New concerns over casino selection process
Is Phase 1 moving too quickly?
Published : Friday, 21 Sep 2012
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield's casino selection process is getting back on track tonight, slowly, after some high profile disagreements between the city and state gaming commission.
A possible conflict of interest with the city's casino consultant was resolved by the ethics commission this week, and the city's ready to move forward. But there are still plenty of questions that need answers as the selection process continues.
The city of Springfield and the state gaming commission have found common ground, and now the casino developer selection process is moving forward. Developers will have until the end of October to give the city their plans, but the city council wants to make sure this time frame makes sense.
“The process is it's only going to take the city less than 30 days to do financial background checks, reviews of the validity of the company, the integrity of the company. One could question that process is moving too quickly,” said city council president James Ferrara.
The possible consultant conflict of interest issue has been resolved, but they're not in the clear just yet. Citizens Against Casino Gambling wants to know just how much the consultant is making on Springfield's dime.
“What I've read and have heard is that it was 125,000 plus. The taxpayers want to know how their dollars are being spent, limited tax resources are being spent for the mayor to get where he wants to go,” said Michael Kogut of Citizens Against Casino Gambling.
Voters will get their final say on the casino question in June; critics and supporters of the casino agree on one thing: they want what's best for their city.
“Looking at the history, Springfield was one of the centers of commerce for western Mass. and I feel like we have lost that title in the recent years and we have to do something to bring it back,” said Markus King of Springfield.
Next week the casino committee will talk about the referendum and whether it should be a citywide or ward vote. They want to hear from the public Tuesday at 5 at City Hall, or Thursday at 6 at Green Leaf Center in 16 Acres.
http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampden/new-concerns-over-casino-selection-process
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