Nearly 600 feet above sea level, its summit of bare granite flecked with quartz crystals glittering in the sun, Lantern Hill (or Tar Barrel Hill, as it is also called) in North Stoningotn has served as both landmark and lookout since the first peoples came to this region where the continent meets the sea. Tradition says that it has served fisherman and deep water sailors as a day-beacon, guiding them safely in to the eastern Long Island Sound ports like Mystic or Stonington, from the earliest days of maritime activity on the coast. Since the shimmering, white summit can be seen from many miles at sea on a clear day, the landmark tradition probably has a sound basis in historical fact.
By the same token, on a clear day observers on the gleaming peak of Lantern Hill can see five states---New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont--as well as more than a hundred miles of coastal waters. Sassacus, the fierce Pequot chieftain, was said to have stood on the summit many times, squinting seaward, eternally watching for the approach of enemy war canoes, or landward, seeking signs of hostile Narragansett campfires.
But it was an incident that occurred during the War of 1812 that finally gave this unusual height of land the name it still know by today. Fearful of enemy naval attacks along the Connecticut coast, the people of Stonington had maintained a round-the -clock watch from the top of Lantern Hill since the troubles with England began. Then, in April of 1814, several hundred British sailors and marines had landed at nearby pettipaug Point (Essex) on the Connecticut River and systematically destroyed an estimated $200,000 worth of property, including some twenty ships. When word of the Essex raid reached the Stonington area a short time later, the vigilance of the lookouts on Lantern Hill intensified and a system of warning the eastern shoreline villages of impending attack was implemented.
Huge hogsheads of tar--the same kind used to preserve manila lines aboard ship--were hauled to the summit of Lantern Hill. If a lookout spotted any sign of enemy sail, the men on watch were to put a torch to all the tar barrels, as a warning of imminent danger. The flames from such "lanterns" could, of course, be seen for many miles around. On the bright night of August 11, 1814, the tar barrel lanterns on top of the hill began to flicker, immediately, the people of Stonington went into action. Women, children and elderly quickly packed a few personal belongings in wagons and carts and hurried inland that very night, to seek refuge with friends and relatives in the country. The able men and militia headed for the waterfront to prepare the cannon for firing. When the dawn revealed a large British fleet standing in the harbor, apparently ready to land troops for a raid, the little village was ready, thanks to the timely warning
for two days the British naval vessels milled about in the harbor, pounding the coastal defenses, with an estimated sixty tons of cannon balls and shot. But the expected landing never came. When the enemy realized that their softening-up bombardment was having little effect on the Americans (who seemed only too well prepared to defend themselves), the English broke off their attack, set sail for open sea and disappeared below the horizon.
Ever since frustrating the British raid at Stonington, it citizens have taken understandable delight in poet Philip Freneau's lines on the battle.
IT COST THE KING TEN THOUSAND POUNDS -------TO HAVE A DASH AT STONINGTON,-
And ever since, the place from which the crucial early warning was flashed has been called Lantern (or Tar Barre;) Hill.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; This article came from the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. I have climbed the hill many times. It is a little tiring . Take a bottle of water and climb it. It is fun and the view is great. What do you think?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
U A W WORKERS NOT HAPPY
United Auto Workers Not Happy With Casino Smoking Delay
By Christopher Keating on May 12, 2009 3:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
The yellow-shirted United Auto Workers have been pushing hard for a smoking ban at the state's casinos, and they were not happy Tuesday with the finance committee's failure to vote on the issue. The battle has turned into an issue of union muscle at the state Capitol, where the Democrats who control the legislature are often strong allies of the unions.
"The Finance Committee has side-stepped the issue completely, potentially preventing legislators from exercising their responsibility to protect Connecticut workers' safety. We will continue to get lung cancer, asthma, and heart disease from inhaling second-hand smoke at our jobs," said Jack Edwards, a Foxwoods dealer for more than 12 years. "If nothing further happens with this legislation, then our elected officials will have turned their backs on their obligation to protect working people in Connecticut. If anyone thinks the agreements the Governor has negotiated with the tribes help us, they are flat-out wrong."
