Baker won't attend opening of first casino 1,200 slots 19 miles from Wampanoag's proposed casino site

Baker won't attend opening of first casino 1,200 slots 19 miles from Wampanoag's proposed casino site

ARTICLE | Politics | May 20, 2015 01:30 PM | By Michael P. Norton, State House News Services

  - See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2015/05/20/224490-Baker-wont-attend-opening-first-casino#sthash.GxrMVhKG.dpuf

State's first casino opening 50 miles from Cape Cod.

BAKER NOT PLANNING TO ATTEND "HISTORIC" CASINO OPENING

While acknowledging its historical significance, Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday he does not plan to attend next month's opening of the first gaming facility authorized under the 2011 casino law.

Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, which won the sole slot parlor license available under the law signed by Gov. Deval Patrick, plans to open its doors June 24, with state government set to begin reeling in a share of the facility's revenues.

"I don't think I'm going to be there for the opening," Baker said during his monthly "Ask the Governor" segment on WGBH radio.

Plainville casino is 30 miles from Brockton, 47 from New Bedford

Developers are eyeing potential casinos in Brockton and New Bedford - Brockton voters recently narrowly signed off on hosting a casino and a vote in New Bedford is scheduled for June 23. Aside from the competition before the Gaming Commission for the commercial license the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe wants to build a casino in Taunton, but it has been unable to obtain federal approvals for its tribal casino.

The facility -- located on Route 1 roughly 35 miles south of Boston and 18 miles away from Providence, Rhode Island -- is expected to have over 1,200 slot machines.

House lawmakers believe the slots parlor will generate $104 million for local aid to cities and towns, including the figure in their fiscal 2016 budget proposal. Baker's budget included a more conservative estimate of around $84 million.

Baker said the facility will employ 600 people. "It's a significant change. It's an historic moment in some respects," Baker said.

With resort casino licenses awarded to Everett developers in eastern Massachusetts and a Springfield venue in western Massachusetts, Baker said he sees continued "uncertainty" in southeastern Massachusetts.

"I really do believe, and I could be wrong about this, that some of the uncertainty in the southeastern market's going to slow down the process anyways, separate and apart from whatever the Gaming Commission does," Baker said.

The governor noted the close vote in Brockton, the presence of the Plainville facility nearby, and the tribe's plans in Taunton.

"There is a lot of activity down there," Baker said.

Baker said he does not play Massachusetts Lottery games, but recalled joining friends eight or ten years ago for their first trip to Las Vegas to celebrate someone's birthday.

"The people-watching was fun," the governor said. "We went to a bunch of shows. We played a little bit of blackjack . . . Those other games, I just don't understand how they work at all."

Baker said he won $700 one night playing blackjack at the Bellagio, recalling leaving phone messages for his former coworkers at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care saying "I'm not coming back to work, I'm just going to gamble full-time, and then I gave it all back the next day."


Live Racing is now underway and runs through November, and youn can get in on simulcast action from around the country.
 

Related Content:

Tribe asks AG to investigate slot parlor regs

UPDATE: Somerset group withdraws application ~ Brockton voters approve casino

Gaming Commission awards first casino license

About the Author »

Michael P. Norton, State House News Services

- See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2015/05/20/224490-Baker-wont-attend-opening-first-casino#sthash.GxrMVhKG.dpuf

Lots of smoke around Steve Wynn’s money

Of the aging Nip 'N Tuck King .....

much can be said....

.....the failure of Corporate Media to ask the right questions, report accurate information has defined this issue....the Gambling Industry now OWNS you!

Lots of smoke around Steve Wynn’s money

Globe file 2014

Steve Wynn.

By Joan Vennochi Globe Columnist April 22, 2015

WHEN YOU follow Steve Wynn’s money, there’s no smoking gun.

Just a lot of smoke.

 

 

On Oct. 1, 2014, Wynn Resorts — the developer of Wynn’s Everett casino — gave $2 million to the Republican Governors Association. That same day, the RGA contributed $1.1 million to Commonwealth Future, the political action committee that backed then Republican gubernatorial candidate — and now governor — Charlie Baker. The next day, Commonwealth Future allocated $1.1 million to purchase TV ads that attacked Democrat Martha Coakley.

Overall, the RGA spent $11.2 million to help Baker become governor. In December, a few weeks after his election, Baker told a Florida conference of fellow Republican governors: “First of all I want to just thank the RGA for your support in both elections. It made a huge difference in our campaign.”

