Mayor Walsh came out of nowhere yesterday and demanded the Mass Gaming Commission give the city a hearing on its request to be designated a “host” city for the two competing casino proposals in Everett and Revere. The way the law is written a city or town can be a host city even if the casino is not located within its bounds when certain factors apply.
In Revere it appears that everything but the table games and machines will be in Boston. Everett is a little more complicated for the city but it is by no means a lay-up for Wynn.
According to the newspapers Commissioner Steve Crosby was hostile to the move saying it was last minute and Mayor Menino tried the same tactic but was sent packing. Maybe so but the Commission never had a hearing or a vote on it. So reluctantly Crosby, McHugh, LLP aka The Mass Gaming Commission voted to grant the city its hearing.
You have all that? Good, because here is where it gets good.
We all know there is the appearance that Steve Crosby, and to a lesser degree his toady Jim McHugh, are in the tank for Wynn. The Caesars’ lawsuit against the commission details much of it. BTW anyone notice the story of Crosby writing letters to the Governor and Legislative leaders lobbying fore the same changes in the law Steve Wynn wants. Only time he’s done that.
If the commission grants the city’s requests for both venues there will be another vote in East Boston for the Revere site and one in Charlestown for the Everett locale. I doubt that’s going to happen.
But if the commission denies it I suspect the city will sue and push the issue to a head. A judge could declare the current commission null and void o something like that simply based on Crosby’s perceived bias.
If the commission splits the difference and designates Boston a host city for Revere but not Everett the argument that Wynn has undue influence is strengthened.
So Marty declared war when he showed up at the hearing with former assistant U.S. Attorney/current big time white collar crime defense lawyer Tom Frongillo.
Only one reason a gunfighter is hired.
Bottom line, Marty Walsh told Crosby he’s coming after him. Why wouldn’t he? He’s the mayor. And he ain’t afraid of Steve Wynn either. Go Bruins!
(If the commission rules that Boston is a host city for both sites then no law suit. The choice is yours Stevie)
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Unless you want Steve Crosby to come to your house, tell you he’ll housesit while you go on vacation, then pretend to be asleep while his buddy robs the place you will follow me on twitter.
judy-meredith says
and I’m not sure it’s accurate to describe a white collar criminal defense lawyer as a gunfighter. A threat for sure ..maybe a dummy drone.
JimC says
Judy has a good point there, but this is the line I’ll remember.
HeartlandDem says
Mayor Marty is coming out of the gate hard and strong. It is impressive to see his ferocity for his city. St. Pat’s, MGCorruption…….this ain’t no dress rehearsal.