Edwards told Capitol Watch that he developed asthma after working amidst the smoke at Foxwoods. Yet, he still continues working there.
"I developed asthma, and I never had it before,'' Edwards said after the finance committee adjourned. "I like doing the job. I like interaction with people.''
Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed agreements with both the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequots to limit smoking on a voluntary basis.
"The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes have waged a public relations campaign designed to keep the status quo," said Bob Madore, UAW Region 9A Director. "We have seen threats of withholding money, lawsuit threats, and studies not based on facts. But in truth, workers are the ones paying the price. And we will not stop defending the lives of casino employees until there is a full smoking ban."
The UAW represents 2,500 dealers and dual-rate dealers at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, which was a non-union shop until November 2007 when a vote was taken to unionize.
Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, said, "We thank the General Assembly. Through their action today, they have demonstrated a respect for the government-to-government relationship that has existed between the Mohegan Tribe and the state of Connecticut for generations. We commit to honor that relationship and to continue to work on issues of mutual concern."
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Thanks to the Mashantucket Pequots, who took the alleged agreement between the Mohegans and the state and re did it with Governor M. Jodi Rell. A good job on both sides. Cooler heads have prevailed.
By Christopher Keating on May 12, 2009 3:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
The yellow-shirted United Auto Workers have been pushing hard for a smoking ban at the state's casinos, and they were not happy Tuesday with the finance committee's failure to vote on the issue. The battle has turned into an issue of union muscle at the state Capitol, where the Democrats who control the legislature are often strong allies of the unions.
"The Finance Committee has side-stepped the issue completely, potentially preventing legislators from exercising their responsibility to protect Connecticut workers' safety. We will continue to get lung cancer, asthma, and heart disease from inhaling second-hand smoke at our jobs," said Jack Edwards, a Foxwoods dealer for more than 12 years. "If nothing further happens with this legislation, then our elected officials will have turned their backs on their obligation to protect working people in Connecticut. If anyone thinks the agreements the Governor has negotiated with the tribes help us, they are flat-out wrong."
Edwards told Capitol Watch that he developed asthma after working amidst the smoke at Foxwoods. Yet, he still continues working there.
"I developed asthma, and I never had it before,'' Edwards said after the finance committee adjourned. "I like doing the job. I like interaction with people.''
Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed agreements with both the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequots to limit smoking on a voluntary basis.
"The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes have waged a public relations campaign designed to keep the status quo," said Bob Madore, UAW Region 9A Director. "We have seen threats of withholding money, lawsuit threats, and studies not based on facts. But in truth, workers are the ones paying the price. And we will not stop defending the lives of casino employees until there is a full smoking ban."
The UAW represents 2,500 dealers and dual-rate dealers at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, which was a non-union shop until November 2007 when a vote was taken to unionize.
Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, said, "We thank the General Assembly. Through their action today, they have demonstrated a respect for the government-to-government relationship that has existed between the Mohegan Tribe and the state of Connecticut for generations. We commit to honor that relationship and to continue to work on issues of mutual concern."
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Thanks to the Mashantucket Pequots, who took the alleged agreement between the Mohegans and the state and re did it with Governor M. Jodi Rell. A good job on both sides. Cooler heads have prevailed.
Monday, May 11, 2009
"MEANINGS"
Many times , Tribal Councilors, Council of Elders, and government officials use the words: family, tribe, sovereignity, and government. They interchange the words, but they don't always mean the same thing.
Here from Webster's New World Dictionary on the meansings.
Tribe -n. 1) a group of people living together under a chief...2) group or class---tribal...n-tribesman ....n pl men
family n., plural-ties.....1) parents and their children...2)relatives.....3) lineage...4) a group of related things
government n. 1) control; rule....2) system of ruling.....3) those who rule
sovereign a. 1) chief supreme.....2) independent-n ...n-1) monarch...2) former Br. gold coin.....sovereignity n; pl: ties
A tribe can be made up of a large family, in other words everyone is related to each other somehow. Each family can run it's own affairs. Not every family is raised (disciplined) the same way. There are standards of respect and so on that are required of the members.