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts expanded gaming law — Chapter 23K Section 46 — specifically bars any gaming license applicant from making a political contribution that directly or indirectly benefits any public office holder or candidate running for public office.

But speaking of smoke, here’s some more from the Massachusetts gambling commission, which is charged with enforcing the law. It formally granted a license to Wynn on Nov. 6, two days after voters rejected a referendum to ban the casino industry from Massachusetts. But because the commission voted to give Wynn a conditional license on Sept. 16, its members do not consider him “an applicant” at the time of his $2 million contribution to the RGA.

It’s not Wynn’s first show of generosity to that organization. Last August, the Globe reported on a $200,000 contribution the casino mogul made to the RGA in December 2013.

Steve Wynn’s political contributions are part of the backdrop to his effort to build the Everett casino.

To be clear: The RGA transferred millions to Commonwealth Future. There’s no way to prove the exact dollars Wynn gave to the RGA are the same dollars the RGA contributed to the pro-Baker PAC and were then used to buy attack ads against Baker’s opponent.

The case is circumstantial, something like the one against Aaron Hernandez. It goes up against the RGA’s insistence that it accepts only “unrestricted, unearmarked contributions.” In Wynn’s case, a spokesman said, not one cent was directed to any political action committee connected with the 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial election.

Still, Wynn’s political contributions are part of the backdrop to his effort to build that Everett casino. They also play out against a sharpening focus on the 1.75 acres of Everett land he plans to purchase from the MBTA as the gateway to his casino.

It’s on hold, for now. Earlier this month, the Baker administration withheld a crucial permit from Wynn Resorts, after a top Baker official said the sale violated state law because it was authorized before the appropriate agency conducted a review of traffic and other environmental issues. With the outcome now in Baker’s hands, the details of that transaction are worth reviewing.

In October 2013, then-transportation secretary Richard Davey put a $30 million value on the MBTA parcel. At the time, site improvements were part of Wynn’s proposal to buy the land.

In August 2014, Wynn offered to buy the land for $6 million and Davey signed off on it.

On September 3, the MBTA put the land out to bid, with a stipulation that Wynn had the right to beat any offer. No one else bid on the property.

Now, as the state waits for Wynn to respond to questions relating to the environmental review, the MBTA land is being held in escrow, a Baker spokesman said. Once Wynn files his response, the public will have 30 days to comment.

So far, Baker is standing up for the public interest in the sale of public land.

But the politics are messy for the new governor. Wynn is represented by ML Strategies, a subsidiary of the law firm Mintz Levin. The president and CEO of ML Strategies is Stephen P. Tocco, a former secretary of economic affairs under former Gov. William F. Weld, who was Baker’s old boss. Weld, a “principal” at ML Strategies, sat beside Wynn when he appeared before the state gaming commission.

Tocco said he didn’t know about Wynn’s $2 million contribution to the RGA.

A Baker spokesman declined comment on it.

Somehow, smoke always makes it harder to see what’s going on.

Joan Vennochi can be reached at vennochi@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @Joan_Vennochi.
  http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2015/04/22/lots-smoke-around-steve-wynn-money/ywBmdrDkH2CzZcJhccezIM/story.html

More casino coverage

• Boston to sue gambling commission over Everett casino approval
• Vennochi: What did Everett really win?
• Opinion: Suffolk Downs’s silver lining
• Gambling commission approves Wynn proposal for Everett casino
• Gambling panel’s decision spells end for Suffolk Downs races
• Winners, losers in decision on casino repeal vote

 

...and you fell for it!

Everett: Something wicked this way comes......

First...there's a convicted felon.....where was the GAMBLING COMMISSION?

MBTA land sale could sink Steve Wynn’s Everett plan

By Joan Vennochi
GLOBE COLUMNIST APRIL 07, 2015

CALLING OUT the MBTA for rushing the sale of a sliver of land to gambling mogul Steve Wynn may not sound like much. But it could lead to the unraveling of Wynn’s plan to build a casino in Everett. Pull that thread, and the entire project starts to come undone.

In March, Wynn Resorts said it had finalized the purchase of 1.75 acres from the T in Everett for $6 million. The land was described as Wynn’s “preferred” entrance to the $1.6 billion gambling resort he was granted a license to build by the state gambling commission. To be blunt, Wynn preferred that entrance because he wanted a front door to the casino that wasn’t in Boston. As long as Wynn had a non-Boston route onto the Everett property, he would not have to treat Boston as a host community. By avoiding that stipulation, he avoided the financial obligations that go with it. He also wouldn’t have to face a local Charlestown referendum that would then become part of the process, since most of the casino traffic would go through Sullivan Square.

