Some have forgotten the Jack Abramoff connection to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe gaining recognition and Glenn Marshall.
It's pretty pathetic that a wealthy investor expects the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to genuflect and collect his unenforceable debts for him.
It's even more pathetic that they genuflected, just as Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore did last year.
Investor calls Wampanoag on debt
By George Brennan
Herb Strather, the Detriot developer who first invested in the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe's casino efforts in 1999, is calling on the governor to help him recoup the millions he says he spent on the tribe.
In a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick, Strather says he raised in excess of $25 million from a wide variety of investors to help the tribe gain federal recognition and pursue a casino.
He also claims that the tribe has reneged on a handshake deal to make mortgage payments for Maushop Farm, a horse stable in Mashpee he purchased for $675,000 and planned to donate to the Wampanoag once a casino was built. He produced an email from a Bank of America employee stating the mortgage is in default because of slow payments. That bank employee declined to comment Wednesday.
"We are seeking a fairness inclusion in the gaming bill that will make the tribe pay their debts before they can get a compact," Strather wrote to the governor.
A compact is a deal between a tribe and a state that sets the ground rules for how an Indian casino will operate and what payments the state would receive in lieu of taxes.
Strather's letter asks the governor to include language that would require the tribe to disclose "any individual or entity which has made such investment to said tribe, its affiliates or predecessor applicants of the tribe for purposes of securing a gaming license" since 2005.
The Senate approved an amendment with similar wording during Monday's debate on the casino bill. Senators are expected to resume debate next week. There is no guarantee that language will make it into the final bill that goes to Patrick.
A spokeswoman for the governor's office said Strather's letter had been received, but declined comment on whether Patrick would consider his request to make debt repayments a condition in the compact. She said it was premature considering the Legislature is still debating the bill.
The tribe, through a spokeswoman, issued a brief statement: "Mr. Strather's claims are without merit."
It's been a tough week for the Mashpee Wampanoag. As happens every time the casino legislation gets debated, other state tribes have questioned the Mashpee tribe's ties to Southeastern Massachusetts. Now, Strather is opening old wounds with complaints about the tribe walking away from his investment.
In a phone interview, Strather said that as a casino investor not only is he losing his initial payments to the tribe, but also the return on that investment.
The Times reported last year that casino investors Sol Kerzner and Len Wolman cut a lucrative deal with the tribe in 2007 that would have paid the investors 6 percent of any casino take. Strather retained a 5 percent interest in that agreement.
But in 2010, the tribe wanted to break ties with Strather, Kerzner and Wolman and signed a deal with Kien Huat, a subsidiary of Genting Group, a Malaysian company that invests in casinos around the world — notably Foxwoods in Connecticut. The tribe renegotiated that if allowed to open a casino, they would reimburse Kernzer, Wolman and some of Strather's investors for their initial investment, although not pay them any of the casino profits, Strather said Wednesday.
Strather said his money was not included in that deal.
The tribe has declined to comment on its agreement to sever ties with initial investors, saying it is confidential.
"We funded this for nine years and for another group to come in and, after we got federal recognition, to take our investment and profits, that's very unfair," Strather said Wednesday. "I wonder how the commonwealth would like that."
Patricia Oakley, the tribe's former genealogist and a tribal elder, said Strather has the support of some tribe members.
"We don't want to be known as burning our bridges," Oakley said. "Tribal members are upset. They are upset about initial investors not getting paid and because there's no transparency with this leadership."
Much of Strather's negotiations, both for the casino and the farm, were with former tribal council Chairman Glenn Marshall. Marshall is serving a federal prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to taking some of Strather's cash and using it to make illegal campaign contributions and keeping it as a personal slush fund.
Marshall was forced to resign in 2007 after the Times reported he was a convicted rapist and that he had lied about his military record.
Still, Strather is harsher in his criticism of current tribal council Chairman Cedric Cromwell than he is of Marshall.
"I'm not here to distribute blame, there's plenty to go around. I am disappointed, but I still love the tribe," Strather said. "Glenn Marshall did more good for the tribe than bad. He negotiated a tremendous agreement with me, and I lived up to it. Through Glenn's efforts, the tribe received federal recognition."
Most of Strather's comments about Cromwell can't be printed. "No question, I feel terribly betrayed — not by Wampanoag tribe, but by the council that represented them," he said.
Showing posts with label Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore. Show all posts
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, November 15, 2010
Bailing out the rich
When Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore proposed to bailout wealthy investors who gambled on Tribal Recognition for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Senate Chamber might have been/should have been filled with:
gasps at the stupidity
laughter
snickers
boos and hisses
protests by the Republican hypocrites who didn't oppose the government expansion
Instead, it was arrogant Beacon Hill 'business as usual,' 'this is what we do for our wealthy buddies.'