Didn't Uncas, leave the Pequots, because he did not like the way he was treated. Was it the discipline or the structure of their government, or what?
Now, to today. The Mohegan Tribe was fragmented, because of the bad economy and the selling of the Mohegan Reservation in the late 1800's. By the turn of the century, many Mohegans moved to other places to survive. They went to New York, Florida, as far away as Hawaii. The next generation of Mohegans grew up under different kinds of living conditions, and raised differently from the people who were raised in Connecticut. Their values and believes were different. What was okay for one person was not okay for another.
The Mohegan Tribe received Federal Recognition because we were a tribe, a nation, a sovereignity, a government. We never received recognition because we were a family. This is just not true.
We, (Mohegan Tribal Members), have been told that by Oral Tradition and history, that this or that was the way it was. The reality is, it depends on who you talk to. Some people say it was this way and others say it was that way.
That is why today, governments don't run on Oral Tradition, but instead on written laws and written policies. In courts oral contracts don't count without both parties agree on the terms of the contract in court. In courts it is the written laws and written policies that count.
In my opinion, instead of the Mohegan Government being secretive, abusive, punative, and dicitorial, it should be more understanding and rehabilative of it's members. In my opinion, many of the problems, the Mohegan Tribe are experiencing are being directed from the Tribal Council and the Council of Elders. They have failed us. They have not lead us but instead are trying to bully us. The government is not proactive but instead reactive.
Now you have the meanings of family, tribe, government, and sovereignity. Does any of this information apply, to us the Mohegan Tribe? What do you think?
Here from Webster's New World Dictionary on the meansings.
Tribe -n. 1) a group of people living together under a chief...2) group or class---tribal...n-tribesman ....n pl men
family n., plural-ties.....1) parents and their children...2)relatives.....3) lineage...4) a group of related things
government n. 1) control; rule....2) system of ruling.....3) those who rule
sovereign a. 1) chief supreme.....2) independent-n ...n-1) monarch...2) former Br. gold coin.....sovereignity n; pl: ties
A tribe can be made up of a large family, in other words everyone is related to each other somehow. Each family can run it's own affairs. Not every family is raised (disciplined) the same way. There are standards of respect and so on that are required of the members.
Didn't Uncas, leave the Pequots, because he did not like the way he was treated. Was it the discipline or the structure of their government, or what?
Now, to today. The Mohegan Tribe was fragmented, because of the bad economy and the selling of the Mohegan Reservation in the late 1800's. By the turn of the century, many Mohegans moved to other places to survive. They went to New York, Florida, as far away as Hawaii. The next generation of Mohegans grew up under different kinds of living conditions, and raised differently from the people who were raised in Connecticut. Their values and believes were different. What was okay for one person was not okay for another.
The Mohegan Tribe received Federal Recognition because we were a tribe, a nation, a sovereignity, a government. We never received recognition because we were a family. This is just not true.
We, (Mohegan Tribal Members), have been told that by Oral Tradition and history, that this or that was the way it was. The reality is, it depends on who you talk to. Some people say it was this way and others say it was that way.
That is why today, governments don't run on Oral Tradition, but instead on written laws and written policies. In courts oral contracts don't count without both parties agree on the terms of the contract in court. In courts it is the written laws and written policies that count.
In my opinion, instead of the Mohegan Government being secretive, abusive, punative, and dicitorial, it should be more understanding and rehabilative of it's members. In my opinion, many of the problems, the Mohegan Tribe are experiencing are being directed from the Tribal Council and the Council of Elders. They have failed us. They have not lead us but instead are trying to bully us. The government is not proactive but instead reactive.
Now you have the meanings of family, tribe, government, and sovereignity. Does any of this information apply, to us the Mohegan Tribe? What do you think?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
MOTHERS DAY 2009
It's a beautiful sunny day, today May 10, 2009. a little breezy, temperature is 65 degrees. Happy Mothers Day, everyone.
