Carolyn Goodman sworn in as Las Vegas mayor

By Delen Goldberg

Published Wednesday, July 6, 2011 | 11:01 a.m.

Updated Wednesday, July 6, 2011 | 11:48 a.m.

Las Vegas has a new Goodman at its helm.

Outgoing Mayor Oscar Goodman this morning swore in his wife, Carolyn Goodman, as the city’s mayor. In typical Goodman fashion, the ceremony was filled with jokes, hyperbole and the promise of an ongoing Goodman dynasty.

The jokes: Carolyn Goodman emerged the bigger comic of the two, eliciting a roar of laughter from the packed Council Chambers when she surprised Councilman Steve Ross with a mop.

Ross, who sought the mayor’s job during the primary, had criticized Oscar Goodman for killing jobs and failing to improve schools. He warned Carolyn Goodman that she would need a mop to clean up the mess her husband created.

“I was asked to clean up behind the mayor,” she announced during the inauguration. “Now I want to give (a mop) to the gentleman behind it.”

Ross laughed nervously, but later conceded that Goodman showed “very good form.” (Since he lost the primary, Ross has returned to being a strong Goodman ally.)

The hyperbole: Oscar Goodman was relatively subdued during the ceremony, but the former mob lawyer did squeeze in one warning. He advised Carolyn that if anybody “messes” with her, she should take her gavel “and throw it at their head.”

The dynasty: Carolyn Goodman twice referenced an ongoing Goodman dynasty. She has joked repeatedly that the couple are grooming their children and grandchildren to take over as mayor when she leaves office.

As her large family crowded around her, she exclaimed: “Talk about a dynasty!”

Later, during family photo time, she added, “The accusation about a dynasty really is here.”

Oscar Goodman made a short farewell speech, congratulating his wife and reflecting on his 12-year tenure.

“This is a wonderful moment for me. We’re leaving the city in great hands,” he said.

“It has been an extraordinary ride. Not one bad day. Not one regret. Just perfect.”

Carolyn Goodman vowed to continue her husband’s legacy and move the city forward. She said her first priority is to get to know the people in City Hall.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill ... but I’m very confident,” she said. “I will do my best.”

Also sworn in were Municipal Judge Susan Roger, who replaces retired Judge Elizabeth Kolkoski; Municipal Judge Heidi Almase, who beat incumbent George Assad in last month’s election; and Ward 3 Councilman Bob Coffin, who replaces term-limited Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese.

Coffin praised Reese as “a steadfast, strong person” and said he planned to turn to him for advice. Reese was a staunch supporter of Coffin’s opponent, Adriana Martinez.