Now, voters are expected to sit silent while a move is afoot to bailout a shuttered racetrack?
Voters spoke. They voted to end greyhound racing.
Any business decision a track owner made was made knowingly.
This from a regular reader --
I just don’t get it. We cry crocodile tears over the dog track closings, but not over Wrights closing in Warren or American Optical in Southbridge or Bosh in Springfield or Legos in Enfield, CT. Hardly a mention of the cruel outsourcing that has devastated this country from out fearless leaders. How come Patrick or Cahill or Baker never brought up a plan to get manufacturing back into Massachusetts ! We’re supposed to blindly accept globalization, but accept a poisonous, corrupting industry like casinos because the race tracks are closing down. What ever propaganda is expedient for the billionaire big boys.
Legalizing slot machines to 'Save the Tracks' is disingenuous.
Detailed articles about the proposed bailout below --
Wonderland seeks to revive simulcasts
A Suffolk Downs venue is sought
Wonderland seeks state approval to operate out of Suffolk Downs
WONDERLAND SEEKS STATE APPROVAL TO OPERATE OUT OF SUFFOLK DOWNS
By Matt Murphy
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, NOV. 10, 2010….
After shuttering in August shortly after expanded gambling efforts faltered on Beacon Hill, Wonderland Greyhound Park is asking state officials to let it relocate its simulcasting operations to Suffolk Downs in an effort to raise revenue to pay off outstanding debts.
The Revere track, which made the decision to close its facility and lay off all 85 employees this past summer, continues to hold a license for off-track simulcast betting on dog races through July 31, 2011. Their request was tabled on Wednesday by the State Racing Commission, with commissioners requesting additional information.
Wonderland has filed a request for a venue transfer to Suffolk Downs to generate money from the license to pay back creditors, including Plainridge Racecourse. The plan would also reintroduce off-track betting on dog races to the Boston market.
"As you know, Wonderland Greyhound Park was recently forced to suspend its simulcasting operations due to drastic economic conditions in the industry which made it increasingly difficult for Wonderland to remain competitive," wrote Richard Dalton, the president and CEO of Wonderland, in a recent letter to the racing commission. "This suspension has caused many hardships, most notably to the many longtime members of the Wonderland family whose jobs were lost as a result."
After 75 years of continuous operation, Wonderland took a twin-blow from the failure of efforts to expand gambling in Massachusetts and a voter-approved ban on greyhound dog racing that went into effect in January 2009. Wonderland and Suffolk Downs had expressed interest in a joint casino venture if the Legislature and Gov. Deval Patrick had agreed on authorizing legislation.
Dalton , in the letter dated Sept. 7, proposed relocating its simulcasting operations to Suffolk Downs to satisfy "its obligations to other racing meeting licensees and industry vendors" and meet the "existing public demand" for greyhound simulcasts in Greater Boston.
The racing commission's three-member board delayed consideration of Wonderland's proposal, opting to give owners additional time to produce a full accounting of how much Wonderland owes in debt and what the potential revenue market is for simulcast greyhound betting at Suffolk Downs.
The commission meets next on Dec. 1 when it plans to deliberate on Wonderland proposal.
Under the proposal, Wonderland would continue to operate as a separate entity at Suffolk Downs, retaining all revenue from off-track dog betting. Suffolk Downs would be paid an administrative fee for hosting.
"We would be amenable to discussing with you specific measures to ensure that proceeds from wagers on these simulcasts are set aside to settle debts with other racing licensees and to satisfying statutory payment obligations to the Racing Commission and to the Racing Stabilization Fund," Dalton wrote.
Commissioner Terry Segal, however, raised concerns that the plan asked the racing commission to take action beyond its scope of regulating the state's racing industry by asking it to help Wonderland settle its debts.
"I don't think we should be a collection agency," Segal said.
Segal said he was "strongly considering" offering a motion at the next hearing that would require Wonderland to put up a $300,000 refundable letter of credit as a condition of approval. "I don't think all these clients should have to wait for the next 10 years for some simulcast to pay them off," Segal said.
Although Wonderland's precise debt load is unclear, a racing commission document estimated that the track owed Plainridge in excess of $35,000 in fees unpaid since Sept. 2009 for the right to simulcast races from that track.
Wonderland was prohibited from continuing to simulcast races from Plainridge in early July 2010 for failure to pay.
Chip Tuttle, the chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs, said he is supportive of the plan that would allow the East Boston horse track to offer simulcast dog racing for the first time since 2009.
Suffolk Downs holds a license for off-track horse betting, but Tuttle said the track would be able to make space in his simulcasting facility for the addition of dog races.
Suffolk Downs previously held a license to simulcast dog races from Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park and Lincoln Park in Rhode Island from 2006 to 2009.
"There's still some interest in this product. We just don't know how much," Tuttle told the News Service.