About three years ago, I lost my mom, it is not a fun day without her. She was never big into holidays. When we loose a parent, there is a hole, a void in us. We wish our loved ones were here with us. I miss you mom.
Everyone should do something for their mothers. A phone call, a hug, a kiss on the cheek, a flower, a bouquet, just about anything to tell her how much you care that she gave you life. Maybe just take her to dinner or out to lunch. Just let her know how much you care. Remember, life is short.
The major league baseball teams are using pink bats to honor mothers on Mothers Day.
I would love to tell you how lucky the Mohegan mothers are, the benefits and such that they receive, however if I told you I would probably get in trouble.
Have a Great Mothers Day, everyone. What do you think?
About three years ago, I lost my mom, it is not a fun day without her. She was never big into holidays. When we loose a parent, there is a hole, a void in us. We wish our loved ones were here with us. I miss you mom.
Everyone should do something for their mothers. A phone call, a hug, a kiss on the cheek, a flower, a bouquet, just about anything to tell her how much you care that she gave you life. Maybe just take her to dinner or out to lunch. Just let her know how much you care. Remember, life is short.
The major league baseball teams are using pink bats to honor mothers on Mothers Day.
I would love to tell you how lucky the Mohegan mothers are, the benefits and such that they receive, however if I told you I would probably get in trouble.
Have a Great Mothers Day, everyone. What do you think?
Friday, May 8, 2009
'SLICK'
There is a rumor going around the Mohegan Reservation that a person, (I am not sure if it is a man or woman), called Slick is giving advise to the Mohegan Tribal Government Officials.
An example allegedly, is that Lynn Malerba, the Vice Chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribal Council was advised by Slick to tell a reporter from the New London Day, that he could not attend Open Court (in the Mohegan Tribal Court), Her comment was, "Abssolutely not." Slick, maybe that was bad advise.
Slick allegedly told William (Bill) Quidgeon, the Mohegan Tribal Councilor Treasurer to say to tribal members when they ask questions about finances, "I don't know, I'll look into that. I'll get back to you." Some tribal members say they never get answers from him. Your doing a good job Slick.
James Gessner, the Corresponding Secretary, was allegedly by Slick, told not read a concerned tribal member's letter at the April 26, 2009 quarterly meeting. More good advise Slick.
Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, The Tribal Council Chairman, threatened that the tribe would withhold payments of taxes to the State of Connecticut, if smoking ban legislaation is passed in Hartford. Good job Slick, advising the chairman to take on Attorney General Blumenthal. Are you for real Slick?
I have been alleged that Slick has been giving advise like these examples for years to government officials. Should the officials or Slick go?
Brokenwing would like to meet Slick. I have been told by people, he's "cute." I have no idea what that means. In order to meet Slick, i am posting a $100.00 reward for anyone who can set up a meeting between myself and Slick. One tribal member said, another alias for Slick is "Propaganda Joe." If you know of his where abouts, please let me know? Do you know him? What do you think?
Editorial footnote: There is no Slick, it was fun to write.
An example allegedly, is that Lynn Malerba, the Vice Chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribal Council was advised by Slick to tell a reporter from the New London Day, that he could not attend Open Court (in the Mohegan Tribal Court), Her comment was, "Abssolutely not." Slick, maybe that was bad advise.
Slick allegedly told William (Bill) Quidgeon, the Mohegan Tribal Councilor Treasurer to say to tribal members when they ask questions about finances, "I don't know, I'll look into that. I'll get back to you." Some tribal members say they never get answers from him. Your doing a good job Slick.
James Gessner, the Corresponding Secretary, was allegedly by Slick, told not read a concerned tribal member's letter at the April 26, 2009 quarterly meeting. More good advise Slick.
Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, The Tribal Council Chairman, threatened that the tribe would withhold payments of taxes to the State of Connecticut, if smoking ban legislaation is passed in Hartford. Good job Slick, advising the chairman to take on Attorney General Blumenthal. Are you for real Slick?
