CityCenter chief has job creation ideas for Obama

MGM Mirage Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Murren hopes to have a few minutes to "chitchat" on Friday with President Barack Obama.

If he gets the opportunity, Murren said he would like to discuss ideas for creating jobs with the president.

After all, MGM Mirage's $8.5 billion CityCenter project created 12,000 jobs and was the largest privately-funded development ever in the United States.

"We did it without any government help, and we're proud of that," said Murren, who has discussed job creation on national cable television shows.

"Job creation is something I'm passionate about and it now seems to be a priority of the White House."

Obama had been expected to visit CityCenter back in December following the development's grand opening. A failed terrorist attempt to blow up a jet airliner on Christmas Day and the State of Union address earlier this month delayed the trip.

Murren is scheduled to introduce Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at an event at Aria, CityCenter's centerpiece hotel-casino. Reid is then expected to introduce Obama.

Last fall, Murren appeared on a series of television campaign ads for Reid, touting how the Senate majority leader "saved CityCenter" by calling bank executives to help MGM Mirage secure the final financing needed for the project.

Murren, a Republican, said he's part of the group "Republicans for Reid."

He also hopes to discuss with Obama CityCenter's six Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certifications by the U.S. Green Building Council.

I'm honored just to be there," Murren said.

"It's an overwhelming opportunity for any American to meet the president of the United States."

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@review journal.com or 702-477-3871.