Suffolk Downs currently holds an option to purchase Wonderland Greyhound Park through July 1, 2011. Tuttle said he plans to move forward with the purchase at this point regardless of whether expanded casino and slot machine gambling is resurrected in the Legislature next session.
Asked whether the merger could be jeopardized if Wonderland is not able to retire its debt, Tuttle said it was unlikely: "I think we've got a solid agreement with Wonderland that we can work with."
Tuttle said Wonderland also owes money to Suffolk Downs' purse fund that is used to pay horsemen.
gasps at the stupidity
laughter
snickers
boos and hisses
protests by the Republican hypocrites who didn't oppose the government expansion
Instead, it was arrogant Beacon Hill 'business as usual,' 'this is what we do for our wealthy buddies.'
Now, voters are expected to sit silent while a move is afoot to bailout a shuttered racetrack?
Voters spoke. They voted to end greyhound racing.
Any business decision a track owner made was made knowingly.
This from a regular reader --
I just don’t get it. We cry crocodile tears over the dog track closings, but not over Wrights closing in Warren or American Optical in Southbridge or Bosh in Springfield or Legos in Enfield, CT. Hardly a mention of the cruel outsourcing that has devastated this country from out fearless leaders. How come Patrick or Cahill or Baker never brought up a plan to get manufacturing back into Massachusetts ! We’re supposed to blindly accept globalization, but accept a poisonous, corrupting industry like casinos because the race tracks are closing down. What ever propaganda is expedient for the billionaire big boys.
Legalizing slot machines to 'Save the Tracks' is disingenuous.
Detailed articles about the proposed bailout below --
Wonderland seeks to revive simulcasts
A Suffolk Downs venue is sought
Wonderland seeks state approval to operate out of Suffolk Downs
WONDERLAND SEEKS STATE APPROVAL TO OPERATE OUT OF SUFFOLK DOWNS
By Matt Murphy
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, NOV. 10, 2010….
After shuttering in August shortly after expanded gambling efforts faltered on Beacon Hill, Wonderland Greyhound Park is asking state officials to let it relocate its simulcasting operations to Suffolk Downs in an effort to raise revenue to pay off outstanding debts.
The Revere track, which made the decision to close its facility and lay off all 85 employees this past summer, continues to hold a license for off-track simulcast betting on dog races through July 31, 2011. Their request was tabled on Wednesday by the State Racing Commission, with commissioners requesting additional information.
Wonderland has filed a request for a venue transfer to Suffolk Downs to generate money from the license to pay back creditors, including Plainridge Racecourse. The plan would also reintroduce off-track betting on dog races to the Boston market.
"As you know, Wonderland Greyhound Park was recently forced to suspend its simulcasting operations due to drastic economic conditions in the industry which made it increasingly difficult for Wonderland to remain competitive," wrote Richard Dalton, the president and CEO of Wonderland, in a recent letter to the racing commission. "This suspension has caused many hardships, most notably to the many longtime members of the Wonderland family whose jobs were lost as a result."
After 75 years of continuous operation, Wonderland took a twin-blow from the failure of efforts to expand gambling in Massachusetts and a voter-approved ban on greyhound dog racing that went into effect in January 2009. Wonderland and Suffolk Downs had expressed interest in a joint casino venture if the Legislature and Gov. Deval Patrick had agreed on authorizing legislation.
Dalton , in the letter dated Sept. 7, proposed relocating its simulcasting operations to Suffolk Downs to satisfy "its obligations to other racing meeting licensees and industry vendors" and meet the "existing public demand" for greyhound simulcasts in Greater Boston.
The racing commission's three-member board delayed consideration of Wonderland's proposal, opting to give owners additional time to produce a full accounting of how much Wonderland owes in debt and what the potential revenue market is for simulcast greyhound betting at Suffolk Downs.
The commission meets next on Dec. 1 when it plans to deliberate on Wonderland proposal.
Under the proposal, Wonderland would continue to operate as a separate entity at Suffolk Downs, retaining all revenue from off-track dog betting. Suffolk Downs would be paid an administrative fee for hosting.
"We would be amenable to discussing with you specific measures to ensure that proceeds from wagers on these simulcasts are set aside to settle debts with other racing licensees and to satisfying statutory payment obligations to the Racing Commission and to the Racing Stabilization Fund," Dalton wrote.
Commissioner Terry Segal, however, raised concerns that the plan asked the racing commission to take action beyond its scope of regulating the state's racing industry by asking it to help Wonderland settle its debts.
"I don't think we should be a collection agency," Segal said.
Segal said he was "strongly considering" offering a motion at the next hearing that would require Wonderland to put up a $300,000 refundable letter of credit as a condition of approval. "I don't think all these clients should have to wait for the next 10 years for some simulcast to pay them off," Segal said.
