Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

GOODMAN INQUIRY: Director of ethics panel defends self

Mayor says probe politically motivated

Nevada Ethics Commission Executive Director Stacy Jennings defended herself Monday against Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's charge that a state ethics inquiry is politically motivated.

Responding to accusations that her probe has been driven by Las Vegas Sun columnist Jon Ralston, who has been sharply critical of the mayor, Jennings said, "I am just doing my job. ... He (Goodman) can make all the allegations he wants, but it doesn't detract from the fact that it's (the complaint) going forward."

An Ethics Commission panel decided Friday there is enough evidence to hold a hearing May 12 to consider allegations Goodman improperly promoted a cocktail party benefiting his son's business venture. The allegations were brought to the commission through a citizen complaint.

At Jennings' request, the full commission will also determine whether Goodman violated state law by accepting and using a Cadillac, endorsing Bombay Sapphire gin and endorsing a contest for Jane Magazine.

If Goodman is found guilty of multiple violations it could lead to a District Court proceeding to determine if he should be removed from office.

Goodman, who leveled accusations against Jennings in communication with the commission and a news conference Friday, declined to comment Monday.

But he has previously said Jennings' conduct and motives should be addressed before the commission. Goodman, who will represent himself before the commission, has offered two bits of evidence to support his claim Jennings and Ralston have acted in tandem.

Hours after Ralston called a city official on March 11 asking about the Jane Magazine ad, Jennings contacted the same city official with nearly identical questions, according to Goodman. Ralston reported later that day that the Ethics Commission was eyeing the ad.

The mayor called it a "bizarre coincidence." But Jennings flatly denied it was anything but a coincidence.

"I don't know where Jon Ralston gets his information; I don't know if we called the same day or if we had the same questions," she said.

Goodman also alleged Jennings and Ralston had, within two days of each other, submitted requests to be added to a councilman's mailing list. A city source said the councilman is Michael Mack.

Of the allegation, Jennings said, "I don't even know what that's all about."

Jennings said her inquiry into the mayor's acceptance and use of a Cadillac, the gin endorsement and promotion of a Jane Magazine contest were prompted by a pattern of Goodman "using his office for the benefit of family members."

The mayor is required to submit by April 16 exhibits, witness lists and subpoenas related to his defense. If Goodman attempts to go after Jennings at the May hearing, it's doubtful the former criminal defense attorney will be allowed to cross examine her.

Jennings said the commission unanimously voted down the only previous attempt to subpoena her. Members agreed state law protects her from such questioning.

Acting Ethics Commission Chairman Rick Hsu said allowing Goodman to question her would be illogical.

"She doesn't have personal knowledge of any of it," he said. "As the person who investigates, it doesn't make sense to have her testify on something she doesn't have firsthand knowledge of."

Hsu said he's confident safeguards keep the commission from being used for political ends. Allegations are confidentially vetted by a two-member panel before they move forward, he pointed out.

"But it's not uncommon or unexpected that there will be some personal attacks made against the person doing the investigations," he said.