It would be a pleasant surprise if someone conducted their research and offered the facts.
As a consequence of Carcieri v Salazar, Mr. Cromwell's comments are untrue.
In addition, posted here:
http://middlebororemembers.blogspot.com/search/label/Hawaii
..."Within weeks of the 8-1 Carcieri v Salazar.
decision, a second strike on.
fee to trust was issued. This time it came from a case.
originating in the state of Hawaii.
In the 9-0 decision on Hawaii v. the Office of.
Hawaiian Affairs. Justice Alito wrote, "It would.
raise grave constitutional concerns" Congress sought.
to "cloud Hawaii's title to its.
sovereign lands" after it had joined the.
Union.
"We have emphasized that Congress cannot,
after statehood reserve or convey....lands that.
have already been bestowed upon a state".
How many readers of this paper.
could be effected by issues concerning.
land that has been "bestowed upon.
a state"; as an original colony, through.
disestablished territory or.
when the territory entered into.
statehood?"
How much simpler could this be? The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe does NOT have land in trust, nor does it have any legal authority to conduct Gambling. The Tribe owns land in Mashpee. It does not own the land in Middleboro or Fall River.
Wampanoag chairman: tribe could skirt gambling law
Boston Business Journal - by Galen Moore
The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe plans to move ahead with a Massachusetts gambling operation, State House News Service reported today - even if state legislators don't act to expand gambling in the Bay State.
The chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoags, Cedric Cromwell, said the tribe already has legal authority to operate video lottery terminals like the ones in use at Twin River in Rhode Island, State House News reported. According to the report, Cromwell told the news service he hopes to avoid taking that step by negotiating an agreement with Governor Deval Patrick
Showing posts with label State House News Service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label State House News Service. Show all posts
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Governor Listens to Gambling Opponents
EXPANDED GAMBLING OPPONENTS MAKE PITCH TO PATRICK
By Kyle Cheney
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, DEC. 7, 2009.....Opponents of expanded gambling in Massachusetts, after a sit-down Monday with the state’s chief executive, described an engaged Gov. Deval Patrick ready with a raft of questions about the potential pitfalls of bringing slots or casinos to Massachusetts.
Patrick, who last year championed a failed proposal to bring casino gambling to Massachusetts, quizzed the opponents during a 75-minute meeting –15 minutes longer than scheduled in order to accommodate the governor’s questions, according to attendees.
Kathleen Norbut, president of United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts, said those who attended the meeting urged the governor to get behind a new cost-benefit analysis of expanded gambling in Massachusetts.
“What I sense is, as time has passed and more data has emerged, that disputed the revenues of his proposal and as the economy has significantly changed, he’s had an opportunity to take a look at this and his administration, from a different altitude,” Norbut told the News Service. “I think there was a very important exchange about the need for a fresh cost-benefit analysis, that the economics have changed since his original proposal for casinos.”
A Patrick spokesman described the gathering as “a good meeting.”
“The Governor appreciated the feedback from the attendees and will be following up with legislative leadership promptly,” said the spokesman, Alex Goldstein. A leadership meeting between the governor, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo, scheduled for 4 p.m., was canceled due to a scheduling conflict for the Senate president, according to the governor’s office.
In September, House Speaker Robert DeLeo said Massachusetts should authorize resort casinos in addition to slot machines at racetracks, laying out a vision of expanded gaming that could launch a proliferation of venues around the state. Murray has called casinos in Massachusetts “inevitable” but Patrick’s support for casinos has softened somewhat and the governor in recent months has made a point of emphasizing that any expanded gambling foray must take into account the human toll on gamblers.
Last month, Patrick described any agreement among state leaders about the future of gambling in Massachusetts as “general,” adding that “by no means is there agreement on exactly what contours it ought to take.” Speaking on WTKK-FM Nov. 4, Patrick said, “I don't want anybody in the Legislature to be thinking about expanded gaming as a quote fix unquote for the fiscal challenges facing the commonwealth. It's not. It's not. It's another job-creating opportunity, which has to be done right and because there are real human costs. That has to be faced. There are real human costs. We have to be very, very clear and careful about the regulatory framework that that business comes into.” Asked by host Jim Braude whether there would eventually be Bay State casinos, Patrick said, “That remains to be seen.”
