Known best as the “Happiest Mayor in the Universe,” Oscar Goodman served three terms as mayor of the city of Las Vegas. In April of 2007, he captured 84 percent of the vote in his re-election effort to a third four-year term. During his tenure as mayor, he had many accomplishments in the heart of downtown. They include Symphony Park, a phenomenal 61- acre planned development which includes the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
The park also includes the Smith Center, a 350,000-square-foot performing arts center opening in 2012, as well as plans for boutique hotels, high-rise residential units, business, medical and retail opportunities. At the conclusion of his last term in 2011, he did what no other mayor has ever done in the country: swear in his wife, Carolyn Goodman, as the new mayor of Las Vegas. After his tenure as mayor, Goodman has remained active in the Las Vegas community. He continues to serve as Las Vegas’ primary ambassador as chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Host Committee which is made up of local business and civic leaders who engage the Las Vegas community in support of major trade shows and destination events. Goodman also assists in rolling out the “red carpet” to welcome attendees of special events and meetings and conventions to Las Vegas. In addition, Goodman has lent his name to a new steakhouse at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in his beloved downtown Las Vegas.
The restaurant, located in the property’s iconic dome overlooking Fremont Street, carries the tagline “Beef • Booze • Broads” that he helped to develop. This unique restaurant will pair a great meal with the opportunity to have one of Oscar’s “Broads” visit with customers during dinner. Goodman has been very involved in every aspect of developing the restaurant, from providing some his memorabilia for the décor to weighing in on the recipes and menu. Goodman was born and raised in Philadelphia. He went on to graduate from Haverford College and received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He moved to Las Vegas and was admitted to the Nevada State Bar Association in 1965 and soon began a career as a defense attorney representing numerous high-profile clients. He has been recognized by the National Law Journal as one of the “15 Best Trial Lawyers in America.” In addition to his legal and political career, Goodman also has taken up acting by playing himself in the movie “Casino” and most recently appearing on an episode of the primetime hit series “CSI Las Vegas.