Carolyn, Oscar Goodman honored with larger-than-life Las Vegas artwork
A quarter century of Mayor Carolyn Goodman and former Mayor Oscar Goodman was celebrated in Las Vegas fashion Tuesday morning. A larger-than-life sculpture for Vegas figures who have been just that was unveiled at City Hall.
The bronze piece, created by master sculptor Brian Hanlon, is 11 feet fall on a 6 1/2-foot base. Hanlon said the piece is worth about $750,000. Funding for the statue was made possible by the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas Life.
The plaza at the City Hall entrance has been named Carolyn B. Goodman Plaza. That project across from City Hall on Clark Street will come online next spring.
Tuesday’s event was coordinated by Oscar Goodman, along with City Hall officials. Las Vegas City Manager Mike Janssen, who has worked for the city in all 25 of the Goodmans’ term, led the announcement. Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz also addressed the crowd, noting the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas over the past quarter-century.
The Goodmans arrived on a red carpet for what would be three ceremonies, first announcing Goodman Way, then on to the City Plaza dedication and statue unveiling. The crush of dignitaries at the City Hall entry included downtown resort power players Derek Stevens of the D Las Vegas and Circa, Jonathan Jossell of the Plaza and Kenny Epstein of El Cortez.
Mayor-Elect Shelley Berkley was also on hand, prepared to take her post when Carolyn Goodman terms out Friday.
The extra-Vegas affair included the requisite rendition of “Viva Las Vegas,” played as the drape was pulled from the sculpture. We had Showgirls, naturally, as the Goodmans couple were flanked by the costumed performers Porsha Revesz and Jennifer Autry.
Carolyn Goodman said had no inclination a statue had been placed at City Hall’s entrance early morning Monday. She had been advised there was to be an event at the Plaza, but nothing else. After the event, the outgoing mayor said, “It was such a shock,” Goodman said. “The hardest thing was for him, because he always leaks something or makes a mistake and the information gets out. I am such a snoop and usually know everything, but not today.”
The mayor was shaken as she addressed the City Hall crowd.
“Oscar and I have never been so moved to live in Las Vegas and find all of you professionals, who love Las Vegas as we do,” Carolyn Goodman said, her voice halting. “We love our beautiful family, who has given us a life of meaning and purpose.”
Goodman also scanned the crowd for Kimberly Reid, the city’s special assistant to the mayor who has served both Goodmans. Reid had kept word of the planning from Goodman, who joked, “Kimberly? Where are you? … You’re fired!”
Oscar Goodman’s comments were brief, thanking the hundreds of dignitaries on hand and closing with, “Believe it or not, I am speechless.”
The outgoing mayor’s final day is Friday, when Shelley Berkley takes the office. Goodman’s final appearances will be at the Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest holiday opening, and at the Rio to present the Chippendales male revue at the Rio with a Key to the City.
As the couple walked from the event, Oscar Goodman was asked about his plans over the short term. “I’m having another drink!” And the long term?” Also another drink, and the mid-term, too. We’re going to enjoy life, as we always have.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.