Sunday, February 28, 2010

SANDS TRYING TO SELL CASINO IN BETHLEHEM?

Sands seeking to sell Bethlehem casino
By Express-Times staff
February 27, 2010, 12:21AM

.The casino on Bethlehem's South Side may get a new name. Las Vegas Sands Corp. is looking to sell the slots parlor less than a year after opening it on former Bethlehem Steel land, according to a person with knowledge of the corporation's plans.Disappointed with Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem's early financial returns, officials are turning their attention to Asia, where Sands is developing megaresorts in Singapore and Macau.

“The company’s focus right now is to get the property to perform better,” Sands spokesman Ron Reese said, declining to discuss whether the casino is for sale. “We’re in the process of initiating some new marketing programs and looking forward to getting table games and overall working to improve the performance of the property.”The Bethlehem casino reported a $2.1 million operating loss in the fourth-quarter of 2009. The revenue was $57.5 million for the same period.

Read Lynn Olanoff's complete report: Las Vegas Sands Corp. seeking to sell Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.Find more news stories in today's Express-Times.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: If Sands can't make a profit in Pennsylvania, what makes the MTGA (the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority), think they can make a profit at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs? Has the Pocono Downs property ever made any money? Will Pocono Downs ever make any money? Should it be sold? What do you think?

DANIEL J. LITTLE TO FILL POSITION ON NATIONAL GAMING COMMISSION

Obama nominates Pequot man to gaming commission Friday, February 26, 2010

President Barack Obama has filled an open position on the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Daniel J. Little is a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut who has worked in Washington, D.C, on Indian issues and gaming issues. He has been nominated to be an associate member of the commission for a period of three years.

The NIGC now boasts three members. George Skibine, a member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, serves as acting chair. Steffani A. Cochran, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, serves as permanent vice chair.

Obama has yet to nominate a permanent chairman of the NIGC. Skibine's acting term is due to expire in a couple of months.


EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Congratulations to Daniel J. Little of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe on his appointment.

Friday, February 26, 2010

THE BAY STATE WANTS WHAT?

Opinion: State asks Obama to break pledge to tribesMonday, February 15, 2010Filed

"The decision by the federal gvernment in 2007 to recognize the Mashpee Wampanoag as a historic Indian tribe documents tribal efforts to preserve their rights. The decision relies on extensive evidence, including census records from 1694, that shows the continuous existence of a few hundred native people in Mashpee, living as they always had — free to hunt, fish and use the natural resources that sustain them — until around 1970, when development of their lands began in earnest.

The decision also documents Mashpee's 1833 "revolt" for freedom of religion when Benjamin Franklin Hallett, the first chairman of the Democratic National Committee, denounced degrading attacks against them and advocated for the just enforcement of their rights.

Massachusetts Historic Preservation Officer Brona Simon issued her findings confirming Wampanoag religious cultural interests in Nantucket Sound on Nov. 5, the same day President Obama met with representatives of America's 564 federally recognized Indian tribes. At that time, he promised his administration would observe the law in its dealings with them.
Gov. Deval Patrick is now pressing President Obama to break this promise and to ignore the federal rights of the Aquinnah and Mashpee Indian tribes. Governor Patrick said at his inaugural, "Massachusetts invented America. American ideals were first spoken here, first dreamed about here." The centuries-long struggle of the Mashpee Indians exemplifies the truth of this statement as well as its challenge."

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: America was already invented by Native Americans. Many Native Americans believe that their land was stolen. Many feel that the settlers wanted to drive Native Americans out of the area. What is the truth? What should history say? What do you think?

BANK SUES TRIBE OVER CASINO DEBT

Marshall Bank sues Nooksacks' casino

Submitted by the Tribune on October 20, 2009 - 4:23pm. News
Calvin Bratt
Tribune editor

  WHATCOM – The Nooksack Indian Tribe and a tribal business group are being sued in Whatcom County Superior Court for breach of various contracts in connection with the building and equipping of the controversial Northwood Casino north of Lynden.

Minnesota-based Marshall Bank, NA, which loaned over $26 million to get the casino up and running in 2007, claims that Nooksack Business Corporation II, wholly owned by the tribe, has not lived up to payment commitments made in original documents or in a restructuring of the payment terms in early 2009.

  Instead, the suit alleges, revenues from the Northwood Casino were used by the tribe to support operation of its Nooksack River Casino in Deming and for other entities associated with the Nooksack tribe or the tribe itself.

  Marshall Bank asks the court for an award of over $27.7 million for what’s owed on the Nooksack loans and related costs as of Aug. 1. The bank also seeks an order requiring a detailed accounting of all the revenue that was supposed to go into a depository for paying off the loans and also paying for the Northwood Casino’s daily operations.

  The suit was filed in early August. On Sept. 2, the tribe’s Seattle attorney, James H. Jordan, asked to have the case transferred to the U.S. District Court in Seattle. Court papers cite a diversity of citizenship in the case and the request for damages exceeding $75,000.

  As of Monday, it was unclear whether that transfer of court jurisdiction had been or would be granted.

  The casino opened in November 2007. The small, federally recognized Nooksack tribe is based in Deming.

  This is the sequence of events as claimed by Marshall Bank, which is represented by attorneys Lori Lynn Phillips and Charles J. Ha of Seattle:

  • About April 30, 2007: Marshall agreed to loan the Nooksack Business Corporation II $17,602,734 for construction of the casino and $8,635,417 to buy certain equipment for the casino. On both loans, the Nooksack Indian Tribe itself agreed to provide a limited guarantee of the business group's obligations.