Opponents of expanded gambling say casinos and slot parlors derive the bulk of their earnings from addicted gamblers, driving many into bankruptcy and steering their dollars away from other areas of the economy. They also cite higher crime rates and ramifications for friends and families of gambling addicts. Backers of casinos cite potential for the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues, at a time when state spending has consistently outpaced tax collections.
The dozen attendees of the meeting included former Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Bob Massie; Sen. Susan Tucker (D-Andover); Rebekah Gewirtz, director of government relations at the National Association of Social Workers; Massachusetts Family Institute director of public policy Evelyn Reilly; Massachusetts Council of Churches associate director Laura Everett; National Organization to Stop Predatory Gambling executive director Les Bernal; League of Women Voters executive director Kelly Marcimo; Somerville Democrat Fred Berman; political consultant Tom Cosgrove; Middleborough resident Jessie Powell, United to Stop Slots Massachusetts webmaster and Bridgewater resident Mary Tufts; and Palmer Citizens Impact Study Committee member Stephen Sears. Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki attended as well.
Norbut said Patrick grilled attendees about “dynamics that have happened on the local level,” including what she described as efforts by some local public officials to force gaming upon their constituents.
United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts is also sponsoring a Thursday forum featuring former Gov. Michael Dukakis, former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, Sen. Susan Tucker and Democratic U.S. Senate contender Alan Khazei to outline their opposition to expanded gambling. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Faneuil Hall.
A jacketless Patrick invited the attendees into the 2 p.m. meeting, which was requested by the gaming opponents. Norbut said the meeting followed similar appointments with Bigby, Bialecki, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and First Assistant Attorney General David Friedman.
Norbut said opponents of expanded gambling believe the governor has “modified his stance” on gaming since his proposal failed last year.
“I think he’s certainly taking a different position and learned that both the data and proposal that he put forth was flawed, and that was in the old economy,” she said. “It’s clear to even casual observers that he’s certainly modified his stance.”
Last week, Bialecki said the administration plans to let the Legislature drive the gambling debate, noting that they voted down Patrick’s proposal last session.
Rep. Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill), who co-chairs the Legislature’s economic development committee, which has jurisdiction over gambling proposals, did not return a phone call seeking comment.
By Kyle Cheney
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, DEC. 7, 2009.....Opponents of expanded gambling in Massachusetts, after a sit-down Monday with the state’s chief executive, described an engaged Gov. Deval Patrick ready with a raft of questions about the potential pitfalls of bringing slots or casinos to Massachusetts.
Patrick, who last year championed a failed proposal to bring casino gambling to Massachusetts, quizzed the opponents during a 75-minute meeting –15 minutes longer than scheduled in order to accommodate the governor’s questions, according to attendees.
Kathleen Norbut, president of United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts, said those who attended the meeting urged the governor to get behind a new cost-benefit analysis of expanded gambling in Massachusetts.
“What I sense is, as time has passed and more data has emerged, that disputed the revenues of his proposal and as the economy has significantly changed, he’s had an opportunity to take a look at this and his administration, from a different altitude,” Norbut told the News Service. “I think there was a very important exchange about the need for a fresh cost-benefit analysis, that the economics have changed since his original proposal for casinos.”
A Patrick spokesman described the gathering as “a good meeting.”
“The Governor appreciated the feedback from the attendees and will be following up with legislative leadership promptly,” said the spokesman, Alex Goldstein. A leadership meeting between the governor, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo, scheduled for 4 p.m., was canceled due to a scheduling conflict for the Senate president, according to the governor’s office.
In September, House Speaker Robert DeLeo said Massachusetts should authorize resort casinos in addition to slot machines at racetracks, laying out a vision of expanded gaming that could launch a proliferation of venues around the state. Murray has called casinos in Massachusetts “inevitable” but Patrick’s support for casinos has softened somewhat and the governor in recent months has made a point of emphasizing that any expanded gambling foray must take into account the human toll on gamblers.
Last month, Patrick described any agreement among state leaders about the future of gambling in Massachusetts as “general,” adding that “by no means is there agreement on exactly what contours it ought to take.” Speaking on WTKK-FM Nov. 4, Patrick said, “I don't want anybody in the Legislature to be thinking about expanded gaming as a quote fix unquote for the fiscal challenges facing the commonwealth. It's not. It's not. It's another job-creating opportunity, which has to be done right and because there are real human costs. That has to be faced. There are real human costs. We have to be very, very clear and careful about the regulatory framework that that business comes into.” Asked by host Jim Braude whether there would eventually be Bay State casinos, Patrick said, “That remains to be seen.”