There was only one way for Wynn to accomplish his mission — by buying a specific piece of MBTA-owned land. And so he did, with help from politically wired lobbyists and consultants, and without public debate.

But last week, a top regulator in the administration of Governor Charlie Baker said the MBTA sold the land before the appropriate state office conducted a review of traffic and other environmental issues — a violation of state law. As a result, the Baker administration is refusing to issue a crucial permit that Wynn Resorts needs to move forward with its casino plans.

Wynn representatives say it’s a technical matter that will delay construction, but ultimately be resolved.

Don’t be so sure. The entire MBTA land transfer is under scrutiny by assorted state agencies and other authorities. The cities of Boston, Revere, and Somerville have also filed lawsuits against the gambling commission. The Boston action specifically raises questions about the land deal.

The lack of appropriate environmental review is only one concern. A separate issue is whether the sale of the MBTA land violated the T’s own procurement requirements. Another is whether the land sale violates the state gambling law requirement that a proposed casino developer have full site control within 60 days of getting a license.

The state gambling commission in September voted 3 to 1 to back Wynn’s vision of turning a polluted piece of Everett land into a glitzy casino. In doing so, the commission rejected a counterproposal backed by Mohegan Sun to build a gambling palace at Suffolk Downs.

A few weeks after the vote to award the gaming license to Wynn, three members of the group that originally owned the Everett land were indicted for allegedly lying to state investigators about the fact that a convicted felon had a stake in the property.

The gambling commission formally awarded the casino license to Wynn anyway, on Nov. 6 — two days after voters rejected a call to ban the casino industry from Massachusetts. Wynn finalized his takeover of the Everett land on Jan. 5. He closed on the MBTA land on March 3.

The gambling commission takes great pride in touting its transparency, as measured by all those public hearings. But while some parts of the process unfolded in public, others didn’t.

The MBTA land sale is one of those that didn’t — a deal worked out behind closed doors. Unfortunately for Wynn, it was put together just as the state’s top political guard was undergoing dramatic change. Now the political wires that worked well under former Governor Deval Patrick are being tested under Baker.

Wynn is represented by ML Strategies, a subsidiary of the law firm Mintz Levin.

William “Mo” Cowan, who served as head legal counsel and chief of staff to Patrick, is a senior VP at ML Strategies. The president and CEO of ML Strategies is Stephen P. Tocco, a former secretary of economic affairs under former Governor William F. Weld — who is now listed as a “principal” at ML Strategies.

And Baker, of course, got his political start during the Weld administration.

So far, the Baker administration is putting the people’s interest ahead of Wynn’s. That’s good news for the people and bad news for Wynn.

Joan Vennochi can be reached at vennochi@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @Joan_Vennochi

 

 

 

Massachusetts: "....changing the law after a request by the casinos...." No kidding?

Does it show?

Massachusetts To Increase Reporting Thresholds at Casinos

April 04, 2015 By David Sheldon

 

 

Governor Charlie Baker signed a budget bill that included an increase in IRS reporting thresholds at casinos. (Image: AP)

The casinos in Massachusetts haven’t even been built yet, but changes are already being made to how they will be operated.

Legislators in the state have made a casino-friendly move by increasing the threshold at while gamblers must file paperwork to report their winnings to the IRS, reducing the regulatory burden on both casinos and gamblers themselves.

When Massachusetts passed their casino law in 2011, it included a provision that required slot machines to shut down if someone won at least $600.

At that time, the individual playing would have to fill out paperwork to report the winnings to the IRS to ensure they were taxed.

Threshold Raised to Match Federal Requirements

However, that threshold was lower than in most other states that have casino gambling, and the casinos complained that it would cost them money by keeping gamblers away and increasing their administrative costs.

After considering their arguments, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission agreed, recommending that the threshold for reporting be increased to $1,200, which is what is required under federal law.

Lawmakers apparently agreed. The Massachusetts House passed an increase to that threshold in their supplemental budget. And while the Senate didn’t initially include that provision, it was added when the two houses of the state legislature met to reconcile their versions of the budget bill.

According to lawmakers in both parties, it was a necessary step to put the state’s casinos on even footing with those in other states. Only one House member, State Representative James Lyons (R-Andover) objected, on the grounds that he didn’t like the idea of changing the law after a request by the casinos.

But the bill still passed easily, and Governor Charlie Baker signed it on Tuesday evening. According to Baker, he had “no strong feelings” about the provision, calling it a minor change.