Although Wonderland's precise debt load is unclear, a racing commission document estimated that the track owed Plainridge in excess of $35,000 in fees unpaid since Sept. 2009 for the right to simulcast races from that track.
Wonderland was prohibited from continuing to simulcast races from Plainridge in early July 2010 for failure to pay.
Chip Tuttle, the chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs, said he is supportive of the plan that would allow the East Boston horse track to offer simulcast dog racing for the first time since 2009.
Suffolk Downs holds a license for off-track horse betting, but Tuttle said the track would be able to make space in his simulcasting facility for the addition of dog races.
Suffolk Downs previously held a license to simulcast dog races from Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park and Lincoln Park in Rhode Island from 2006 to 2009.
"There's still some interest in this product. We just don't know how much," Tuttle told the News Service.
Suffolk Downs currently holds an option to purchase Wonderland Greyhound Park through July 1, 2011. Tuttle said he plans to move forward with the purchase at this point regardless of whether expanded casino and slot machine gambling is resurrected in the Legislature next session.
Asked whether the merger could be jeopardized if Wonderland is not able to retire its debt, Tuttle said it was unlikely: "I think we've got a solid agreement with Wonderland that we can work with."
Tuttle said Wonderland also owes money to Suffolk Downs' purse fund that is used to pay horsemen.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Beacon Hill
Key pols fly coop during casino talks
Key Bay State lawmakers flew out of town this week to hobnob with lobbyists at a bourbon-swilling hoedown in the home of the Kentucky Derby - blowing a crucial deadline last night meant to break the stalemate on legalized casinos.
“I think it’s outrageous that at this critical point in the legislative session that they’re down there to be wined and dined,” said Thomas Whalen, a political professor at Boston University. “It just looks bad all around.”
At least three state lawmakers -including Senate President Therese Murray - hit Louisville for the National Conference of State Legislatures’ annual summit this week despite another looming deadline - the July 31 end of the legislative session.
The four-day taxpayer-funded junket featured a private serenade by Wynonna Judd and Loretta Lynn and a night of bourbon sipping and live horse racing at Churchill Downs’ “Millionaires Row,” according to the group’s Web site.
Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg (D-Amherst) [the little man lives to have his ego stroked!] - one of the lead negotiators charged with breaking the deadlock on casinos - bolted Tuesday night and spent most of yesterday in Louisville to receive a “leadership in the arts” award.
“This is a lifetime achievement award,” Rosenberg boasted, [it simply doesn't get any better than that does it, Stanley?] adding that he was on the phone with conferees before and after his award ceremony. He returned to Beacon Hill last night. “I’m sorry. I’m entitled to take four hours. I worked on (casinos) for three years.”
[Oh? Wasn't it all on the taxpayers' dime and we have no information?]
With many critical bills bottlenecked in the Legislature, lawmakers last night again failed to hammer out a compromise on casino legislation even though they set themselves an 8 p.m. deadline. They also cut out at 5 p.m. sharp Tuesday.
Sen. Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) went to the Kentucky blowout Saturday and stayed all week as he prepared to be crowned the new president of the NCSL. He plans to return to Boston today.
[Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore - ever sensitive to protecting the interests of wealthy casino investors!]
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore
In an effort to appease wealthy casino investors who support Native American Tribes in their quest for recognition to casino shop, Senator Richard Moore would turn the Commonwealth into a Collection Agency for those wealthy investors.
For a little background: wealthy investors supported the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, offered advice that allowed Glenn Marshall to live an unearned lifestyle that landed him in federal prison, a la Jack Abramoff (via advice from Stephen Graham), and funded those campaign contributions that gained 'recognition,' and now Investors want their money, all very complicated. The Tribe, under new leadership, wants a better deal with Malaysian investors in Fall River. Little problem is that they have a deal with Middleboro and an Agreement with the investors that paid to get them here. Those investors signed an agreement with a
SOVEREIGN NATION!
One Massachusetts Senator seeks to turn the Commonwealth into a collection agency for wealthy folks who have signed an agreement with a
SOVEREIGN NATION
and have no way of collecting. You forfeit your rights when you deal with Native American Tribes!
Profuse thanks from the wealthy investors in your failed attempts, Senator Richard T. "Debt Collector" Moore!
It doesn't get much better than this!
Investment Rights
Mr. Richard T. Moore moves to amend the bill (Senate, No. 2495), in Section 13, in the proposed chapter 23K, section 13, by inserting at the end thereof the following new subsection:-
(x) Any approved Native American tribe applying for selection pursuant to this chapter shall verify that it has recognized and acknowledged the financial investment or investment rights of any individual or entity which has made such investment to said tribe, its affiliates, its agents, or predecessor applicants of the tribe for the purpose of securing a gaming license for said tribe under its name or any subsidiary or affiliate since January 1, 2005.
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