Opponents of expanded gambling say casinos and slot parlors derive the bulk of their earnings from addicted gamblers, driving many into bankruptcy and steering their dollars away from other areas of the economy. They also cite higher crime rates and ramifications for friends and families of gambling addicts. Backers of casinos cite potential for the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues, at a time when state spending has consistently outpaced tax collections.
The dozen attendees of the meeting included former Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Bob Massie; Sen. Susan Tucker (D-Andover); Rebekah Gewirtz, director of government relations at the National Association of Social Workers; Massachusetts Family Institute director of public policy Evelyn Reilly; Massachusetts Council of Churches associate director Laura Everett; National Organization to Stop Predatory Gambling executive director Les Bernal; League of Women Voters executive director Kelly Marcimo; Somerville Democrat Fred Berman; political consultant Tom Cosgrove; Middleborough resident Jessie Powell, United to Stop Slots Massachusetts webmaster and Bridgewater resident Mary Tufts; and Palmer Citizens Impact Study Committee member Stephen Sears. Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki attended as well.
Norbut said Patrick grilled attendees about “dynamics that have happened on the local level,” including what she described as efforts by some local public officials to force gaming upon their constituents.
United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts is also sponsoring a Thursday forum featuring former Gov. Michael Dukakis, former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, Sen. Susan Tucker and Democratic U.S. Senate contender Alan Khazei to outline their opposition to expanded gambling. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Faneuil Hall.
A jacketless Patrick invited the attendees into the 2 p.m. meeting, which was requested by the gaming opponents. Norbut said the meeting followed similar appointments with Bigby, Bialecki, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and First Assistant Attorney General David Friedman.
Norbut said opponents of expanded gambling believe the governor has “modified his stance” on gaming since his proposal failed last year.
“I think he’s certainly taking a different position and learned that both the data and proposal that he put forth was flawed, and that was in the old economy,” she said. “It’s clear to even casual observers that he’s certainly modified his stance.”
Last week, Bialecki said the administration plans to let the Legislature drive the gambling debate, noting that they voted down Patrick’s proposal last session.
Rep. Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill), who co-chairs the Legislature’s economic development committee, which has jurisdiction over gambling proposals, did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
What kind of democracy....?
Lodge: Inside the secret garden on Beacon Hill
It's common knowledge on Beacon Hill that the Legislature isn't covered by the state Open Meeting Law.
Local boards, committees, commissions and councils, yes. But not legislative committees, caucuses or confabs.
State House News Service pointed out another instance this week when House members closed the doors to discuss, in this case, the prospect of gambling casinos, with industry experts, including Kathy Scanlan, executive director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.
The News Service focused on the fact the Council on Compulsive Gambling, a non-profit agency that gets its funding from the state and from income from the state's four racetracks, could be forced to close after a substantial cut in funding from both sources.
"We're definitely threatened and we're trying to figure out how to recoup some funding,'' Scanlan told the News Service.
So, at a time when lawmakers are rallying the troops to support casino gambling in Massachusetts, the state is cutting back on funds for the non-profit group that treats problem gamblers.
It's true that the State House press corps in Massachusetts has been reduced to a handful of scribes because of the tough economy and battering newspapers are taking in the fight for advertising and circulation revenue. But the point of open meetings isn't to please the press; it's to make sure the public, the taxpayers and the press can know what government bodies are doing with their money, their time and their laws.
State House News Service reported that "several lawmakers who took part in the ... briefing said they had been unaware it was closed to the public.''
Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, a supporter of slot machines at the horse and dog tracks, said the briefing should have been public: "I think that open and frank dialogue between all the parties that have an interest in expanded gaming makes it a better chance that the institution as a whole would make an informed decision,'' he said.
But Kathi-Anne Reinstein, a Revere Democrat who organized the briefing, told the News Service the session was closed so state reps would "feel comfortable to ask any questions without having any type of criticism.''
And what kind of democracy is that, in which the elected officials are uncomfortable asking questions because they fear criticism? It's a flawed one.
It's common knowledge on Beacon Hill that the Legislature isn't covered by the state Open Meeting Law.