On the other hand, at least one casino firm was very happy to see the state take the time to make what they feel will be a very helpful adjustment.

“We are grateful to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for its thoughtful legislative proposal on this matter, and we are pleased that both Governor Baker and the Legislature chose to maintain the threshold at $1,200, the Federal standard,” said MGM Springfield spokesperson Carole Brennan.

“This will allow Massachusetts gaming operators to compete in a growing market and fully capture the economic benefits of the industry for the Commonwealth.”

Healey Wants More Regulation for Casinos

Meanwhile, new Attorney General Maura Healey wants to see the casinos take stronger and more proactive steps to combat money laundering and potential criminal activities in their establishments.

Healey is asking the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to require casinos to file reports to the state when they see suspicious activity or large cash transactions, and for casinos to make it clear that they have “zero tolerance” for vendors that engage in human or drug trafficking.

“Such regulations should deter would-be money launderers, and identify those engaged in other criminal enterprises, such as drug traffickers, human traffickers, loan sharks and organized crime,” Healey wrote to the commission last week.

Healey was elected Attorney General in November after strongly supporting an effort to repeal the casino law. While that effort failed, Healey said she would do her best to ensure that consumer protections remained strong at the casinos and that she would make enforcing gambling laws a priority.

Read more: http://www.casino.org/news/massachusetts-to-increase-reporting-thresholds-at-casinos#ixzz3WOyF1uAs

Massachusetts: State officials refuse to issue permit for Wynn casino

State officials refuse to issue permit for Wynn casino

By Jon ChestoGlobe Staff April 04, 2015

The Baker administration on Friday refused to issue a crucial permit that Wynn Resorts needs to move forward with plans to build a massive, $1.7 billion casino complex overlooking the Mystic River in Everett.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks: The MBTA’s premature sale to Wynn of 1.75 acres next to the main casino property just over a month ago for $6 million. Wynn wants that land for its main access to the site.

 

 

But Matthew Beaton, Governor Charlie Baker’s secretary of energy and environmental affairs, wrote in a decision made public at 7 p.m. on Friday that the land transfer violated the state’s Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act because the MBTA sold the land before Beaton’s agency completed its review of the casino project.

Beaton demanded that Wynn update its plan for dealing with environmental issues such as traffic and noise created by the casino. As part of that update, Wynn must address the property sale issue.

Beaton articulated two possible fixes: a reversal of the land transfer or the placement of the transferred land in escrow until his agency’s review is done.

However, Beaton wrote that he’s confident his decision won’t derail the project, even though his request for another update will delay any construction start.

State criticizes MBTA over $6m land sale to Wynn

A top regulator says the agency improperly rushed through the sale with Wynn Resorts and violated state regulations.

The tone of Beaton’s written decision left little doubt about the administration’s frustration with the handling of the sale -- displeasure that became public earlier this week.

“It is regrettable that this conveyance occurred without due public process or any inclusion of provisions to ensure consistency with the MEPA regulations’ requirements,” Beaton wrote.

Wynn officials portrayed Beaton’s decision as a positive step forward for the project, while conceding that it will delay the casino’s opening. With this decision, Wynn officials said, the casino definitely won’t open until at least sometime in 2018.

“We are disappointed that the new jobs and new tax revenues that would have helped so many people in the Commonwealth will be delayed,” Wynn Everett president Robert DeSalvio said in a statement.

But, he added: “We’re gratified that after thousands of pages of analysis and years of review, the Secretary has generally endorsed all of our mitigation plans.”

As a result of the botched sale, Beaton wrote, transportation secretary Stephanie Pollack has directed the staffs of the state Department of Transportation and the MBTA to improve the way they flag land transfers and other real estate transactions that are subject to MEPA approvals as a way of making sure this sort of transgression doesn’t happen again.

Now, Wynn will need to work with state transportation officials to address deficiencies that Beaton cited, shortfalls that go beyond the land transfer issue.

Despite what they’re called, most state environmental impact reports deal with traffic and other transportation questions. Beaton wants Wynn’s report to be updated to include a financial commitment for an Orange Line subsidy and to address unresolved traffic issues.

Wynn plans to build a gambling complex, one that would include a 629-room hotel tower, on a 34-acre site off Route 99. Those plans persuaded the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last year to award the Boston-area casino license to Wynn over a competing casino project that Mohegan Sun had proposed for Suffolk Downs on the East Boston-Revere line. The current entrance to Wynn’s site — a contaminated property once home to a Monsanto chemical plant — grazes the Boston city line, which extends over the Mystic River there.

