Mayor upset by questions about criticism of Obama

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's critical remarks about President Barack Obama drew heat from Las Vegas residents Thursday night and prompted the mayor to storm out of a meeting.

"I'm not going to be called a racist," Goodman said on his way out of the Doolittle Community Center, on J Street south of Lake Mead Boulevard.

When a reporter asked him what had happened, Goodman said, "I'm not going to tell you. Find out in there."

People at the meeting in the city's historically black community of West Las Vegas said Goodman was criticized for saying he wouldn't welcome the president during an upcoming visit.

Goodman's comments this week were triggered by Obama's remark that people saving money for college shouldn't waste it in Las Vegas.

The criticisms of the mayor included racially loaded accusations. It's likely the exchange will add heat to a rally scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Las Vegas City Hall, 400 Stewart Ave. The event is being held by people angry about Goodman's tirade against Obama, the nation's first black president.

Assemblyman Harvey Munford said Goodman lost his temper after some residents asked whether his statements about Obama were racially motivated.

"They felt it wasn't done in good taste," said Munford, D-Las Vegas.

Munford said saying the first black president isn't welcome suggests "he doesn't count," and feeds the perception that Obama isn't afforded the deference given to white presidents.

"You never shun the president. He was elected by the people."

Munford said he is among those who feel Goodman owes Obama an apology.

Residents in attendance weren't amused by Goodman's tirade.

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen," said barbershop owner Angela Richard, 45.

"He shouldn't have left in such a rush. A lot of people had something to say," said Tammie Cherry, 46.

Cherry said Goodman "wasn't speaking for us" when he criticized Obama. She interpreted the president's statement as straightforward talk about saving money.

"Any of us here, we all know how to budget," she said.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.