LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — In a city that’s always changing, there’s been one constant over the past quarter-century: the Goodmans.
Combined, Oscar and Carolyn Goodman are approaching 25 years serving as mayors of Las Vegas.
In this exclusive report, Channel 13 explores the life, careers and controversies of the Nevada power couple whose vision has helped transform Las Vegas.
Channel 13 anchor Tricia Kean has an up close and personal interview with the Goodmans at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts — which Oscar himself was fundamental in creating.
“The Goodman Years” features exclusive interviews and new insight into the years Oscar and Carolyn Goodman have spent shaping Las Vegas as we know it.
The Goodmans were a power couple in Las Vegas long before either of them ran for mayor. But how they ended up together — and what brought them here — is a story in itself. Tricia Kean reports.
The Goodmans would end up adopting four children: Ross, Eric, Cara and Oscar Jr. — who spoke to Channel 13 about what it was like growing up with the couple who'd go on to become mayors of Las Vegas.
OSCAR GOODMAN, BEFORE ELECTION
Before he was mayor, Oscar Goodman was a very successful attorney to some very notorious clients. Today you can see some of the highlights from his career on display at The Mob Museum.
CAROLYN GOODMAN: FROM MENTOR TO MAYOR
Many people may not know it, but before she was mayor, Carolyn Goodman founded The Meadows School in Summerlin. She tells Tricia Kean her desire to found the private, pre-K through 12th grade school came from seeking a better education for her own children:
"I said to Oscar, 'We either have to move, because the school system's beginning to slide, or we have to build the school; one of the two.'"
When Oscar Goodman took office, he says he knew exactly what he wanted to do from day one: "I said, 'I want to make this into a world-class city.'" But executing that vision would take more time than he had. Fearing their father's dreams would wither on the vine, Carolyn Goodman says her children asked her to step in, beginning the next era of Goodman leadership in Las Vegas.
For two people known for speaking their mind, a bit of controversy comes with the territory. Oscar and Carolyn Goodman have both had their moments of controversy while in office — something they addressed in a recent interview with Channel 13’s Tricia Kean.
THE SUN SETS ON ‘THE GOODMAN YEARS’
When Carolyn Goodman leaves office next year, who should take her place? Channel 13’s Tricia Kean asked Oscar and Carolyn who should succeed them as the couple reflect on their quarter-century as mayors of Las Vegas.