Local boards, committees, commissions and councils, yes. But not legislative committees, caucuses or confabs.
State House News Service pointed out another instance this week when House members closed the doors to discuss, in this case, the prospect of gambling casinos, with industry experts, including Kathy Scanlan, executive director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.
The News Service focused on the fact the Council on Compulsive Gambling, a non-profit agency that gets its funding from the state and from income from the state's four racetracks, could be forced to close after a substantial cut in funding from both sources.
"We're definitely threatened and we're trying to figure out how to recoup some funding,'' Scanlan told the News Service.
So, at a time when lawmakers are rallying the troops to support casino gambling in Massachusetts, the state is cutting back on funds for the non-profit group that treats problem gamblers.
It's true that the State House press corps in Massachusetts has been reduced to a handful of scribes because of the tough economy and battering newspapers are taking in the fight for advertising and circulation revenue. But the point of open meetings isn't to please the press; it's to make sure the public, the taxpayers and the press can know what government bodies are doing with their money, their time and their laws.
State House News Service reported that "several lawmakers who took part in the ... briefing said they had been unaware it was closed to the public.''
Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, a supporter of slot machines at the horse and dog tracks, said the briefing should have been public: "I think that open and frank dialogue between all the parties that have an interest in expanded gaming makes it a better chance that the institution as a whole would make an informed decision,'' he said.
But Kathi-Anne Reinstein, a Revere Democrat who organized the briefing, told the News Service the session was closed so state reps would "feel comfortable to ask any questions without having any type of criticism.''
And what kind of democracy is that, in which the elected officials are uncomfortable asking questions because they fear criticism? It's a flawed one.
.
Darn good question!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Casino Tyranny
As my friend, Gladys pointed out, in The Playbook, there are standard rules that have been employed in other states and countries that have been thoroughly tested and evaluated and improved based on their success.
Because predatory gambling is so wildly profitable, they can afford the BEST!
They buy the best media shills like State House News that pretends to be impartial, best experts and spread money around with lobbyists monopolizing attention and spreading the propaganda.
Most folks follow like sheep, accept the pot o' gold at the end of the casino rainbow, like Palmer Town Councilor Paul Burns and vilify those who question.
.
Leadership isn't bullying like Paul Burns or tyranny like Middleboro's very own Arrogant Gavel Queen, Marsha Brunelle who gavelled democracy to silence.
.
Leadership is elected officials like Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) and Representative Todd Smola (R-Palmer) for their serious commonsense in carefully examining the impacts of predatory gambling and a willingness to listen.
.
Wisdom is the voters who support them.
.
Dear friends,
I am writing to you to ask for your support of our state senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) who was unfairly and inappropriately criticized in the Springfield Republican newspaper today.
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/palmer_town_councilor_paul_bur.html
Both Senator Brewer and Representative Todd Smola (R-Palmer) have extensively researched the complex issue of expanding predatory gambling and legalizing slots in the Commonwealth. They have attended numerous meetings throughout the Quaboag Valley and at the Statehouse on this subject.
Senator Brewer's participation and leadership with the Western MA Casino Task Force lead to the development of the ground breaking report that articulates 23 major concerns for impacts to the region and calls for an independent cost-benefit analysis.
http://www.pvpc.org/casino/web-content/docs/L-WMCATLegislatorsAugust200.pdf
In meeting with the designated "point person" on the issue of casinos/slots for the State Senate, Senator Rosenberg, the task force learned that Senator Brewer has been the most persistent legislator to approach him on this issue with questions, concerns and recommendations based on his knowledge of his district and our region. Representative Todd Smola does not represent the community where I live, but like his predecessor Reed Hillman, both gentlemen have been open, responsive and eager to communicate with me and others on the matters that affect our region.
Senator Brewer, Representative Smola and the majority of western MA legislators have taken a sober and mature approach by not signing the pledge to support expanded gambling and a casino, specifically in western MA. There is no specific legislation on the "table" for debate.
The lack of due diligence by legislators who behave in a knee-jerk reaction to a plea from a specific group, without analyzing the full costs-benefit of a specific bill is a disservice to their constituents and themselves as elected officials. These elected officials who do not have detailed knowledge of the communities and the region most impacted by these proposals, seem pleased to cater to a special interest group as long as the facility is not in their community.