  Other papers in the case identify Narcisco Cunanan as chairman of both the tribe and Nooksack Business Corporation II. Papers also say that the tribe did not pledge its “general assets.”

  Under the agreement, the tribal corporation would daily deposit certain revenues with another bank based in Minnesota, First National Bank & Trust, as a third-party depository, to secure payment of the loans and also to pay for operating expenses of the Northwood Casino.

  From November 2008 to February 2009: The business corporation failed to make the required monthly interest and principal payments on the two loans to Marshall. The bank sent notice of default and declared all amounts due to be paid immediately.

  About March 1, 2009: After negotiations, the tribe and Nooksack Business Corporation II reached forbearance agreements with Marshall. A new payment schedule was created.
  The original schedule was to pay off the construction loan, starting March 1, 2008, in 96 months, now amended to 240 months. The equipment loan, originally set up for 48 months of payment starting May 1, 2008, was extended to 60 months.

  Early 2009: Marshall Bank learned that NBC II was using pledged revenue from the depository to pay expenses at the Nooksack River Casino and other tribal entities rather than for Northwood Casino loan payments and operations, as required by contract, and the tribe was allowing this activity to occur.

  Marshall gave notice of default, directed an immediate stop of the diversion of funds, and requested a detailed accounting of all transfers. The bank, by original contract, was supposed to have access, with 24 hours’ notice, to examine books and records relating to performance of the loans.

  About July 1, 2009: The business corporation stopped making payment of its monthly debt service charge of $132,031. Marshall offered an extension to July 13, which was rejected by NBC II. This, to Marshall, canceled the forbearance agreement and brought the tribe back into default on the original loan agreements.

  About July 14, 2009: NBC II asked to have the forbearance agreement reinstated. Marshall refused.

  August 2009: The lawsuit was started. Papers were served at the Deming tribal office.

  The bank claims that the lawsuit is properly in Whatcom County Superior Court, which is part of the Washington state courts system. Marshall says that the tribe and business council, in agreements and documents, “have irrevocably waived any sovereign immunity from suit or legal process relating to this action and have also consented to jurisdiction in ‘any court of general jurisdiction’ (in Washington).”

  E-mail Calvin Bratt at editor@lyndentribune.com.

Challenge to
casino’s tribal land status also still active

  WHATCOM -- The North County Community Alliance, which has fought the National Indian Gaming Commission on the original siting of the Northwood Casino, may appeal its case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
  Both Tom Williams, local alliance officer, and Richard Stephens, the alliance’s Bellevue attorney in the case, said that the local group has until early January to decide to take the next step of action.
  A 90-day clock is running after the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request for reconsideration in early October. The alliance had lost an appeal, 2-1, in U.S. District Court, based in Seattle.
  Williams said the central issue is whether the National Indian Gaming Commission must make a tribal lands determination before allowing the construction of an Indian casino. The alliance contends that the status of the Northwood Casino land is in doubt.
  Challenges on the same issue have been made by citizen groups in other parts of the country, and lower federal courts have reached differing conclusions looking at the federal law, Williams said. “It’s in limbo now,” he said.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

MOHEGAN DEBT

Mohegans review debt situation as profits slide
By Brian Hallenbeck

The Day

Published 10/15/2009 12:00 AMUpdated 10/15/2009 06:34 AM0

Mohegan - Reporting steep declines in revenues and profits, Mohegan Sun's operator announced Wednesday it intends to restructure nearly $200 million worth of debt.

In separate statements, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority released its preliminary operating results for the three months and the fiscal year, both ending Sept. 30, and disclosed its plan to privately offer notes due in 2017 to repay $147 million in term loans and $48 million in revolving loans. It will permanently reduce its line of credit with a banking syndicate by $25 million.

"The notes will be collateralized by a second lien on substantially all of the Authority's property and assets …" the authority said in a statement.

Authority officials would not comment on the restructuring or on the preliminary financial results released Wednesday.

The authority, which also operates Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a Wilkes-Barre, Pa., racetrack casino, reported that its net income, or profit, for its 2009 fiscal year - Oct. 1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009 - is expected to range between $115 million and $120 million, a decline of between 20 and 23 percent over fiscal 2008.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 - July, August and September - the authority's net income is expected to be between $63 million and $66 million, down 24 to 27 percent over the same period in fiscal 2008.

The figures are just the latest evidence of the recession's impact on gaming. Plummeting revenues have taken an even greater toll on Mohegan Sun's neighboring competition, Foxwoods Resort Casino, which currently is negotiating with lenders as it seeks to restructure a debt of more than $2 billion.

The Mohegan authority is expected to finalize its quarterly and year-end results and conduct a conference call with investors and industry analysts next month.

According to Wednesday's statement, the authority expects its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to range between $81 million and $84 million. Compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2008, the range would be between a 2 percent decline and a 2 percent increase.

Slot-machine revenues for the quarter are expected to range between $250 million and $260 million, a decline of between 6 and 10 percent. Table-games revenues are expected to range between $71 million and $74 million, down between 23 and 26 percent.

Nongaming revenues in the quarter are expected to decline by 13 to 16 percent.

For the 2009 fiscal year, EBITDA is expected to be between $297 million and $309 million, ranging from a 2 percent decline to a 2 percent increase.

The authority also reported that its total debt as of Sept. 30 was about $1.64 billion.