Wynn wants the 1.75 acres it acquired from the MBTA to use for an access road to the casino that would ensure the entrance is entirely within Everett and outside of Boston’s city limits, giving Boston officials far less power over the project.

The cities of Boston, Revere and Somerville have each sued the gaming commission over its decision to award the license to Wynn. Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo saw the Suffolk Downs proposal as a big economic boost for his city. After the gaming commission picked Wynn, Rizzo dogged state officials for months to complain about the MBTA land sale, saying Wynn was unfairly given an inside track.

When news emerged earlier this week that the sale violated the state environmental law, Rizzo called on the state inspector general’s and the attorney general’s offices to investigate the sale.

Boston officials, meanwhile, are concerned about traffic, particularly at the congested Sullivan Square intersection in nearby Charlestown. Anthony Gallagher, representing Boston’s Office of Gaming Accountability, wrote on March 27 that Wynn’s traffic plan proposes a dramatic increase in Sullivan Square traffic, jeopardizing Boston residents’ safety. In that letter, Boston officials threatened to “exercise its sovereign rights to prevent its streets from being used in a manner that is incompatible with ... the safety of its residents.”

Beaton on Friday noted those concerns, saying an updated plan needs to reflect long-term improvements at Sullivan Square developed with the cooperation of state transportation officials and Boston officials. That might be easier said than done. “Building consensus with parties engaged in active litigation will be a significant challenge,” Beaton wrote.

More casino coverage

• Boston to sue gambling commission over Everett casino approval
• Vennochi: What did Everett really win?
• Opinion: Suffolk Downs’s silver lining
• Gambling commission approves Wynn proposal for Everett casino
• Gambling panel’s decision spells end for Suffolk Downs races
• Winners, losers in decision on casino repeal vote

 

Charlie Baker: The Flip Flopper!

Massachusetts voters rejected Charlie Baker last time he ran....and for good reason!

Charlie Baker hasn't learned anything!

Do NOT vote for Baker. He wants to overturn the repeal.

 

Charlie Baker: If repeal effort is successful, I'll file legislation to put Springfield casino...

If the effort to repeal the casino effort passes in November, and Republican...

MASSLIVE.COM

 

 http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/08/charlie_baker_mgm_springfield.html

Baker also does not get the IMPACT of one Casino on Indian Tribe rights under the Indiam Gaming Rights Act of 1988.

Briefly, one Casino (Or authorization of Slots ANYWHERE in Ma. give Indian Tribes rights under IGRA. Essentially, until a State authorizes Casinos with Slot Machines, Indians cannot open Casinos with Slot Machines on Tribal Land

Baker does not have the brains to feel embarrassed about such a corrupt and ignorant position and statement. He sees big dollar $$$$$$$$$ign$$$$$$$$$$$ and flies to them like a mosquito to a trap. Good work casino con artists.

v

Tap Dancing with Flip Flopper Charlie Baker!

PLEASE! Listen carefully to Charlie Baker!

He doesn't care how YOU VOTE!  

Last go 'round, he lacked the spine to say NO! Tap danced around the issue .... 'well, maybe we could try ONE...'

Last go 'round, he opposed Cape Wind!

Now he sees which way the WIND IS BLOWING [bad pun!], now he favors Cape Wind???? Huh?

Big Time Flip Flopper we CAN'T TRUST!

[He can't afford to OPPOSE casinos or he'd lose the election!]

 

Charlie Baker: If repeal effort is successful, I'll file legislation to put Springfield casino...

 

If the effort to repeal the casino effort passes in November, and Republican...

Casinos

• Letters to the Editor: Casino legislation allows free drinks in violation of current law
• Democratic Attorney General candidate Maura Healey stops in West Springfield: Casinos 'come to town and take everything for themselves'
• Charlie Baker: If repeal effort is successful, I'll file legislation to put Springfield casino back on the map
• Democratic candidates for governor Don Berwick, Martha Coakley, Steve Grossman stake out positions on casinos at forum; Berwick favors repeal of law
• Pro-casino coalition forms to fight repeal of expanding gaming, includes MGM and WMass business, community groups

SPRINGFIELD — If the effort to repeal the casino effort passes in November, and Republican Charlie Baker also becomes governor, he will work legislatively to authorize the already Springfield-approved MGM Resorts International project in the city's South End.

Baker explained this during a meeting with the editorial board of The Republican/MassLive.com Wednesday afternoon.

