Waiting until the eruption of the Stan McGee appointment and much else, questions linger as well they should.
Political insiders, 6 figure taxpayer salaried employees were appointed to these posts.....maybe they're sincere. How far does that go?
view video --
Gaming Commission conflict of interest?
Springfield Commissioner to vote on WMass casino
Updated: Friday, 18 May 2012, 8:12 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 18 May 2012, 5:42 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 18 May 2012, 5:42 PM EDT
BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner from Springfield sees no need to recuse himself when it comes time to vote on a casino license in western Massachusetts, even though one of those proposals could land a resort in his hometown.
Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said he’s been cleared by state ethics officials to vote on a casino license in western Massachusetts despite his close ties to Springfield as a former City Councilor.
“They came back to me and said there really isn’t anything that they would see as a violation of the conflict of interest law in Massachusetts that would prohibit me from participating in the Commission’s work,” said Stebbins.
But some folks have doubts. Ameristar Casinos is proposing a casino resort in Springfield. Supporters of casino proposals elsewhere in western Massachusetts fear Stebbins may have a bias toward voting for a license in his hometown.
“I am concerned, I can’t say that I’m not,” said Jennifer Barufaldi of Citizens for Job Growth in Palmer. “We’re not from Springfield, our developer, of course, Mohegan Sun, we’re for Palmer, and I’m concerned. Is he truly going to be able to be objective?”
22 NEWS asked Stebbins if he wants a casino in Springfield. He said it depends on the proposals the Commission receives. He believes he can be an objective commissioner when it comes time for a vote.
“I’m a diligent, thoughtful, impartial person. I’ve brought that attitude and mentality to this Commission,” said Stebbins.
Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby said he doubts commissioners will have to recuse themselves from a casino license vote just because there’s a proposal in their city or town.
A tentative timetable suggests the Commission may vote on a license next year or early 2014.
http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/politics/state_politics/wwlp-gaming-commission-conflict-of-interest-cl
Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said he’s been cleared by state ethics officials to vote on a casino license in western Massachusetts despite his close ties to Springfield as a former City Councilor.
“They came back to me and said there really isn’t anything that they would see as a violation of the conflict of interest law in Massachusetts that would prohibit me from participating in the Commission’s work,” said Stebbins.
But some folks have doubts. Ameristar Casinos is proposing a casino resort in Springfield. Supporters of casino proposals elsewhere in western Massachusetts fear Stebbins may have a bias toward voting for a license in his hometown.
“I am concerned, I can’t say that I’m not,” said Jennifer Barufaldi of Citizens for Job Growth in Palmer. “We’re not from Springfield, our developer, of course, Mohegan Sun, we’re for Palmer, and I’m concerned. Is he truly going to be able to be objective?”
22 NEWS asked Stebbins if he wants a casino in Springfield. He said it depends on the proposals the Commission receives. He believes he can be an objective commissioner when it comes time for a vote.
“I’m a diligent, thoughtful, impartial person. I’ve brought that attitude and mentality to this Commission,” said Stebbins.
Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby said he doubts commissioners will have to recuse themselves from a casino license vote just because there’s a proposal in their city or town.
A tentative timetable suggests the Commission may vote on a license next year or early 2014.
http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/politics/state_politics/wwlp-gaming-commission-conflict-of-interest-cl
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment