Casino Menino

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Casino Menino

heartlanddem | Wed, Aug 28, 2013

Flashback to Speaker DiMasi – Marriage equality, progressive leaning budgets – not necessarily in structure (taxation, etc) but in funding priorities and a big fat NO to “Casino Culture” for the Commonwealth. His reticence to acquiesce to the sharks circling the Commonwealth as the last virgin slot market got him a whacked and Bobby “Slots” DeLeo steps in. Governor Patrick was given the tip that to be elected Governor he needed to bring this to the fore after he got elected. His inaugural hosts were in the back-rooms dreaming of counting the “take” even while the parties shimmered! Remember the inaugural balls? Seems like a different lifetime. I digress.

Media and journalism are half-the-man they used to be…..literally and figuratively. One Boston Globe journalist told me in 2009 that they used to have about five reporters covering the casino/predatory gambling story but now (then….and it hasn’t gotten any better in the Biz) they had 1-2 reporters on it. MSM laid-down on the slots/casinos matter as they drank the “inevitability kool-aid.”

Casino Menino – arguably Boston’s most powerful mayor in recent times has served the city he loves like a work horse at Suffolk Downs. Always there, always plugging. As the sun is setting on his storied time as the CEO of the fairest and most distinguished of United States cities (must see Jimmy Tingle – we got it all here!), we see the mayor’s legacy eroding into that of being the guy who bull-dogged casinos into the heart of America’s history.

We ALL know that there would be no slots coming to the Commonwealth if Casino Menino, Bobby “slots” DeLeo, Therese and Deval hadn’t silenced almost all the opposition with the sheer power of their offices. Lots and lots of people are hired and paid by the Commonwealth. Lots and lots of businesses provide services for the Commonwealth. Lots and lots of citizens and officials want to please elected leaders….who have concentrated and significant powers. Too concentrated and too powerful for this kid who still believes democracy – even representative democracy – is a sacred form of government formed and sustained by self-rule.

The legislature under the direction of the bosses fell lock-step into line with casinos to the extent that they even crafted a devious way to manipulate referendum by allowing ward based voting for the largest cities in the Commonwealth (wink Boston.) Worcester wasn’t really on the map…..this whole exercise in shifting wealth has been for the boys at Suffolk Downs. With a handshake to the Springfield sharks and a token nod to Cedric (Cromwell) for a Native American tribe. And just to keep folks quiet, slots for tracks and a sliver of funding for a dozen other groups that needed hush money.

Notice, I said they silenced almost all the opposition? Not all.

The wonderful and amazing thing about this experiment we refer to as democracy is that there have always been and always will be people who stand up and speak their truth.

God bless MLK, Jr.

One man is standing up in Boston speaking “truth to power” and he has many supporters. That is Bill Walczak who gleaned some really positive words from Adrian Walker in today’s Globe which followed his scathing if not overdue criticism of the Casino Menino process. It’s true!

Walczak has drafted a Change.org petition to hold Boston leaders accountable for a community wide/city wide referendum on casinos.

A casino executive from Spectrum Gaming stated in testimony, “casinos change everything.” All voters should have a right to their ballot for issues that impact them.

Go to the petition and check it out here. And seriously, check out Walczak’s positions – this guy is bright.

Then, sign up to help get signatures to place the slots/casino matter to a vote on the 2014 ballot at Repeal The Casino Deal.

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/2013/08/casino-menino/

Massachusetts: Governor, You own this folly!

Yes, the Governor made hay this week with his few public comments - and carefully avoided 'owning' what he initiated, expressing his willingness to compromise.

But we know otherwise, don't we Governor?

You unleashed this monster on the Commonwealth and couldn't wait to rid yourself of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi, a staunch opponent. You said as much to me in Franklin. How dare he prevent you from having your podium?

Revenge is sweet, but short-lived.

Surrounded by CORRUPTION you're ignoring and ready to move to higher office, brushing off the framework of disaster you've left behind like dandruff on a dark suit, incapable of real change and effective policy.

Snookered by Governor Patrick says it all.


Governor talks gambling deal for Massachusetts
BOSTON

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick says he will accept one competitively bid slot parlor if it brings expanded gambling and casinos to the state.

During his monthly radio appearance on WTKK-FM Thursday, Patrick said he and legislative leaders agree there should be no more than three resort casinos in the state, and he will accept one slot parlor, a sticking point in last year's debate.

Patrick said he and legislative leaders are discussing details, such as tax rates and regulations, before a full legislative debate in the fall.

Senate Republicans are asking that when a gambling bill is drafted, the Senate wait 10 days to debate so legislators and the public can review it.

Former state Attorney General Scott Harshbarger has also called for a more transparent negotiations.

DeLeo: Same Old, Same Old, Ignoring Tornado Victims

House Speaker "Racino" DeLeo, to outward appearances, has experienced a sudden epiphany [after recommending incompetents and "No Shows" for Probation Dept. jobs, inter alia] when confronted with the reality after the DiMasi verdict that those 'back room deals' and secret promises can lead to prison.

This is the Speaker who doled out Chairmanships [translation: extra pay, more staff, bigger offices] based on blind obedience and not competence.

The budget was passed with NO DEBATE, after being discussed behind closed doors. Transparency? You jest!

And the final vote on the Slot Barn legislation passed on July 31st, 2010, with no debate with few members of either House wasting their time informing themselves of its contents which included ERRATA - pages of errors concocted in closed door meetings.