I have been alleged that Slick has been giving advise like these examples for years to government officials. Should the officials or Slick go?
Brokenwing would like to meet Slick. I have been told by people, he's "cute." I have no idea what that means. In order to meet Slick, i am posting a $100.00 reward for anyone who can set up a meeting between myself and Slick. One tribal member said, another alias for Slick is "Propaganda Joe." If you know of his where abouts, please let me know? Do you know him? What do you think?
Editorial footnote: There is no Slick, it was fun to write.
TRIBAL OWNED NEWSPAPERS: IS THERE CENSORSHIP?
Could Tribal-Owned Media Save Newspapers?
By Kevin Abourezk
May 7, 2009
The Rocky Mountain News.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer print edition.
Hundreds of newspaper employees, including prominent Native journalist Mark Trahant.
All victims of the economic malaise ailing the newspaper industry.
Newspapers have seen few years as troubling as the past one. Media giants like Gannett and McClatchy have laid off countless employees as they struggle to save money lost because of declining advertising revenue. Newspapers like the San Francisco Chronicle and the Tucson Citizen face closure or sale.
The owners of the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune have sought protection in bankruptcy. Other newspapers have turned to being published only on the Internet or have cut back on home delivery.
Recently, an intriguing idea has taken seed.
While not a novel idea, turning newspapers into tax-exempt nonprofits could be just what the doctor ordered, some say.
David Swenson, who managed a massive endowment as chief investment officer at Yale University, told the Associated Press in March that if newspapers were to become nonprofits dependent on large endowments, it "would enhance newspapers' autonomy while shielding them from the economic forces that are now tearing them down."
As I've watched colleagues and friends lose their jobs at newspapers over the past year, I've thought a lot about what newspapers could do to survive.
One model that's caught my attention is the tribal-owned newspaper.
I have to say, I can't think of a single reporter for a tribal-owned newspaper who has been laid off in the past year.
Does that mean tribal-owned newspapers are a best-practices model?
"Tribes always want you to do more with less staff or no staff at all," said Jeff Harjo, executive director of the Native American Journalists Association and former editor of the Kickapoo Tribe's newspaper, the Kickapoo Traveling Times. "If you venture to publish anything that reflects badly on the tribal administration you better have another job lined up."
Cherokee Phoenix Editor Bryan Pollard agreed that the tribal-owned newspaper model is fraught with peril.
While some tribes, like the Cherokee, have passed free press acts to protect journalism independence, most have not, he said. And such legislation, he said, only protects tribal newspapers as long as tribal leaders care to abide by those laws.
"There has to be a will among tribal leadership to honor the spirit and intent of the legislation," he said.
Pollard even questioned the nonprofit model for newspapers.
As the former editor of Street Roots, a nonprofit newspaper in Portland, Pollard knows well the struggles of trying to keep a nonprofit publication funded.
While being able to write and win grants was helpful, it also was a challenge to fight for the limited grant dollars available for journalistic enterprises, he said.
"Anyone who's worked at a nonprofit knows those dollars are very competitive," he said.
In order to be successful, foundations would have to be created solely to support newspapers, hew said.
But he suggested one aspect of many tribal newspapers that might work for mainstream newspapers.
The Cherokee Phoenix is funded by the Cherokee Nation, which receives its funding from the federal government and from for-profit tribal businesses, including casinos.
Mainstream newspapers could consider creating for-profit businesses to fund their journalism, Pollard said.
Of course, one could argue that's exactly what newspapers have been trying to do from the very beginning. Advertising certainly has little to do with real journalism.
And while the idea of making mainstream newspapers instruments of government isn't an idea likely to gain much steam, Pollard doesn't completely discount the notion of newspapers becoming part of government. It's certainly helped the Cherokee Phoenix weather the recession.
"I feel very fortunate to be where I'm at," he said.
He said the tribe has even considered expanding the newspaper. Pollard sees it as an opportunity to gather some of the talent lost in recent months at mainstream newspapers.
He hopes other tribal newspapers will see the faltering of the U.S. newspaper industry as an opportunity.