Distributions to the Mohegan Tribe totaled $72 million during the fiscal year, according to the authority, which reported that the distributions are expected to range from $59 million


EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: I don't know how many Mohegan Tribal Members receive stipends, but if the tribe had say 1100 members who could get tribal stipends, and the money brought over from the casino was down from $72 Million ($72,000,000.00) to $59 Million ($59,000,000.00) it would come to a loss of about $12 Thousand ($12,000.00) each member. Could something like this be possible? Is this going to happen? Why didn't the newly elected Tribal Councilors tell the membership about this situation, when they were running for re-election? Should the membership get 40% of the voting membership to remove these people? What do you think?

Monday, February 22, 2010

TRIBES OF CONNECTICUT

I recently saw a map of Connecticut, circa 1625, Indian Tribes, Villages, (the Connecticut Society of the Colonial Dames of America). It shows the names of tribes in 1625. Some of the tribes still exist, others have disappeared. Look at the list and think about who has gone by the wayside and who still exists.


First --located in south west part of Connecticut near New York borderSouthwestern part of Connecticut around present day Bridgeport

QUINNIPIACS---a little north of present day Bridgeport.


TUNXIS---located just north of the Quinnipiacs.


MENUNKATUCKS---a little east of present day Bridgeport


HAMMONASSETS---located on west bank of Connecticut River near Long Island Sound.


WANGUNKS---located on west side of Connecticut River just north of the Hammonassets.


NEHANTICS-----on east side of Connecticut River by the Long Island Sound.


MOHEGANS--located between the Connecticut and the Thames Rivers north of the Nehantics.


PEQUOTS----located east of the Thames River.


NIPMCKS====located by the Connecticut and Massachusetts borders above the Mohegans.


SICAOGS----located in upper Connecticut River south of present day Hartford.


PODUNKS---located where present day Hartford is.


AGAWAMS----located just north of the Podunks.


POGUONOCKS---located just west of the Podunks


MASSACOE---located north west corner of Connecticut, just west of the Poquonocks


That's the list of the "First People" from the map in 1625. How many are left? Who has disappeared? Do you know? We should thank Mundu that we (the Mohegan Tribe) are still here. What do you think?

Friday, February 19, 2010

SLOT REVENUE FOR JANUARY 2010

Slots revenue down at Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun in January

For The Norwich Bulletin
Posted Feb 16, 2010 @ 11:23 PM

Both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods began the calendar year with a downturn in January.The $61.8 million in slot revenues at Mohegan Sun fell a little more than 1 percent compared to the same time last year, while the $51.6 million generated at Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods represented a decline of 2.5 percent for the same period, according to figures released Tuesday by both casinos.Total slot handle — the amount deposited into the machines — rose 6.8 percent year over year at Mohegan Sun, but dropped 3.3 percent at Foxwoods.With 6,582 games, Mohegan Sun brought in $9,384 per slot machine and $303 per game per day, up compared to January 2009, when the casino had almost 200 more machines on the floor. Foxwoods won $7,014 per game, or $226 a day based on 7,352 slots, also higher than the revenue per machine last January.The calendar worked out favorably with five Saturdays and five Sundays on the docket, and the weather was better. Still, the numbers were a positive sign, said Mitchell Etess, CEO of Mohegan Sun.“Obviously we are happy with the numbers relative to the previous several months. It’s a step in the right direction,” Etess said.A 6.8 percent gain in the handle also brought smiles. While some of that was driven by free slot play promotions, it also meant more people spending more time at the machines, he said.Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprises president Michael Speller also saw positive signs at Foxwoods.“We continue to see sold-out shows and concerts and near-capacity occupancy rates at our hotels during a time that’s proving more difficult for many other properties.”The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority reported a $15.4 million payment to the state, equal to 25 percent of the slot win. Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods’ owner, paid $13.1 million to Connecticut.It’s too early to predict February, but this past holiday weekend proved a boon, Etess said. “People take advantage of the mid-winter recess.”

Copyright 2010 Norwich Bulletin.

SWINOMISH MAN ALLEGEDLY DIES IN LONG HOUSE

Swinomish man dies during ceremony in longhouseThursday, February 18, 2010

A 28-year-old member of the Swinomish Tribe of Washington died on Tuesday while participating in a ceremony at a longhouse.

According to news reports, Romain James died of hyperthermia, or overheating of the body. He had been in the longhouse for less than two days, said Chairman Brian Cladoosby.

"It just happened so quick," Cladoosby told The Seattle Times. "Our condolences go out to the family."

In 1998, a 17-year-old boy died after 10 days in a longhouse. No charges were filed in connection with the incident.

NO WATER OR HEAT FOR TWO WEEKS?

USA Today Blog: World ignoring South Dakota tribesThursday, February 11, 2010

"No photos or video of sweet suffering faces. No popular vacation landscape for a backdrop. No personal connective ties. Are those the reasons the natural disaster in the Great Plains has gone below our philanthropy radar?\

How many of us knew anything about the massive winter storms that have left the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation without power or water or heat for nearly two weeks? (Yes, I know many reading this are on the East Coast, like me, nervously wondering if today's latest blizzard will knock out our power. But we have resources that tribal people with 80% unemployment in the remote plains simply don't.)

USA TODAY carried a story nine days ago but, like most media focused on millions suffering in Haiti, we didn't keep an eye on Native American who are still as freezing, isolated, and miserably unsafe now as then.

Outraged Keith Olbermann is now raising funds at MSNBC for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Storm Relief - Emergency Assistance Fund."