Dating back to his first gubernatorial run in 2010, Baker maintained that the state should approve one casino, and see how it goes before authorizing more. But although the legislation being voted on in November authorizes up to three casinos and one slots parlor, Baker is among the people who will vote to uphold the law.

"I'm going to vote against the repeal effort," Baker said. "And if the repeal effort is approved, I'm going to file legislation to put the Springfield casino back on the map."

The estimated $800 million MGM Springfield project is the only resort-style casino to receive provisional approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Penn National Gaming previously landed the commonwealth's slots parlor license, and that facility is currently under construction in Plainville.

For Baker, he said the design of the MGM Springfield project, and its slated "inside-out casino" model is what helped sell him on that proposal.

"I think it's a imaginative proposal," Baker said. "Usually they are contained pods and difficult on the (surrounding businesses)."

Baker said the fact that the MGM project is slated to create jobs and through partnership agreements has the potential to breathe new life into the MassMutual Center and other venues, makes it unique.

At a recent debate with fellow Republican gubernatorial hopeful Mark Fisher, a tea party Republican who opposes casinos, Baker maintained his support for the Springfield proposal while saying that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission should put the brakes on the Boston licensing process to see how the MGM project works out in terms of an impact on the community and the region.

In the greater Boston area, Wynn Resorts and Mohegan Sun are competing for the region's sole license with proposals in Everett and Revere, respectively.

Baker and Fisher are competing in the party's Sept. 9 primary with the winner moving forward to take on the eventual Democratic gubernatorial nominee and the three independents running.

Gubernatorial candidates reflect on casino law

By Shirley Leung | Globe Columnist       December 04, 2013

For Deval Patrick, casinos are found money for the state treasury. But what do his potential successors think about one of the most controversial laws of his two-term administration?

Even with a grass-roots repeal of the casino law underway, most gubernatorial candidates, including Attorney General Martha Coakley, Treasurer Steve Grossman, and Boston venture capitalist Jeffrey McCormick, support legalized gambling — if it’s done right. Or, if you are businessmen Joe
Avellone and Evan Falchuk , you don’t believe the state should pass laws one year and repeal them the next. It’s just not good government.

Two other candidates, Charlie Baker and Don Berwick, back repealing the casino law. Baker, a Republican and former health insurer chief executive turned venture capitalist, doesn’t think the state can support three resort casinos and a slots parlor; Berwick, a Democrat and a health care policy guru, believes casinos create public health problems such as gambling addictions and are a bad way to create jobs.

Only Juliette Kayyem, my ex-Globe colleague and former Obama administration official, wouldn’t get on the phone with me to talk casinos. Apparently, when you’re no longer a columnist you become shy about sharing your opinions.

The candidates are a bit all over the map, but one pattern is emerging: The citizens of Massachusetts are paying close attention to legalized gambling, and it could become a key, if not defining, issue in the gubernatorial race.

“It’s not without risk,” said Maurice Cunningham, a professor of political science at UMass Boston.

For example, if you decide to come out against casinos, then you need a plan to replace the anticipated hundreds of millions of dollars that are supposed to flow into the state coffers. And it’s much easier to pooh-pooh casino money far from Beacon Hill, but reality hits when every community and agency clamors for a handout.

“You do have to govern when you get there,” Cunningham added.

Baker said he supports the effort by the Repeal the Casino Deal group to get a question on the November 2014 ballot that would undo the casino law. The group recently collected about 75,000 certified signatures and appears to have enough to move to the next stage, which means it will probably be making its case before the Supreme Judicial Court.

Coakley’s office ruled in September that the ballot initiative could not go forward because it was unconstitutional, but the group appealed to the SJC. The casino law allows up to three gambling resorts and one slots parlor. The state is in the process of awarding licenses, but several communities have voted down efforts to open casinos on their turf.

“I would be for getting on the ballot,” Baker said in an interview. “There should be a go-slow strategy. Why would you presume you could build four or five of these?”

Instead, Baker touts a one-casino plan for the state, something he championed during his unsuccessful run against Patrick in 2010.

Of all the candidates, Berwick is the most staunchly opposed to casinos. Berwick, a Newton pediatrician, said the electorate has concerns, too.

“I don’t think I have been in a meeting in two weeks where someone hasn’t raised a question” about casinos, said Berwick, who has crisscrossed the state in recent weeks to hear from voters.

The candidate who is most effusive about slots and blackjack is Grossman. That’s probably because as treasurer he’s actually had to run the numbers on the impact of casinos on the state lottery, which he oversees.