"It could be a real boon for tribal media," he said.
Kevin Abourezk's "Red Clout" columns are available for syndication. Please contact reznet to purchase republishing rights.
Kevin Abourezk, Rosebud Lakota, is a reporter and editor at the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star. He writes reznet's "Red Clout" political blog and teaches reporting at the Freedom Forum's American Indian Journalism Institute. Abourezk was awarded a Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism in 2006.
To send Kevin Abourezk a message please click here
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EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The Wuskuso, the official news letter of the Mohegan Tribe, is allegedly read by government officials prior to being sent out. The fact, that it is being read before being sent out, is that making the writers of the Wuskuso, careful of what they write? Could the workers on the Wuskuso, be afraid of the conseguences for what they write? Does the Mohegan Government (the Council of Elders or the Tribal Council control the publication? Could they be afraid of loosing their jobs? Is this more intimidation of the present Tribal Council? Should these people go at election time? What do you think?
By Kevin Abourezk
May 7, 2009
The Rocky Mountain News.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer print edition.
Hundreds of newspaper employees, including prominent Native journalist Mark Trahant.
All victims of the economic malaise ailing the newspaper industry.
Newspapers have seen few years as troubling as the past one. Media giants like Gannett and McClatchy have laid off countless employees as they struggle to save money lost because of declining advertising revenue. Newspapers like the San Francisco Chronicle and the Tucson Citizen face closure or sale.
The owners of the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune have sought protection in bankruptcy. Other newspapers have turned to being published only on the Internet or have cut back on home delivery.
Recently, an intriguing idea has taken seed.
While not a novel idea, turning newspapers into tax-exempt nonprofits could be just what the doctor ordered, some say.
David Swenson, who managed a massive endowment as chief investment officer at Yale University, told the Associated Press in March that if newspapers were to become nonprofits dependent on large endowments, it "would enhance newspapers' autonomy while shielding them from the economic forces that are now tearing them down."
As I've watched colleagues and friends lose their jobs at newspapers over the past year, I've thought a lot about what newspapers could do to survive.
One model that's caught my attention is the tribal-owned newspaper.
I have to say, I can't think of a single reporter for a tribal-owned newspaper who has been laid off in the past year.
Does that mean tribal-owned newspapers are a best-practices model?
"Tribes always want you to do more with less staff or no staff at all," said Jeff Harjo, executive director of the Native American Journalists Association and former editor of the Kickapoo Tribe's newspaper, the Kickapoo Traveling Times. "If you venture to publish anything that reflects badly on the tribal administration you better have another job lined up."
Cherokee Phoenix Editor Bryan Pollard agreed that the tribal-owned newspaper model is fraught with peril.
While some tribes, like the Cherokee, have passed free press acts to protect journalism independence, most have not, he said. And such legislation, he said, only protects tribal newspapers as long as tribal leaders care to abide by those laws.
"There has to be a will among tribal leadership to honor the spirit and intent of the legislation," he said.
Pollard even questioned the nonprofit model for newspapers.
As the former editor of Street Roots, a nonprofit newspaper in Portland, Pollard knows well the struggles of trying to keep a nonprofit publication funded.
While being able to write and win grants was helpful, it also was a challenge to fight for the limited grant dollars available for journalistic enterprises, he said.
"Anyone who's worked at a nonprofit knows those dollars are very competitive," he said.
In order to be successful, foundations would have to be created solely to support newspapers, hew said.
But he suggested one aspect of many tribal newspapers that might work for mainstream newspapers.
The Cherokee Phoenix is funded by the Cherokee Nation, which receives its funding from the federal government and from for-profit tribal businesses, including casinos.
Mainstream newspapers could consider creating for-profit businesses to fund their journalism, Pollard said.
Of course, one could argue that's exactly what newspapers have been trying to do from the very beginning. Advertising certainly has little to do with real journalism.
And while the idea of making mainstream newspapers instruments of government isn't an idea likely to gain much steam, Pollard doesn't completely discount the notion of newspapers becoming part of government. It's certainly helped the Cherokee Phoenix weather the recession.
