Adult industry figure Sunset Thomas recently interviewed Oscar Goodman, former Mayor of Las Vegas, for her column "The Harder They Fall" on doghouseboxing.com. Thomas described the experience as an "honor to meet Hizzoner," adding that Goodman is "candid and the coolest!"

Goodman's Interview with Sunset Thomas

The interview with Oscar Goodman was published on doghouseboxing.com/Sunset/Sunset072309.htm. Sunset Thomas is known as a "renowned brothel superstar" and for appearing on "Cathouse" on HBO. Goodman, during his tenure as Mayor of Las Vegas, met with Thomas in his City Hall office.

Oscar Goodman's Public Life and Views

Oscar Baylin Goodman, born July 26, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American attorney and politician. He served as the 21st Mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada, from June 8, 1999, to July 6, 2011. His wife, Carolyn Goodman, succeeded him as mayor in 2011. Oscar Goodman then held the role of First Gentleman of Las Vegas from July 6, 2011, to December 4, 2024, during his wife's mayoral terms.

Before his political career, Goodman was a defense attorney for 30 years, representing figures accused of being organized crime leaders in Las Vegas and beyond. His clients included Meyer Lansky, Nicky Scarfo, Herbert "Fat Herbie" Blitzstein, Phil Leonetti, Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, and Jamiel "Jimmy" Chagra. Goodman earned a reputation as a "smart, tough, relentless combatant" and a "master of the law" for his ability to find loopholes and flaws in legal proceedings to keep his clients out of jail.

Goodman ran for mayor of Las Vegas in 1998, nearing 60 years old and without prior political experience. He won the election and was reelected in 2003 and 2007 with majorities of 86 and 84 percent of the vote, respectively. As mayor, Goodman was known for his "irreverence and panache," often seen with a martini in hand and a well-stocked humidor in his office. He has been described as having an "unbridled tongue," having "regularly upbraided the homeless" and suggesting that graffiti artists should have their thumbs removed.

Goodman has been a proponent of legalizing prostitution in Las Vegas. In his book, "Being Oscar," he stated that if prostitution were legalized in Las Vegas, the revenue generated from regulating and taxing the industry could fund the "best-paid teachers in the U.S." and significantly improve the public education system. This stance differs from that of his wife, current Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who has publicly stated that legalizing prostitution in Clark County is a "bad idea."

Goodman continues to host events, such as "Oscar’s Dinner Series" at the Plaza. The second round of this series, scheduled for May 22, was to feature a discussion on "Is Prostitution Legal in Las Vegas?" The first event in the series took place in March. These events typically involve drinks, dinner, and a talk by Goodman on a pre-selected topic.

Key Facts

  • Adult industry figure Sunset Thomas interviewed Oscar Goodman for her doghouseboxing.com column "The Harder They Fall."
  • Oscar Goodman served as Mayor of Las Vegas from 1999 to 2011.
  • Goodman was a defense attorney for 30 years, representing notable organized crime figures.
  • He has publicly advocated for legalizing prostitution in Las Vegas, citing potential revenue for public education.
  • Goodman's wife, Carolyn Goodman, succeeded him as Mayor of Las Vegas in 2011 and opposes legalizing prostitution in Clark County.
  • Sunset Thomas is a "renowned brothel superstar" known for appearances on "Cathouse" on HBO.