His calculation? Our highly profitable lottery will take some kind of hit, but overall “we will be $300 million to the good,” Grossman said, describing what the state stands to gain annually from casinos.

Then there are the jobs, which are even more important to him, roughly 15,000 in the construction and service sectors.

As attorney general, Coakley is involved in enforcing civil and criminal gaming laws and provides legal representation for the state gaming commission. The Democrat said she supports legalized gambling and that the state can do it right.

“Massachusetts has the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of other states,” she said in a recent interview.

Coakley recognizes there’s a growing anticasino movement, but said that’s OK. “This is a very healthy debate for everyone to have,” she said. “The statute is working the way it should.”

Win or lose, the repeal effort is forcing candidates to deal with casinos, and they need to play their hands carefully.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/12/04/massachusetts-gubernatorial-candidates-weigh-whether-repeal-casino-law/IweCcqK4aSg1STA2ELNDyN/story.html

Dumb and Dumber

In the flurry of Beacon Hill activity, it was difficult to keep track of truly dumb statements flowing from the Senate Chambers, read all of the proposed legislation composed behind closed door with Industry input, the flawed Spectrum Gaming Report, the flawed Innovation report, watch the lobbyists strut around the marble halls of the State House and attend the hearings.

Taxpayers funded BENEFITS reports with their hard-earned dollars prepared by the Gambling Industry and never received any factual information.

This gem below was brought to my attention and deserves comment because of flaws.


Senate President Therese "Cha Ching" Murray, HEAD CASINO CHEERLEADER and EXPERT, gestured pulling a lever to play a SLOT MACHINE. [Levers were eliminated to increase 'plays.']

Murray warns of state loss on casinos
Senators debate bill for sixth day
By Noah Bierman
Globe Staff / June 30, 2010

Senate President Therese Murray said yesterday that a new directive from the federal government makes Native American gambling parlors all but inevitable in Massachusetts, whether or not state lawmakers authorize full-fledged casinos.

What "directive"? Beacon Hill received a carefully worded letter indicating the BIA (an arm of the Interior Dept. that mystifies most, staffed with Native Americans, always considered pretty corrupt and ineffective, except for the likes of Jack Abramoff) that says NOTHING - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - IF CAREFULLY READ. [Reading comprehension is an important part of education.]

The Boston Globe sacrificed reality for political payoffs and ad promises. Papers are financially stressed these days, but how about the truth?



As senators continue to debate legislation to license three casinos, Murray and other proponents of expanded gambling are making the case that passing the bill will give the state more control and more money.

DONKEY DUST!

NO SLOTS = NO TRIBAL CASINOS EVER


Murray said a memo circulated Monday by the US Department of the Interior, which oversees tribal affairs, sets the stage for the Mashpee Wampanoag to open casinos in the next few years with electronic bingo machines, which are similar to slot machines in appearance and known in the industry as Class II slots. The department said it would continue reviewing tribes’ applications for casinos on land not in reservations, an issue that has been in dispute.

WHERE?

The Mashpee Wampanoags own no land in Middleboro, have no historical ties.

Wealthy gambling investors bought the Meetinghouse Swamp.

In Fall River, the Tribe has no historical ties and don't own land?

Oh! In Mashpee where the Tribe has an Agreement with the Town agreeing not to pursue their land claims and not to open a gaming operation in exchange to the Town agreeing not to oppose LIT? The Agreement would only be binding if approved by Congress which it has not.

2 SCOTUS decisions - Carcieri v Salazar and the Hawaii decision PREVENT the BIA or any federal agency from taking land away from SOVEREIGN STATES.

“If we don’t act, they could set up Class II gaming on their own land,’’ Murray said. “And we would get nothing.’’

In order for a TRIBE, any TRIBE to establish ANY Gaming, they need LAND IN TRUST, something the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe lacks. Not to trouble those on Beacon Hill with legal complexities that tax their thinking, but your everyday, average citizen can comprehend this.

THERE IS NO LAND INTO TRUST PROCESS BECAUSE OF TWO SCOTUS DECISIONS.

Of the Mashpee Wampanog Tribe had LIT that pre-dated those 2 SCOTUS decisions, they would require: 1. a compact with the Commonwealth; 2. a 'management agreement' approved by NIGC (National Indian Gaming Commission) or they would risk this.

The tribe’s chairman, Cedric Cromwell, has said that he would prefer to work with the state. Winning a state license could assure the tribe of a smoother and perhaps faster regulatory process and the guarantee of full-fledged slot machines, which are more lucrative than electronic bingo. The Senate bill would give the tribe a potential leg up in the competition for one of three licenses.



