Election opponent questions Hedlund’s ethics
Election opponent seeks opinion from state on casino amendment
By Dennis Tatz
The Patriot Ledger
BOSTON — A legislative amendment to let bars and restaurants offer free or discounted drinks as part of the casino bill has become fodder for a Hull man challenging state Sen. Robert Hedlund in next year’s election.
Democrat Stephen May, who announced a few months ago his campaign to unseat Hedlund, wants the state Ethics Commission to investigate the Weymouth Republican.
May is calling into question Hedlund’s advocacy of the amendment to the casino bill that was passed Thursday by the state Senate. It now goes to a conference committee to work out differences with the House version of the bill, which does not include Hedlund’s amendment.
May said Hedlund’s amendment represents a conflict because Hedlund is co-owner of Four Square, a 60-seat restaurant on the Braintree side of Weymouth Landing. The business obtained approval from the town of Braintree this summer for a full liquor license.
“This episode demonstrates his (Hedlund’s) willingness to trade on his position and the public trust,” May said Thursday. “His offering and championing of this measure, which benefits him personally and professionally, represents a clear violation of Massachusetts ethics law.”
In a letter this week to the ethics panel, May alleged that Hedlund’s acting as the amendment’s principal supporter was a violation of ethics rules and should be reviewed.
Hedlund, who was at the State House on Thursday but did not cast a vote on the final Senate version of the gambling bill, released a statement saying he had filed a disclosure with the Ethics Commission and consulted Senate counsel about being a non-managing partner of Four Square Restaurant before offering the amendment.
“I do not blame Mr. May for seeking publicity for his fledgling campaign, but it is clear that as someone with no private-sector background he was confused by this non-issue,” Hedlund argued. “The bottom line is that Mr. May’s complaint is self-serving and frivolous. It should be dismissed.”
Hedlund said the amendment does not lift the ban on so-called “happy hours,” but instead allows businesses and casinos to operate under the same rules.
Even if the amendment wins approval, Hedlund said he has gone on record that his restaurant would not be giving away drinks.
Hedlund’s record has included tough stances on drunken driving.
A bill he sponsors would require drivers with a first-time conviction for drunken driving to have an ignition interlock device installed when their license is reinstated. The devices test drivers’ blood alcohol content before they can start the car.
Hedlund was also a supporter of Melanie’s Law, which increased penalties for repeat drunken drivers.
Tough stances of Drunken Driving don't negate the damage this amendment will cause.
Ethics Commission spokesman David Giannotti said Thursday that confidentiality regulations prohibit the agency from confirming or denying an investigation.
Hedlund represents the Plymouth-Norfolk Senate District, which includes Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset and Weymouth.
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