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Winning with 60 percent of the vote, Carolyn Goodman was elected the new mayor of fabulous Las Vegas on July 6, 2011. During a recent interview that lasvegaskids.net had with the new mayor, it was instantaneously apparent that Carolyn Goodman loves Las Vegas evidenced by the enthusiasm and passion heard in her voice as she spoke about the city she has called "home" since 1964.
Carolyn Goodman and her husband of 49 years, Oscar Goodman, moved to Las Vegas in 1964 and raised four children while watching Las Vegas grow and change into the nearly two million population of today. Mayor Goodman dedicated her years in Las Vegas to raising her family and founding The Meadows School in 1984 remaining involved in the school's functions for 26 years.
When lasvegaskids.net asked the Mayor about the current economic situation in Las Vegas, she couldn't contain her excitement about the future of her city. "We continue to grow every day. Zappos is relocating to the downtown area bringing jobs with them. The Mob Museum is opening soon in the old downtown Post Office. I am also pleased to see that more 'sole proprietor' ownership is returning to the downtown area."
The Mayor is thrilled that the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is moving to the new Smith Center for Performing Arts scheduled to open in the spring of 2012. Asked frequently by locals about the return of a water park to Las Vegas, the Mayor said she tells residents, "We are definitely exploring the idea."
A life-long and avid horseback rider, Mayor Goodman spoke about the many activities in Las Vegas for tourists and local families to take advantage of involving exercise options for the entire family. For local families, the Mayor reminded us of the, "great opportunity for kids of all ages to join a summer soccer team," referring to the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex.
The Mayor continued, "We have tennis, looping bike trails, rock climbing at Redrock Recreation Area and a tremendous 4H Club for kids to get involved in."
For tourists coming to Las Vegas with children, the Mayor spoke fervently of the cities "magnificent parks and great weather. We have Mt. Charleston nearby offering camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. Within a short drive, there is the Shakespeare Festival," referring to the event held annually in nearby Cedar City, Utah.
Our local parks were discussed, just to name a few, referring to Freedom Park, Lorenzi Park, and Floyd Lamb Park about which the Mayor talked of such activities as fishing, bike riding and picnicking. Our conversation included speaking of Las Vegas’ local baseball team; the "51's," with the Mayor adding, "we are hopeful for an NBA team in our future."
At this point in our interview, the Mayor interjected a comment illustrating her deep passion for Las Vegas when she said, "The more I talk about Las Vegas, the more I want to move there", giving us just one more example of the Mayor's wonderful sense of humor.
The interview continued onto the subject of family activities for tourists. "We have lots of things to do with kids beyond what is offered within the hotels," the Mayor said.
The Mayor went on to mention the Neon Museum, the Atomic Museum, the Zip-Line at the Fremont Experience for older children along with the many free activities offered through our local libraries in addition to theater performances such as the Rainbow Company. The Mayor spoke of the importance of research when planning a vacation to Las Vegas, "It's all about parenting, keeping in mind your children's interests when making plans, how many days they are staying and what your children like to do." She continued, "Parents should look at all the age appropriate things to do in Las Vegas." The Mayor's advice to all parents? "We need to be involved parents, know your children." Great advice, indeed!
In concluding our interview with the Mayor, she added "We need a site where parents can see 'all' that Las Vegas has for children and families, all venues for both locals and tourists".
That comment inspired lasvegaskids.net to become an even more fact filled site providing just such information to families. Lasvegaskids.net thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with our new Mayor and appreciate her time. With Carolyn Goodman at the helm, along with her zealousness and lively spirit, Las Vegas will not only remain the fantastic city that it is, but will continue well on into the future to be the best place on earth to live and visit.
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