Ross to endorse Carolyn Goodman for mayor

Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross, who as a mayoral candidate was critical of both Mayor Oscar Goodman and candidate Carolyn Goodman, endorsed Carolyn Goodman's candidacy Tuesday.

"That was the primary," Ross told reporters and a handful of Goodman supporters at a news conference. "The primary is over.

"We have to stay focused on what is important today: putting those Las Vegans back to work, keeping people in their homes, helping businesses be successful, bringing new businesses and economy into this city."

Goodman and Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani finished first and second out of a crowded field in April's primary. They face each other in the June 7 general election. Early voting starts May 21.

During the primary, Ross frequently used Twitter to take shots at the Goodmans. He probably got the most attention with the following tweet: "Is Carolyn good with a mop? With 50,000 Las Vegans out of a job ... Oscar is leaving a big mess to clean up."

On the council, though, Ross has been a reliable vote for Mayor Goodman's priorities.

When asked whether he still thought Oscar Goodman was leaving behind a mess, Ross -- who will continue serving as a councilman with whomever the next mayor is -- said, "I think there are golden opportunities out there for us."

"She understands the vision of the current mayor and the City Council," he said.

"I've served six years with this mayor, six years serving this city, and I'm not going to stop now."

In the April primary, Ross finished with 6.3 percent of the vote.

Carolyn Goodman finished first with 18,040 votes, 37 percent. Giunchigliani edged out fellow Commissioner Larry Brown by 15 votes, 8,395 to 8,380.

Brown said at the time that he most likely would endorse Giunchigliani but has not made a formal announcement. Brown could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Contact reporter Alan Choate at achoate@reviewjournal.com or 702-229-6435.