Thursday, February 18, 2010

ONLY GAME IN TOWN ? ? ? ? ?

Palmer casino proposal remains viable
Sunday, February 14, 2010

Story and photo by LORI STABILE

PALMER - Mohegan Sun continues to spread its message about its plans for a resort casino here in the hope that casino gaming is finally legalized in Massachusetts and it wins a coveted license.

So far, the Connecticut-based Mohegan is the "only game in town" for having publicly announced a plan for a resort casino in Western Massachusetts. It's given specific numbers about everything from hotel rooms and restaurants to slots and gaming tables.

While Mohegan representatives have been meeting regularly with Palmer officials since it announced its plan three years ago, the tribe recently broadened its reach by holding "community conversations" around Greater Springfield to spread its pro-Palmer casino message.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Recently I made a trip from Long Island, New York to the casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The distance was 201 miles one way and between three and a half hours to four hours (3 1/2 to 4) travel time. The distance, from the same location, to the Mohegan Sun Casino is about 165 miles one way and between three and a half and four (3 1/2 and 4) hours driving time.

The question becomes, what should the Mohegan Sun Casino, in Connecticut, do as an incentive for people of Long Island, New York to come here? Yes, in my opinion, we have a better product than the casinos in Atlantic City........... Shouldn't the MTGA work on getting the gamblers of New York, who are going to the Emerald City (Yonkers Raceway) and Atlantic City, to Uncasville, Connecticut?

How will going to Palmer, Massachusetts make a difference? Should the MTGA be putting this egg in our (the Mohegan Tribe's) basket? Is this another Pocono Downs? Could this be a big mistake? What do you think?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

SHUNNED BY TRIBE FOR WANTING TO KNOW FINANCES

Formerly shunned Wampanoags lose council electionWednesday, February 17, 2010

Two formerly shunned members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts lost their bid for seats on the tribal council but one said she will try again next year.

Stephanie Tobey-Roderick and Michelle Fernandes didn't receive enough votes to claim four open seats on the council. Three incumbents and one newcomer were elected.

Tobey-Roderick and Fernandes were shunned for filing a lawsuit in state court that sought more information the tribe's finances. It turns out the tribe's former chairman was involved in illegal activities and pleaded guilty for his crimes.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: It is pretty bad when tribal members have to allegedly take the tribe to court to find out tribal finances. Could this be the case at the Mohegan Tribal government also? How much do the Mohegan Tribal Councilors and the Council of Elders spend yearly on their credit cards? Does anyone know? Have tribal members tried to find out to no avail? Should the Mohegan Tribe know this information? What do you think?

HOW DOES OBESITY EFFECT THE LIFE SPAN OF NATIVE AMERICANS?

Obesity in Indian youth linked to death by age of 55Thursday, February 11, 2010

Indian children who are obese or have high blood sugar levels are more than twice as likely to die before the age of 55 than others, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study looked at data from 4,875 Pima or Tohono O'odham children who were born between 1945 and 1984. Researchers said Indian children with a high body-mass index (BMI) had a death rate that was more than double than those who were leaner.

Also, researchers said Indian children with highest levels of glucose intolerance were 73 percent more likely to die at a young age. "In the Arizona Pima Indians, unlike most other ethnic groups, childhood obesity has been common for decades," according to the study

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Does obesity, over weight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol really prevalent in Native Americans? If so what can we do about this problem? What do you think?

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

WHERE AND WILL THE MASHPEE WAMPANOAGS GET A CASINO?

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe not set on gaming site Friday, February 12, 2010

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is apparently not set on building a casino in the town of Middleboro, Massachusetts, even though it already filed a land-into-trust application for the site.
Chairman Cedric Cromwell issued a statement to the town council saying the tribe was conducting "due diligence" on the site in Middleboro. Vice Chairman Aaron Tobey also told the town manager that the tribe was exploring its options.

The tribe filed the application for the 539-acre site in August 2007. The tribe believes the Bureau of Indian Affairs will release the final environmental impact statement soon.
The tribe wasn't federally recognized until May 2007 and there are questions whether it can follow the land-into-trust process as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: We should applaud the Mashpee Wampanoags for standing up for their rights. Will the tribe end up in Middleboro, Fall River or some other place? Brokenwing Editorials wishes the tribe well, in their quest to have a casino. Will the United States Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) fix this situation? How will this effect the Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Resort Casino? What do you think?

Monday, February 15, 2010

STIMULUS BONDS FOR NATIVE AMERICANS?

Treasury announces $1B in stimulus bond authorityFriday, February 12, 2010Filed Under: Business National The Department of Treasury announced another $1 billion in tribal bonding authority under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.'

Under the authority, 76 tribes can issue tax-exempt bonds or special Build America Bonds to finance a wide range of projects. A total of $2 billion was available under the law.

"Through Tribal Bonds, communities across Indian Country can access lower-cost borrowing to help finance economic development projects that create jobs," said Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin. "The first round of awards announced in September helped 58 tribes get infrastructure projects off the ground, and this new allocation will help jumpstart even more projects that will spur economic growth."

Examples in this round include $30 million for the Campo Band of Mission Indians of California for renewable energy, tourism and wastewater facilities and $30 million for the Gila River Indian Community of Arizona for retail, tourism and youth facilities.Three other tribes received $30 million in authority and one tribe received close to $30 million.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Did the Mohegan Tribe apply or qualify for any of these bonds? Did the MTGA investigate this? Would it help the financial situation of the tribe? What do you think?

