Goodman's idea draws criticism from opponent

City Councilman Arnie Adamsen, who is running against Goodman in the June 8 general election, said Monday the suggestion showed Goodman's ignorance of the issues. Community activists called the defense attorney's idea an affront to the purpose of the panel, which would be charged with independently investigating complaints of police misconduct.

"Oscar just doesn't understand the process," said Elgin Simpson, who served on a committee that spent nearly a year drafting the review board ordinance. He is executive director of the Supreme Court Task Force, which fights racial, economic and gender bias in the legal system.

Goodman admitted he had not read the review board ordinance, which was approved by the Clark County Commission in April and introduced by Adamsen at Monday's City Council meeting. A recommending committee of Adamsen and Mayor Jan Jones will hold a hearing on the measure May 17 at City Hall.

"Do I have the ordinance in front of me? No. I'm trying to win an election," Goodman said.

At a debate in April, Goodman came out against the review board, saying that the court system should handle allegations of police misconduct.

But on Monday he said since it is a "foregone conclusion," he not only supports the board but wants to serve as its chairman.

"I want the public to know they can come to the mayor and get the truth on what is happening on that board," he said.

Told later that the proposed ordinance does not allow government officials to serve on the board, Goodman said, "Then I want to be chairman emeritus." He then said as mayor he would try to change the panel's makeup to allow him to be chairman.

Gary Peck, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, called Goodman's proposal ill-advised and poorly thought out.

"The suggestion that government officials be permitted to serve so clearly violates the principle of independence that it was never even seriously discussed," Peck said.

Adamsen, an underdog in the general election after trailing Goodman by 20 points in the primary, said the attorney's comments reflect his ignorance.

"Quite possibly his lack of understanding of local government shows through again," the councilman said. "I've said he's clueless in Las Vegas. I guess that's accurate."

The County Commission approved the police review ordinance on April 6. It must be approved by the City Council in order to take effect.

A committee spent 11 months drafting the ordinance, which went through several revisions before gaining the support of community activists, government officials and the Metropolitan Police Department.

The review board would have 25 citizen members, 13 appointed by the County Commission and 12 by the City Council. Its purpose would be to investigate complaints of police misconduct free of interference from police or government.

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