LV mayor’s race just got a lot more interesting

Suddenly, it’s a race. At least, officially.

What had all the appearances of a re-election coronation and cakewalk for Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman this week became more interesting with City Councilman Stavros Anthony’s announcement that he’s pursuing the job.

Anthony surprised a few people. But not by running, necessarily. The ex-cop is said to have been considering it for some time.

He announced his decision via Twitter and with an appearance on Alan Stock’s conservative morning radio show. Maybe that’s just the way it’s done in the new media.

After a game but unsuccessful effort to frighten off all competition with a formidable list of high-powered supporters, look for Mayor Carolyn Goodman to noticeably crank up the volume on her campaign with longtime ad man Tom Letizia doing the driving. We’ll see shortly what he has up his sleeve.

The working theme of Anthony’s run, of course, will be the city’s recent decision to spend more than $50 million to help develop a soccer stadium in downtown. And Goodman continues to be an unabashed supporter of the project, which she believes will help continue the revitalization of the area. It could make for an entertaining debate.

If voters are as angry as Anthony believes they are, this race could turn into something worth watching despite a fundraising and name recognition mismatch.

But Anthony will also need some help from the placement of a stadium question on the June ballot. If it doesn’t get the signatures necessary to qualify for the ballot, Goodman should be able to breathe easier.

ALLEN HONORED: Comedian Marty Allen will lead a list of celebrities to be honored at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Mad Greek Cafe by the Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame and Museum. For the record, he’ll be inducted into the “Hall of Fame” part, not the “Museum” part.

Allen will be joined by his much better half, Karon Kate Blackwell, senior circuit sax boss Don Hill, and classic Vegas crooner Dondino are among the entertainment industry veterans scheduled for induction. The Mad Greek is located at 8565 W. Sahara Ave.

MORTGAGE FRAUD: Sources confirm a local lawyer is about to be indicted in connection with an ongoing federal mortgage fraud investigation. Wonder if he was offered a deal and decided against it. Given the remarkably high percentage of convictions in the ongoing federal investigation, I also wonder if that was such a good idea. More soon. … Longtime Las Vegas attorneys Paul Hejmanowski and Charles McCrea, formerly of Lionel, Sawyer & Collins, have teamed up in an office at 520 S. Fourth St.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Three more new restaurants coming to downtown. Perhaps this is the best way to measure the success of the area’s revitalization. … Lon Bronson and his All-Star Band had people jumping at this week’s furniture extravaganza at the World Market Center. … Speaking of the WMC, it’s again the site of the March 6 “Evening of Hope” benefit for Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. Information: candlelightersnv.org.

BOULEVARD II: “What happened to Vegas?” a billboard on I-15 asks. … Thoroughly enjoyed a great conversation recently with the Rev. Jerry Blankinship and other dedicated members of the Clark County Ministerial Association. The topic was finding new ways to reach Southern Nevadans who have fallen through the holes in the social service net and the cracks of society. That’s no small feat, but then these dedicated folks love a challenge.

BOULEVARD III: Can’t wait to hear former Oakland Raiders quarterback and longtime Las Vegan David Humm’s Super Bowl pick. Mine was, uh, the Packers. … From my @jlnevadasmith Twitter account: My doctor says, “No More cigars.” I say, “50 more years of Cuba boycott!” Or, maybe I should find a new doctor. … T-shirts now being printed: “If Republicans back Romney again, they ought to be comMITTed.”

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. Follow him on Twitter @jlnevadasmith.