Friday, February 12, 2010

TWO MEN GET INTO TUSSLE DURING THE SUPER BOWL AT THE MGM GRAND

Police: 2 men tussle during Super Bowl at MGM Grand

Norwich Bulletin
Posted Feb 08, 2010 @ 11:10 PM

Mashantucket, Conn. —
One man was charged and another cited Sunday after an incident involving two patrons watching the Super Bowl at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.State police said one patron took exception to the language being used by another patron, got out of his seat and pulled the patron to the floor.Robert Guglietti, 54, of East Greenwich, R.I., was charged with second-degree breach of peace. Henry Pienkos, 49, of Newington, was cited for creating a public disturbance.

MOHEGAN GAMING AUTHORITY INCREASES PROFIT PERCENTAGE

Mohegan gaming authority increases profit percentage
by William Sokolic

Norwich Bulletin

By almost any measure, the first quarter results for the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority were not good.

Net revenue, gaming revenue, gross slot and table game revenue and nongaming revenue all fell for the quarter that ended Dec. 31.

But the adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization — a measure of profitability — rose 18.7 percent compared to 15.2 percent in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. The measurement reflects lower operating costs and expenses, part of cost containment started during the second quarter.

“We continue to be challenged by reduced spending per patron, especially at Mohegan Sun. People are coming out, but spending less money when they’re here,” CEO Mitchell Etess said. Some other positives:

• The casino had a table game hold of 14.4 percent vs. 13.7 percent the prior year.

• Hotel occupancy averaged 93 percent, but revenue declined from lower room rates because of competition from Foxwoods and Atlantic City.

• Group room occupancy rose 17.3 percent.

“That was an encouraging trend,” said Jeff Hartmann, chief operating officer. “And last month, we saw some good increases in table games.”

The most significant achievement was the October issuance of $200 million in notes used to repay outstanding debt.

In September 2008, the authority suspended a hotel, retail and parking garage addition because of a slowdown in business and uncertainties in the financial markets. The agency provided information on when or if the project will resume.

“We’re evaluating options,” Hartmann said.

Business at Pocono Downs increased and the future should improve even more with the introduction of table games. The company, spending $17.9 million on training and pre-opening costs, filed a petition last week for approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, with a hearing slated for Feb. 24.

Negotiations are under way to structure a deal for a 300-room hotel on six acres.
Mohegan Sun is in a holding pattern on expanding into Massachusetts, waiting for the legislature to act. The tribe is still in talking with the Cowlitz Tribe to develop a casino on 152-acres in Washington state.

Copyright 2010 Norwich Bulletin. Some rights reserved



COMMENT FROM NORWICH BULLETIN READER

The powers to be at the Mohegan Sun that are in charge of paying consultants need to re-evaluate how existing consultants and contractors are arbitrarily given work. Any new development projects should be formally bid through a 'sealed bid' process. Existing consultants and contractors have continually been given work because of the 'buddy' relationships that exist between consultants and the Moheagn sun employee in charge of 'selecting' the consultants. There is a real cozy relationship between certain MS employees and a certain consultant. Even thought he Mohegan Sun has a policy to get 'quotes' for design related work, the process is cleverly de-railed with 'excuses' to foster the re-hiring of the consultant. One professional consultant in particular bragged about the HUGE profit made at the expense of the Mohegan Sun despite their project screw ups and referred to the Mohegan Sun as the 'Goose that lays the golden eggs!' Mrs. Malerba - pay attention to this and you will be a hero!!

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: No matter how you cut it, business is bad and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority isn't getting the job done for the Mohegan Tribe and it's employees. What do you think?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

THE RIGHT TO PETITION

ARTICLE XII---RIGHT TO PETITION Section 1 The members of The Tribe reserve to themselves the power to PROPOSE ordinances and resolutions and to ENACT and REJECT the same at the polls independent of the Tribal council upon petition of THIRTY-FIVE of the registered voters within SEVEN (7) DAYS of such actions.

Last year, three (3) petitions were brought forward under Article XII, Section 1 of the Mohegan Constitution.

The first one (petition) involved tribal members who wanted to REJECT the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2009-08. The Tribal Council voted to cancel the ordinance instead of allowing it to go out to a vote by the membership of the tribe.

The second petition involved tribal members trying to ENACT, their own ordinance because of the void created by the Tribal Council cancelling 2009-08. The Election Committee which accepts petitions, refused to accept the petition because the petition ordinance only allows under Article XII Section 1 to REJECT ORDINANCES. THERE IS NO MENTION IN THE ORDINANCE TO ENACT.

The third petition, was to try to REJECT Ordinance 2009-35, which was the new Freedom of Information Ordinance. Ordinance 2009-35 replaced the canceled Ordinance 2009-08. This petition was accepted by the Election Committee and was voted on by the voters of the tribe in August 2009. Ordinance 2009-35 was approved by the tribe.

MICHAEL BARTHA TOOK THE ELECTION COMMITTEE TO MOHEGAN TRIBAL COURT BECAUSE HE FELT THE SECOND PETITION SHOULD HAVE BEEN VOTED ON ALSO. IN COURT, JUDGE JANE FREEMAN RULED IN FAVOR OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE.

Now the COUNCIL OF ELDERS want to do an AMENDMENT TO THE MOHEGAN CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE XII. Here is what Section 1 will now read.

