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Meet Your Neighbor: Jeff Silver

By Callie Thomas

Just as there are two sides to every coin, there are two sides to the story between organized crime and law enforcement. You can take a look at both sides for yourself in downtown Las Vegas at the new National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, better known as the Mob Museum, where 89052 resident Jeff Silver currently holds the position of Treasurer on the Executive Committee. During the 1970s, Silver found himself smack in the middle of the mob wars being raged to disengage their ownership and influence in Vegas casinos. The 56 year Las Vegas resident became involved in the Mob Museum project at the urging of former Mayor Oscar Goodman and Ellen Knowlton because of his experiences and firsthand knowledge. Once a prosecutor in the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, Silver was appointed to the Nevada Gaming Control Board by former Governor Mike O’Callaghan, and at just twenty nine years of age, he was given the file on the gaming license application of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal. Back then, Silver was part of the first steps taken to eradicate the Mafia from Vegas casinos, and he soon found his own life was on the line because of his efforts.

It’s been seventeen years since the highly acclaimed glamorization of the Vegas mob scene centered around Lefty Rosenthal was put on film in the movie Casino, but the memories of the mob man remain at the new museum, along with historical accounts of Al Capone, James “Whitey” Bulger, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, John Gotti and more. The telling twist of the museum is that it also includes the story of the law men that risked everything to bring these criminals to justice, including Eliot Ness, Joe Petrosino, Estes Kefauver and others. Jeff Silver talked with us about the public fascination with the mob, the museum, his own past in the gaming industry and how he supports the community today.

Working on the museum project must have brought up a lot of memories. What interested you most about being involved?

“I never thought organized crime should be romanticized or glorified, but the universal fascination of the mob is undeniable. Some of Las Vegas’ organized crime associates were also responsible and contributing members of society and blended into the community by getting involved in local causes. While what they did was distasteful, a few used their power and influence to build needed infrastructure for a growing community. It is the contrast of violence and volunteerism that make such a compelling story.”

So the museum tells the complete story with theater presentations, artifacts and interactive environments?

“The museum is a book that you can walk through. It is a story of a culture in our country that I think needs to be told.”

You’ve seen Henderson grow into a fabulous place to live. How has it changed since you were a kid?

‘In the 1960s, Henderson was separated from Las Vegas by ten miles of vacant desert. It was populated primarily by plant workers and their families and was strictly an industrial town with little other commerce. Now, Henderson is the second largest city in Nevada and in a recent poll was also rated as the second safest city in the country. Its parks and schools are the envy of the valley and it is truly a place to call home. I know I do.’

You also stay active in charitable organizations within the community.

“I’ve worked with the National Conference of Christians and Jews for religious and racial equality, VP of Explorer Scouts and the McCool Science Center Foundation. I was also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer at the LVCVA.”

What are you most passionate about today?

“Seeing Las Vegas regain its mojo!”