in february 2004, robert rose, an ethics watchdog, filed a complaint with the nevada commission on ethics claiming that during the u.s. conference of mayors, ross's father, former las vegas mayor oscar goodman, handed out to fellow mayors, conference attendees and other political figures invitations to a cocktail party goodman was hosting. rose alleged that this was nothing more than the mayor abusing his power of office to help promote a business that is owned by his son, ross goodman, and las vegas councilman michael mack. the nevada ethics commission opened an investigation on april 14, 2004, and on may 13, 2004, the members of the commission found the mayor in ethics violations, although no fine was rendered. goodman sued the commission and won; the commission's ruling was reversed by the court.