"The Members of the Tribe reserve to themselves the power to REJECT at the polls ordinances passed by the Tribal council upon petition of FIFTEEN PERCENT (15%) of the registered voters with THIRTY (30) DAYS OF PASSAGE OF SUCH LEGISLATION. The petition shall be accompanied by a cover letter bearing the notorize signatures of at least three sponsors who are members of the Tribe and who registered to vote in Tribal elections. The petition shall be filed in accordance with any other procedures ESTABLISHED BY THE TRIBAL COUNCIL."

(AT PRESENT) In Section 2, the Constitution requires 40% of the voters (SIGNATURES ON A PETITION AND FORCE THE TRIBAL COUNCIL TO BRING IT TO A VOTE) to create their own ordinances. When the vote takes place only 30% of the eligible voters need to vote and the ordinances passes or is vetoed by a majority of the votes counted.

Under the new (PROPOSED) Amendment 20% are needed to force a vote but now 40% must vote. The majority of the 40% will determine the outcome. The 20% is a more obtainable number than the present 40%. This seems like a good thing to change. However the 40% voting could be a problem. If a minority group didn"t want something to pass, they wouldn't vote and no changes would occur.

Under the Constitution (NOW) on Petitions works fine. It makes the government quickly responsible (the Tribal Council) for its actions. Do we want the word ENACT removed? Is the Council of Elders and the Tribal Council worried about a new ruling by another judge? . Could Michael Bartha be right?

THE CURRENT PETITION SECTION WITH 35 MEMBERS SIGNATURES AND SEVEN DAYS WORKS . IT IS FAIR. FIRST YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT THE TRIBAL COUNCIL PASSED, GET A COPY AND READ IT. YOU THEN WOULD DECIDE WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT AND THEN MAKE A PETITION OUT. THEN YOU WOULD GO OUT AND GET IT SIGNED IN SEVEN DAYS.

LET'S PRETEND THE TRIBE HAD ELEVEN HUNDRED (1,100) VOTERS, YOU WOULD NEED TO GET ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE SIGNATURES IN THIRTY DAYS UNDER THE NEW PROPOSAL. I BELIEVE AN IMPOSSIBLE THING TO DO. HOW MUCH DAMAGE COULD A BAD LAW DO IN THAT TIME?

THE CONSTITUTION SHOULD NOT ONLY ALLOW TRIBAL MEMBERS TO CHALLENGE ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, BUT ALSO POLICIES. UNDER THE CURRENT CONSTITUTION, TRIBAL MEMBERS CAN'T CHALLENGE POLICIES WHICH THE TRIBAL COUNCIL DOES PASS FROM TIME TO TIME.

Tribal Members only have several ways to make their government (the Tribal Council and the Council of Elders) accountable. They are:

1) VOTING in and out elected officials (Tribal Council and Council of Elders),

2) PETITION UNDER ARTICLE XII SECTION 1.

3) LAWFUL PROTESTS (Marches, etc.),

4) SPEAKING UP at meetings or going to the MEDIA

5) take the government to MOHEGAN TRIBAL COURT OR THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM.

6) sending out LETTERS to the tribe.

The Council of Elders are holding a meeting on the proposed changes to Article XII (The RIGHT TO PETITION). It is on February 3, 2010.

IF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT IS VOTED INTO EFFECT, TRIBAL MEMBERS WILL LOSE ONE OF THEIR WAYS TO MAKE THE MOHEGAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE.

Tribal Members should be there and support the current Constitution and OPPOSE THE AMENDMENT. What do you think?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

COUPLE GET IN FIGHT AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

Couple get in fight at Mohegan Sun Arena

By Anonymous
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Feb 06, 2010 @ 10:04 PM

A South Dartmouth, Mass., couple were arrested at 10 p.m. Friday after police say they got into a fight with another patron at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

According to police, Michelle G. Abreu, 39, and Brian A. Abreu, 41, both of 31 Plainfield Drive, were involved in an argument with another arena patron that escalated into a physical fight. Both Abreus were charged with breach of peace. Michelle Abreu also was charged with third-degree assault.

They were released on $250 bonds for Feb. 18 appearances in Norwich Superior Court.
Copyright 2010 Norwich Bulletin. Some rights reserved;;

THE PEOPLE INVOLVED ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

MAN EXPOSES HIMSELF IN MOHEGAN SUN BUS LOBBY

Police: Man exposed himself in bus lobby

Norwich Bulletin
Posted Feb 09, 2010 @ 11:19 PM

Mohegan, Conn.

An Uncasville man was charged early Tuesday morning with exposing himself in a Mohegan Sun bus lobby, state police said.

Security staff at the casino said Gary Shurtleff, 56, of 586 Columbus Blvd., was seen in a bus lobby at the Mohegan Sun Hotel. State police charged Shurtleff with public indecency.

Held on a $250 cash bond, he is expected to appear today in Norwich Superior Court.
Copyright 2010 Norwich Bulletin. Some rights reserved

THE ACCUSED IN PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN COURT.

OVER THE TOP

One visitor said that this was no place for anyone on a budget. Someone said that you could stay in the complex and never leave. It's called the City Center.

The facility is 67 acres, it has FOUR hotels, a shopping mall, a casino and even by this town's standards IT'S OVER THE TOP. It cost $8.5 Billion ($8,500,000,000.00). At $8.5 Billion, this is the largest privately financed project in United States history. It took five (5) years of planning and building to complete the project. The project is considered the ultimate in a pedestrian friendly environment.

Let's break it down, there are four (4) hotels.

