Springfield's failure

Excess Casino KoolAid consumption caused Mayor Sarno to rush into a deal and ask questions later.

Questions arise over Springfield casino consultant

AP / August 31, 2012

 

BOSTON (AP) — Springfield’s mayor is asking the panel overseeing the state’s new gambling law to weigh in on the city’s hiring of a casino consultant after questions were raised about a potential conflict of interest.

In a letter Friday to Massachusetts Gaming Commission chair Stephen Crosby, Mayor Domenic Sarno seeks ‘‘guidance and clarification’’ on the matter.
 

The city has hired the Chicago law firm of Shefsky & Froelich to help evaluate casino proposals expected from several developers. Illinois records show Shefsky & Froelich to be a registered lobbyist in that state for two of those firms, MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming.

That led a third potential Springfield applicant, Ameristar Casinos, to question a possible conflict.

A spokesman for Sarno says the city will await a response from the gaming commission before any further action.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2012/08/31/questions-arise-over-springfield-casino-consultant/nzrqvGcLGU8TEeIWay1uJO/story.html