figures. He contended that the Mayor was abusing his power of office to give support to promoting a business that is owned by Las Vegas Councilman, Micheal Mack, and his son Ross. On April 14th, 2004, the Nevada Ethics Commission opened an investigation and on May 13th, 2004 the members of the commission became deadlocked and as a consequence no action was taken against Mayor Oscar Goodman, and the investigation was closed. Rose filed a complaint once again on September 16th, 2004 with the Nevada Commision on Ethics this time asking the commission to clarify Goodman’s affiliation with his son Ross’ law firm. In a statement the mayor explained his name on the letterhead is a way of enlightening out-of-state firms that Ross Goodman is his son.

Oscar Baylin Goodman’s PlatformHe has criticized the Ubisoft game Rainbow Six Vegas for its foundation of terrorism in Las Vegas, for the reason that he thought it may tarnish the city's image. He stated, "It's based on a false premise...It could be harmful economically, and it may be something that's not entitled to free speech (protection)"In addition, Mayor Goodman, on November 3, 2005, suggested that those who deface freeways with graffiti should have their thumbs cut off on television. Oscar, appearing on the "Nevada Newsmakers" television show, said, "In the old days in France, they had beheading of people who commit heinous crimes", "You know, we have a beautiful highway landscaping redevelopment in our downtown. We have desert tortoises and beautiful paintings of flora and fauna. These punks come along and deface it", I'm saying maybe you put them on TV and cut off a thumb", and "That may be the right thing to do." Goodman also recommended that whippings or canings should be brought back for children who get into mischief. "I also believe in a little bit of corporal punishment going back to the days of yore, where examples have to be shown," Goodman said. "I'm dead serious," said Goodman, adding, "Some of these (children) don't learn. You have got to teach them a lesson, and this is coming from a criminal defense lawyer."Whilst Goodman was speaking to a group of fourth-graders at Jo Mackey Elementary School, on March 3, 2005, he was asked what he would bring if marooned on a desert island. The mayor replied to a 9 year old, he would bring “a bottle of gin’. In addition, when he was asked about his hobbies, the mayor named drinking as his favorite. He was not even remorseful when he later commented. He stated, “I’m the George Washington of mayors. I can't tell a lie. If they didn't want the answer the kid shouldn't have asked the question."Works CitedChargers turn down offer to move to Vegas. North County Times (2007-01-05). Retrieved on 2007-01-05.

Powell, Ronald (2007-01-05). Las Vegas woos Chargers. signonsandiego.com. Retrieved on 2007-01-05.

Oscar Goodman. Ed. : Wikipedia, free enclopedia, 2006. 21 Nov 2006 .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Goodman/