Number 1 is Aria Resort Casino, a 61 story hotel that has 4,004 hotel rooms, a 150,000 square foot casino, 16 restaurants, a spa, and four (4) pools. Remote controls in the rooms control blinds and lights, etc. The cost of a room starts at $149.00 per night.

Number two (2) is the 57 story, Vedera Hotel, with 1.500 "boutique" suite rooms. It has a roof top pool, a roof top restaurant,and lounge. Rates for a room start at $139.00.

The third (3) hotel is the Mandarin Oriental that is 23 stories with 400 hotel rooms. It has a spa, yoga studio and restaurants. Prices start at about $350.00 per night.

The Fourth hotel is still under construction, it's the 400 room Harmon hotel. It should be opening soon. It is unknown at this moment how much the rooms will be.

There is also the Veer Towers with 674 condos.

The Crystal Retail Center is fifty thousand (50,000) square foot retail center. There are retailers like: Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuirton, Bulgari and Cartier. The retail center is like a modern Madison Avenue in New York City.

Inside the facility is $40 Million ($40,000,000.00) in fine art. Amazing.

Two people were reading the menu outside of American Fish. There was Bigeye Tuna for $38.00. The man said the woman, "it's a nice hotel, just don't eat here. If you want something cheap, you have to go outside."

Everything is always, bigger and better in this city. The city is Las Vegas. The place is the City Center. What do you think?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

MOHEGAN SUN CASINO POSTS QUARTERLY PROFIT

Mohegan gaming posts quarterly profit
By Brian Hallenbeck

Publication: The Day
Published 02/06/2010 12:00 AM

Cost-cutting offsets decline in revenues

Mohegan - Continued belt-tightening during the last three months of 2009 helped the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority post a quarterly profit of $4.4 million, authority officials said Friday during a conference call with gaming industry analysts and investors.

The authority operates Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a racetrack casino in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Although gaming and nongaming revenues at the facilities were down 5.2 and 11.9 percent, respectively, for the quarter, the authority's adjusted EBITDA - earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization - was up 15.2 percent over the same three months in 2008. The authority's fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.

"Despite the significant improvement in adjusted EBITDA, we continue to be challenged by reduced spending per patron, especially at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut," Mitchell Etess, the authority's chief executive officer, said in a statement released prior to the call. "However, I am very pleased with our ongoing efforts to manage our properties effectively and efficiently, as reflected in our cost savings during the quarter."

A cost-containment program adopted by the authority on Feb. 1, 2009 called for salary reductions and the suspension of annual pay increases for all casino employees, as well as other cutbacks. The annual increases were reinstated this month, Etess said during an interview earlier in the week.

Slot-machine revenue in the quarter was down 8.1 percent at Mohegan Sun but up 6.5 percent at Pocono Downs. Table-games revenue at Mohegan Sun was down 5.7 percent, a decline Etess attributed in part to less "high-end" play, defined as wagering by players who "drop" $100,000 or more per quarter.

Etess and Jeffrey Hartmann, the authority's chief operating officer, highlighted positive trends during January, including a near-flattening of the month's slot "win" at Mohegan Sun compared to January 2009. Actual slot results won't be released until mid-February. Hartmann also said hotel bookings related to group sales, or convention business, were up last month.

The authority continues to seek a developer/owner for a planned 300-room hotel at its Pocono Downs facility, where it is preparing to introduce table games. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is, in fact, the first casino operator to seek authorization for table games since the Pennsylvania legislature approved them last month. Hartmann said Pocono Downs will install 82 table games, including 16 poker tables in addition to blackjack, roulette and craps. The necessary renovations will cost $17.9 million, and the authority will have to pay a $16.5 million table-games authorization fee by June 1.

The authority also reported a quarterly distribution of $27.3 million to the Mohegan Tribe. Distributions are expected to total between $59 million and $64 million in fiscal 2010.

KARA LAWSON SIGNS WITH THE CONNECTICUT SUN

Former Tennessee star Lawson signs with Sun

Updated Feb 2, 2010 5:01 PM UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP)

Former University of Tennessee star Kara Lawson has signed a three-year contract with the WNBA's Connecticut Sun.

Lawson, a gold medalist with the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, spent seven seasons with the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs, where she averaged 9.3 points in 217 games.

Connecticut coach Mike Thibault says he expects Lawson to help the Sun at both guard positions.

The move was the latest in a busy offseason for Connecticut. The Sun acquired forward DeMya Walker in the dispersal draft for Sacramento in December. The team traded guard Lindsay Whalen and the second overall pick in the 2010 WNBA draft to Minnesota for former University of Connecticut star Renee Montgomery and the draft's top pick

The Sun also has re-signed reserve Anete Jekabsone-Zogota to a two-year deal.

EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Trading Whalen was a big mistake.

Monday, February 8, 2010

the WILD WILD WEST

In the Nineteenth Century (1800 to 1900) there was a major expansion in the United States. People moved west of the Mississippi River to the prairies, mountains, forests, deserts, etc. all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

It was a wilderness. A place that needed to be tamed to the White people's way of life. It was a hard life, very cold in winter and extremely hot in the summer and in the deserts. Not a place for the faint of heart. It brought miners, cowboys, farmers, merchants, bartenders, ladies of the night, sheriffs, rustlers, land barons, bank robbers, buffalo hunters, highway men and of course the gun men.

In the wild west, many times things were settled with Colts and Winchesters. Wagon trains would completely disappear. People would leave on wagon trains and never be heard from again. The snakes on the ground, the bears, the wolves and even the eagles in the air could kill.

