Mushroom Farming is what it is: Grown in the dark and fed a diet of manure. And it's flourishing on Beacon Hill.
Kathi-Anne Reinstein, a Revere Democrat who organized the SECRET CLOSED DOOR briefing, told the News Service the session was closed TO THE PUBLIC so state reps would "feel comfortable to ask any questions without having any type of criticism'' and surely at the request of gambling interests who can make undisputed wild promises that are unsubstantiated and never be held accountable.
OTB was crammed through after secret meetings and a voice vote.
Arrogance Prevails on Beacon Hill
So why did DeLeo close the caucus to the public and the press? What is he trying to hide?
The most likely answer is that keeping serious discussions secret is the default setting on Beacon Hill. When in doubt, lock everyone out.
The practice of having its most important debates behind closed doors, and the arrogance that practice reflects, has everything to do with the Legislature’s lack of credibility with the public. It may be unfair, even inaccurate, to assume corruption thrives behind locked doors in the Statehouse, but DeLeo and his colleagues only feed that notion with their actions.
House Speaker "Slots" DeLeo has two 'race tracks' in his district and is conducting meetings behind closed doors with whom?
The Industry?
There are many surrounding issues that require open, public and transparent discussions.
Who will pay the cost of the infrastructure required for DeLeo's fantasy being one of the most expensive?
How is the Speaker determining what should be in the legislation? Is it being based on promises made behind closed doors?
The voters expressed their disgust at the voting booth when they sent Scott Brown to Washington.
Why the secrecy, Mr. Speaker? Something to hide?
Mr. Speaker, why do you oppose an Independent Cost Benefit Analysis that the Governor, the AG, the Mass Chiefs of Police Assn., and others support? Are you afraid of the results?
Rep. Steve Canessa who represents a portion of Middleboro?
Taunton Gazette
State Rep. Stephen Canessa, D-New Bedford, said he hoped Southeastern Massachusetts would be selected to host one of the resort casinos. But if Boston and a site in western Massachusetts are awarded license, he might reconsider his vote.
"Boston gets enough. They don't need another resort attraction," he said.
Or making a comment about totally overinflated revenues at a non-public meeting that get quoted like this:
State Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, said slot parlors and casinos could deliver $1 billion to state coffers, helping to fill the state's $2.5 billion structural deficit.
Or this?
Before a gathering of about 100 business professionals, [Rep. David] Flynn publicized the dates for the highly-anticipated gambling hearings in the House of Representatives.
Rep. "Racino" Flynn attended a non-public meeting and annouced the dates of the House casino/slot hearing are April 14, 15, 16.
Scheduling hearings, but not publicly posting the dates?
Why is this secret?
The last series of meetings were emailed directly to those with a "vested" interest, like the owner of Plainridge.
This needs to change!
If you don't want to be accused of corruption and back room dealing by the public, maybe you should amend your conduct.