Las Vegas City Wire

Coming to Las Vegas in 1964 was a gamble, but this pair hit the jackpot. They have been married for more than 60 years and collectively have spent 25 years in the mayor's office. Known as Carolyn Goodman, the current mayor of Las Vegas, and Oscar Goodman, the former mayor of Las Vegas, they have many stories to tell. Here are five facts that may surprise you.

The mayors were set up by their friends, and it wasn’t love at first sight. For Oscar, it was the fourth attempt that succeeded when it came to his relationship with Carolyn. After several phone calls, he eventually accompanied Carolyn to the library. She recalls that her style and physical presence captivated Oscar. Meanwhile, she couldn't wait for a second date - and the rest is history.

Similar to tourists and Las Vegans, the mayors loved a good gamble back in 1964. When they settled in Las Vegas in 1964, they were new to the community. With Oscar having few clients initially, top restaurants wouldn't take their reservations. However, thanks to Oscar’s family support, they had $25 a week to spend on dinner. If they had money left over after these dinners, they would go to the tables. Oscar stood behind Carolyn as she tested her luck; when she won, she would pocket the winnings.

Oscar Goodman played a cameo in Martin Scorsese's film "Casino," befriending famous actors Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. The Casino cast being away from home prompted the Goodmans to throw a dinner party inviting Martin Scorsese and the leading cast into their home. Carolyn cooked her signature dishes including pot roast which became a topic of conversation that night.

Growing up watching westerns on television made Carolyn always want to be a cowgirl. Moving to Las Vegas allowed her to live out that dream; she had a horse and would ride it out in the open desert near what is known today as Flamingo Road and Eastern Avenue.

Oscar wanted to be the second-string shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies because he believed it offered all benefits without many errors opportunities.

Oscar initially pursued law but realized he could uphold honesty within the system “from inside rather than outside.” This realization motivated him to run for office in 1999.

Meanwhile, Carolyn never envisioned herself continuing politics until their children expressed she was uniquely qualified for it. Encouraged by their words, Carolyn entered politics dedicating herself since then to doing her best for Las Vegas.

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