The Native American were at home in this land. They were one with Mother Earth. They knew how to survive and prosper in this land. It was their home. How ironic, that one race had come to drive another race away from their home.

However, this is not the Wild, Wild West, I want to talk about. The Wild, Wild West, is a casino on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is located between Bally's Casino and Caesars Casino. In fact Caesars, Ballys, the Showboat and the Wild, Wild West casinos are all owned by the same company.

Out front on the east side of the casino was a covered wagon. You can enter through doors on the east and west side from the Boardwalk. When you enter it is dark, and extremely warm giving you the feel of a desert. In front of you are sandstone cliffs, with a miner and his mule panning for gold in the stream in front of you. Behind you in the air is a talking buzzard. To either side of the Miner and his mule are two entrances ways leading into the casinos with little waterfalls coming down from the bluffs.

To the left (west side) is a bar and behind the bar is a large slot parlor that leads off to Caesar's Casino. In front of you is slots. To the left as you walk in are old fashion tellers cages, like you would find in a bank in the 1800's with brass or gold colored bars on the windows. Behind the slots were the table games. Above the table games were a wooden trestle with two ore cars sitting on tracks (the real thing). Behind the table games were bathrooms that were done in an old west motive. In the very back was the food buffet. You paid on the first floor and then took an escalator up to the buffet. Although, we didn't try the buffet, it is rated very well and the patrons who tried it, were raving about how good the food was.

The bar that we had passed on the way in had a special $2.00 beers and $3.00 mixed drinks 24 hours a day. We went in ordered a Coors Light draft beer and a White Russian. The bartender said that a White Russian would be $9.50 so we said how about a vodka and cranberry. That was $3.00. We appreciated the bartender trying to take care of us and not taking advantage of us. A man sitting at the bar between two empty seats moved over to give us two spaces together. It was a nice gesture. We however opted to sit at a table and watch the large toy train moving above us on the trestle. In front of us were flat screen televisions, with different sporting events being shown on the the different televisions, and a view of the slot machines.

I would highly recommend, that if you go to Atlantic City, you check out the Wild, Wild West. It really wasn't wild. It is a classy smaller casino. A really nice experience. What do you think?

Thursday, February 4, 2010

MASHPEE WAMPANOAGS LOOKING FOR CASINO IN FALL RIVER

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe said to claim gaming siteThursday, February 4, 2010 Filed Under: Casino Stalker

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is said to have identified a new site for a casino in Massachusetts but a state-recognized tribe is raising objections.

According to leaders of the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe, the Mashpees are looking at 100 acres in Fall River. The site apparently lies within the state-recognized Watuppa Reservation.

The Mashpees don't have ancestral ties to the land, according to the Pocassets. “If there is going to be gaming in our territory, it will be the Pocasset Tribe working with the local and state agency for the benefit of the people who live in our territory, not just for ourselves,” Pocasset Chairman George Spring Buffalo told The Fall River Herald News.

Pocasset leaders say the Mashpees never brought up gaming during recent meetings. They say the only found out about it after news reports indicated the Mashpees were looking at sites in Fall River.

The Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs has apparently looked into the land-into-trust process but executive director Jim Peters declined to discuss the issue in detail.

WAS THERE A CONTRACT BETWEEN REISING AND THE MASHANTUCKET PEQUOTS?

Mashantucket Tribe wins casino employment disputeThursday, February 4, 2010 Filed Under: Connecticut '

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut did not break a contract by failing to promote an employee at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, a tribal judge said.

Kelly Reising participated in the Succession Training Program at the casino. She cited a tribal council resolution that said she would be promoted to executive vice president of marketing after a year's apprenticeship.

When that didn't happen, Reising sued the tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise. But Judge Gregory Bigler said the tribal council resolution did not constitute an actual contract and did not contain a waiver of sovereign immunity.

Reising's salary as vice president could have been $326,185. Instead, she had been given a telemarketing job with a salary of $62,000.
Get the Story:

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

ST. REGIS MOHAWKS TO GO TO SULLIVAN COUNTY?


By Victor Whitman
Times Herald-Record
Posted: February 02, 2010

MONTICELLO — Now that the St. Regis Mohawks have officially approved going forward with a casino in Sullivan County, what does it mean?

Not much.

On Saturday, tribal members voted 538-371 in favor of pursuing a casino here. All this means is the tribe is willing to talk with their former partner, Empire Resorts.

Empire owns 29 acres next to the Monticello Casino & Raceway, where the casino would be built. The two sides must come to terms on a property sale and casino management contract. The Mohawks would then have to negotiate high hurdles ahead for a rare casino approval.

Negotiations with Empire won't even begin unless the Obama Administration reverses Bush-era policies that all but ban off-reservation casinos.

"We are waiting for that," Mohawk spokesman Dave Staddon said. "Certainly the Obama administration have clearly indicated that they are willing to reconsider it, but I don't know at what time that will be ... . I would hope they could render a decision by the end of the year."

There is "nothing new to report" from Obama's Interior Department, said Jeff Lieberson, a spokesman for Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley.

The Mohawks have been trying, on and off, for 15 years to gain all the approvals. They've walked away twice from Empire, the last time in an ugly spat after their application to take land into trust was denied by former Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne in early 2008.

For several months, Mohawk leaders like Chief James Ransom have been talking informally with Empire. Ransom stood, for example, with Empire's executives at the Monticello Casino & Raceway, when the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Larry Echo Hawk, came to Sullivan County last summer.