Please consider writing a Letter to the Editor in support of Senator Brewer's measured stance on the complex issue of expanding predatory gambling and slots.
letters@repub.com
lstabile@repub.com
Regards,
Kathleen Norbut
Monson
.
Check out -- Octoberfest
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Impartial? Think Not!
Recently, State House News circulated the article below --
TOP DeLEO DEPUTY SAYS FISCAL CRISIS WILL LIKELY NUDGE HER ON GAMBLING: The state's economic doldrums will likely sway a longtime gambling opponent and key ally of House Speaker Robert DeLeo in favor of expanded gambling in Massachusetts. Assistant House Majority Whip Patricia Haddad said she had instructed an intern to compile information for her and planned to study it, but said she had moved away from her stance as an "absolute no" vote on gambling. "I've never been a fan," Haddad told the News Service. "But I don't think we have the luxury anymore." She added, "I have to find my way to a different place, I think." DeLeo is likely to encourage a mix of casinos and slot machines at racetracks, according to an article in Gambling Compliance, a London-based gaming market analysis firm, written by former Boston Herald columnist Scott Van Voorhis. Many House members who joined then-Speaker Salvatore DiMasi in thwarting a 2006 slots bill, on a 100-55 vote, are signaling they may change positions. Haddad (D-Somerset) said she has voted against slots consistently save for one time early in her House career, and said she had been compelled in part by last year's ballot vote to end dog racing. "That was 2,000 jobs," Haddad said. "I felt really terrible about that."
I have had several opportunities to challenge Senator Pacheco when he proclaims the employment numbers.
Senator Pacheco states that closing 2 greyhound tracks will effect
1400 FAMILIES.
225 jobs
-- including pari-mutuel clerks, bartenders and security workers.....
9 full-time employees
and
18 part-time workers
in anticipation of Saturday’s scheduled suspension of dog racing at the Lincoln track.
It might seem that the actual numbers would be available from the Gaming Commission. On the Mass.Gov site, that information can be easily found where exactly? I must have missed it.
TOP DeLEO DEPUTY SAYS FISCAL CRISIS WILL LIKELY NUDGE HER ON GAMBLING: The state's economic doldrums will likely sway a longtime gambling opponent and key ally of House Speaker Robert DeLeo in favor of expanded gambling in Massachusetts. Assistant House Majority Whip Patricia Haddad said she had instructed an intern to compile information for her and planned to study it, but said she had moved away from her stance as an "absolute no" vote on gambling. "I've never been a fan," Haddad told the News Service. "But I don't think we have the luxury anymore." She added, "I have to find my way to a different place, I think." DeLeo is likely to encourage a mix of casinos and slot machines at racetracks, according to an article in Gambling Compliance, a London-based gaming market analysis firm, written by former Boston Herald columnist Scott Van Voorhis. Many House members who joined then-Speaker Salvatore DiMasi in thwarting a 2006 slots bill, on a 100-55 vote, are signaling they may change positions. Haddad (D-Somerset) said she has voted against slots consistently save for one time early in her House career, and said she had been compelled in part by last year's ballot vote to end dog racing. "That was 2,000 jobs," Haddad said. "I felt really terrible about that."
Before we get to the meat of the subject, since I'm new to this, I pulled up the State House News site.
Flashing across the site, was the advertising banner for O'Neill and Associates.
Does that raise any questions about the impartiality of State House News?
I have had several opportunities to challenge Senator Pacheco when he proclaims the employment numbers.
Senator Pacheco states that closing 2 greyhound tracks will effect
1400 FAMILIES.
The number is meaningless and continues to grow, it might appear, from being fed a diet rich in manure.
In Watch the Numbers!, I linked to a ProJo article that indicated --
Supporters of the dog racing bill say it's necessary to save
In Watch the Numbers!, I linked to a ProJo article that indicated --
Supporters of the dog racing bill say it's necessary to save
225 jobs
-- including pari-mutuel clerks, bartenders and security workers.....
This is what was reported in RI Greyhounds Gone Saturday, Aug 8 ----
Twin River has handed out layoff notices to
9 full-time employees
and
18 part-time workers
in anticipation of Saturday’s scheduled suspension of dog racing at the Lincoln track.
It might seem that the actual numbers would be available from the Gaming Commission. On the Mass.Gov site, that information can be easily found where exactly? I must have missed it.
When facts and logic fail, leave it to the Gambling Cheerleaders to make things up.
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