And Mr. Speaker is too busy genuflecting before vested interests to get the Bottle Bill passed - one measure that would save municipalities money in solid waste disposal.

Below is the Speaker's public comment and most surely gagged on its content [wonder who wrote it for him?]:

A Statement from House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo

“Today‟s news delivers a powerful blow to the public‟s trust in government. I don‟t think I can imagine anything more damaging than the idea that the defendant‟s conduct was nothing other than „business as usual‟ on Beacon Hill. This was definitely not business as usual – and it is a slur on every hardworking public servant to suggest otherwise.

“One of the things that I find most disturbing – and the thing I am most committed to changing – is the public‟s view of politicians and public sector employees. This conviction makes that job no easier.

“What came out at trial was deeply troubling. I feel angry and disappointed.

“Given the cumulative effect of recent cases of public corruption, I understand the negative feelings many have for public officials right now. That is something we are working to change. Our efforts over the past couple of years have been focused on government reforms that make our work and our decisions more transparent and ensure that we can be held accountable for what we do on behalf of the taxpaying public.

“As we move away from this verdict – in our actions and in our deeds – we will work to restore the public‟s faith that public servants can be counted on to work for the greater good. I intend to lead by example.”

This is the Speaker who paralyzed Beacon Hill during the last legislative session while he remained closeted, having his ego stroked by Gambling Industry Lobbyists and was obsessed with the Glitz and Cash of a Slot Barn in his district.

Instead of focusing on his JOB, the People's House, remember this?

Massachusetts House leaders to huddle in Amherst on casinos....

Even the Taunton Gazette criticized in:

OUR VIEW: Slow action on Beacon Hill hurting Massachusetts...

Beacon Hill's Sleazy Conduct is writ large with the conviction of former Speaker DiMasi, but there are no clean hands, Mr. DeLeo.

We have residents of the Commonwealth suffering, traumatized, homeless, having lost EVERYTHING - homes, mementos, pictures, family treasures of strictly sentimental value, memories as a result of the devastating tornadoes.


And what are the Beacon Hill Clowns discussing? Slot Barns!

Governor Deval Patrick, who did himself no service testifying about his willingness to "Go Along, to Get Along" and signed onto the Cognos deal, is cavorting with House Speaker "Racino" DeLeo in much the same fashion. This after the Governor secretly met with a group and seemingly promising a 'state land into trust' slot barn deal in Freetown.

Governor, You spent $189,000 hard earned taxpayer dollars conducting a lopsided BENEFIT Analysis filled with exaggerated claims of jobs and revenues, but where is the INDEPENDENT COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS that has never been conducted?

Some articles about the DiMasi decision:
DeLeo distances himself from DiMasi
Speaker’s statement doesn’t mention his mentor by name
DeLeo’s caustic statement was a marked departure from earlier this year when he invited DiMasi and two other former speakers, Thomas Finneran and Charles Flaherty, to attend DeLeo’s reelection and swearing in as speaker. At that time, DiMasi was preparing to stand trial, while Flaherty and Finneran had both been convicted.


Picture of corruption

With DiMasi’s disgrace, it’s time to end the imperial speakership
DiMasi found guilty of corruption, maintains innocence
By Steve LeBlanc and Bob Salsberg, Associated Press
Graphic: DiMasi Trial Verdicts
By Jesse Costa
Former AG Harshbarger: Beacon Hill Has Culture Of Corruption
By Bob Oakes
Scott Harshbarger, a two-term state attorney general, and the former CEO of Common Cause in Washington, D.C., had harsh words for the business as usual on Beacon Hill.

“The fact is that the culture is such that people don’t say no,” Harshbarger said. “This is not just about one person. It is about a culture that has been created that does not invite debate, does not invite dissent, does not invite open and accountable government. And we are all paying a price for that.”

It wouldn’t take a huge effort to turn around that culture of entitlement on Beacon Hill, Harsharger said.

“Its about the character of the leadership here,” Harshbarger said “Are they going to insist that there is open accountable honest integrity in terms of the performance of the public interest?”

House leadership, Harshbarger said, has to say “this is now going to be the people’s house.”

Ex-speaker blasts conviction
Guilty of 7 charges, Dimasi vows to appeal
By Laurel J. Sweet

Robert DeLeo escaped taint of mentor’s crimes

Let's not forget who elects the Speaker like Bobble Heads.

Beacon Hill Crime, Corruption and Gambling Addiction

In the unfolding saga of another Beacon Hill scandal, Lally's disappearing funds certainly raise interesting questions that muddy the waters of the prosecution's zeal and require public disclosure.



Pre-trial clashes continue in DiMasi corruption case
By Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff

Weinberg argued that the e-mails may show that Lally, who purportedly has a gambling problem and debts, had a financial interest in agreeing to cooperate, something that would impeach his credibility as a witness.

Wolf did, however, grant a separate request by Weinberg to subpoena the tax returns of Lally and his wife from 2006 to 2010. Weinberg said he had evidence showing Lally lied on his tax returns and the lawyer said he planned to use that evidence to impeach Lally’s credibility.


DiMasi defense targets former codefendant
Seeks records of associate who struck plea bargain
By Andrea Estes, Globe Staff

Weinberg would not say exactly what he is looking for, but the search terms, including “bankruptcy’’ and “forfeiture,’’ suggest he wants to determine what Lally did with the $2.8 million in commissions he netted on the two Massachusetts contracts. The public is footing the bill for Goldstein, after a federal judge found Lally could not afford to pay a lawyer himself.