As David Bernstein recently observed in the Phoenix, Morris, Patrick's director of governmental affairs, previously worked for State Treasurer Tim Cahill, a supporter of casino gambling. For that matter, Patrick's chief of staff, Doug Rubin, is also a Cahill alumnus. But according to Bernstein's sources, Cahill has been unable to influence Patrick on the casino-gambling issue.
The Binghams have never said they oppose casino gambling. But Steven Bingham has said the deal negotiated by Marshall with investors contains too little money for both the tribe and the town of Middleborough, and that it will be null and void if the recall effort succeeds.
With three of Middleborough's five selectmen currently facing recall as well, the latest developments raise the possibility that if the Mashpee Wampanoags ever build a casino, it might be in a different location.
No matter which way he goes, he's going to take heat.
That being said, anything that Dianne Wilkerson has her hand is troubling.
I saw Peter Kenney and Bingham laast night on Greater Boston, and Bingham said there should be a casino.S0 – is the plan to re-open the (tribal land) lawsuit, raze Mashpee Commons, and build it there across the Sagamore and Bourne bridges instead of on unoccupied land next to a major highway?How does the state benefit from THAT exactly?
… but it sure as hell would benefit Middleborough. Of course, turning towns against one another is the second option. The first is just to say no to all casinos anywhere.
Perhaps the senator is helping the Binghams find legal representation:
At the time Wilkerson made the recommendation to Del Valle, both Soriano and her son, Cornell Mills, worked for Conley, who is investigating the tunnel collapse. Conley’s chief of staff said the district attorney’s office “discourages referrals [by assistant district attorneys] if for nothing else than to avoid the appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest.” It is unclear whether Soriano violated laws prohibiting state employees from receiving compensation for matters that involve the state.
Maybe those folks needed tax advice ….
Is it just you and me or does everyone see the story as it is. The same story we have seen in any politically motivated enterprise. Politicians lobby for special interest (Delahunt, other congresspeople and the Administration ). Special interest group gets special rights. Local yokel politicians sell their soles for their self-interest. Scandals break out (albeit a bit early this time) but nothing really changes. The Commonwealth people smell cash for themselves and join the local yokels.
The rest of the story is how the Feds investigate, (nobody knows nuttin') and the indictments come down. Pompous denial follows and then the plea bargains start. I'd say that in 6 or 7 years the expose books come out. What do you think?
I hope Governor Patrick decides against casino gambling. Given all that has happened over the Wampanoag tribe deal, if he comes out in favor of casino gambling, many people will view it as just politics as usual in Massachusetts. It will be contrary to his campaign promises and he will lose so much credibility.