Yesterday was the sixth day of debate in the Senate, and senators of many ideological stripes continued to use parliamentary tactics to push back a vote, citing concerns ranging from taxes to the health and addiction problems wrought by smoking, drinking, and gambling. The House passed its version of expanded gambling legislation [written by Industry behind closed doors] in April.

Senators who oppose slots said the state should slow down to assess the effect of the Interior Department’s announcement. Senator James B. Eldridge, an Acton Democrat, said he does not believe that electronic bingo parlors would be successful enough to persuade investors to build a casino.

You got it! A voice of common sense and reason.

Eldridge halted the Senate’s debate yesterday at 5 p.m. using a procedural move, because he and other more liberal senators are also concerned that more powerful legislators are trying to circumvent a ban on smoking in casinos that was passed last week. Senator Susan C. Fargo, a Lincoln Democrat, said gambling proponents have been too willing to retreat on protections against problem drinking and smoking that have been years in the making, in order to protect casino interests.


Casino opponents proposed amendments to make a BAD BILL less BAD and were ignored. Check out DUIs.

Republican senators have also been using delay tactics in an attempt to force votes on tax-cutting measures.

But Democrats, who hold a 35-5 majority, have prevented those votes by rewording Republican amendments. For example, an amendment that would have used the estimated $300 million in yearly revenue from casino gambling on property tax relief was reworded by Fargo to devote about $3 million a year to tax relief for needy senior citizens, and it passed.

“Peanuts, peanuts,’’ said minority leader Richard R. Tisei, a Republican from Wakefield who is running for lieutenant governor. Murray told reporters that Republicans were playing election-year politics. [And Murray isn't?]


Republicans have a platform to oppose BIG GOVERNMENT. NO WHERE are they asking the cost of the BLOATED REGULATORY BUREAUCRACY. Republicans are supporting their wealthy buddies who own race tracks or want SLOT BARNS.

Baker and Tisei support Big Government!

What are you saying Charlie Baker?

If you're not asking what the BLOATED REGULATORY BUREAUCRACY will cost, if you're not asking for an Independent Cost Benefit Analysis, you support Big Government!

You're just playing inconsequential games instead of taking a stand.

Senator Tisei can't wait to vote for slots at the tracks - a give away to vested interests.

From SHNS (no link):

DeLeo’s renewed flexing of the local aid argument feeds into Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker’s criticism, directed at Patrick, that the state should conceive of better economic development strategies.

The Republican candidates are simply no different from what we already have.

Baker Waffles!

Republican candidate for governor Charles D. Baker Jr. who offered nothing substantive, said:

... he is “very worried” by the Senate plan for three casinos and that “jumping whole hog” into expanded gambling with so many casinos could end up hurting existing restaurants, hotels and entertainment businesses around the state.

Worried, Mr. Baker?

It is clear that Charlie Baker either doesn't understand the casino issue or is trying to pussy foot around it.

'...largely stayed out of the casino debate in recent months' ?

Because he doesn't understand it? This is a major policy change and he ignores it?

'We do not know what the impact of having that many casinos...'

Sure we do! It will destroy them.

To make that comment indicates he lacks the political spine to take a stand or adhere to your party's platform. We need only examine the studies that have been conducted around the country or maybe some of the information here.

'He also took exception to Senate changes that would allow a host community vote for a casino by only the ward in which it would be located,...'

This is the best he can do?

Either he hasn't read the House and Senate bills and amendments, or lacks political courage to take a stand.

Note to Charlie: have a policy advisor read them. If he can't find additional flaws, you need to replace him. Or listen to the comments Senator Tucker made on the floor of the Senate.

The Democrats handed the Republicans enough ammunition in this bill, but the Republicans are too dumb to seize it or too willing to simply go along with policies that are net revenue losers.

How about the costs, Mr. Baker?

How about what that BLOATED REGULATORY BUREAUCRACY is going to cost? Rest assured, with a Republican Governor it will be filled with Republican hacks.

This guy is as mathematically challenged as the Democrats with these tepid comments.

And those 3 Republican opposition votes? Tisei, Ross, Tarr? Don't worry! It's all rhetoric and they'll waffle when it comes to a vote.

Don't publicly proclaim you're for fiscal responsibility, small business, smaller government and lower taxes when you support this boondoggle.

They don't really stand for anything anyway. Simply meaningless rhetoric!

This about says it all:
Charlie Baker and Richard Tisei Announce Debate Plans