"I feel very fortunate to be where I'm at," he said.
He said the tribe has even considered expanding the newspaper. Pollard sees it as an opportunity to gather some of the talent lost in recent months at mainstream newspapers.
He hopes other tribal newspapers will see the faltering of the U.S. newspaper industry as an opportunity.
"It could be a real boon for tribal media," he said.
Kevin Abourezk's "Red Clout" columns are available for syndication. Please contact reznet to purchase republishing rights.
Kevin Abourezk, Rosebud Lakota, is a reporter and editor at the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star. He writes reznet's "Red Clout" political blog and teaches reporting at the Freedom Forum's American Indian Journalism Institute. Abourezk was awarded a Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism in 2006.
To send Kevin Abourezk a message please click here
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NATIVE AMERICA UP CLOSE
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The Wuskuso, the official news letter of the Mohegan Tribe, is allegedly read by government officials prior to being sent out. The fact, that it is being read before being sent out, is that making the writers of the Wuskuso, careful of what they write? Could the workers on the Wuskuso, be afraid of the conseguences for what they write? Does the Mohegan Government (the Council of Elders or the Tribal Council control the publication? Could they be afraid of loosing their jobs? Is this more intimidation of the present Tribal Council? Should these people go at election time? What do you think?
DESTINY
Long ago before the Ancient Ones, the land stood still under a heavy blanket of snow several miles thick. As the climate gradually warmed, the giant freeze began to melt: for a thousand years great rivers flowed, eroding, forming and rearranging the earth's landscape.
Gradually, a summer began to take place. Trees from warmer climates began to edge northward. The first were spruce, fir, birch and the great oak.
Game such as caribou, bison, mastodon, elk, giant beaver and the wooly mammoth were the first explopers of this new land. They were soon followed by the giant game hunters. Later, nomads in search of food first came to this area as seasonal hunters, retreating southward as the harsh winters came.
The climate became warmer. This warming, along with the use of fire and animal skins for protection encouraged these first people to stay and eventually settle this land.
These people believed that the spirits controlled their destiny. A displeased spirit could cause drought, thunder and even death. When pleased, these spirits could bring sun, rain and bounties of food and game. Soon man came to believe he must honor, respect and pay homage to the power of these spirit gods, for they, not man, controlled destiny.
ARTICLE FROM MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT HANDOUT
Gradually, a summer began to take place. Trees from warmer climates began to edge northward. The first were spruce, fir, birch and the great oak.
Game such as caribou, bison, mastodon, elk, giant beaver and the wooly mammoth were the first explopers of this new land. They were soon followed by the giant game hunters. Later, nomads in search of food first came to this area as seasonal hunters, retreating southward as the harsh winters came.
The climate became warmer. This warming, along with the use of fire and animal skins for protection encouraged these first people to stay and eventually settle this land.
These people believed that the spirits controlled their destiny. A displeased spirit could cause drought, thunder and even death. When pleased, these spirits could bring sun, rain and bounties of food and game. Soon man came to believe he must honor, respect and pay homage to the power of these spirit gods, for they, not man, controlled destiny.
ARTICLE FROM MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT HANDOUT
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
THE RIGHT TO KNOW
Don't Limit Public Right To Know
By Morgan McGinley Published on 5/3/2009
The state bureaucracy and the legislature's Judiciary Committee are up to mischief again, trying to weaken the Freedom of Information law in the name of privacy. State Victim Advocate Michelle Cruz, a former Massachusetts prosecutor, developed the legislation to prevent information considered embarrassing to victims from becoming a matter of public record.
But in her well-meaning yet misguided zeal to give comfort to victims, Ms. Cruz would damage the public's right to information about its government. An amendment now being developed to a bill already cleared by the Judiciary Committee contains an assault on the public's right to know and carries an administrative burden that would disrupt the free flow of information.
The amendment would require any public agency that receives a freedom of information request to inspect or copy “any files,” to raise a privacy objection if the item can be “reasonably determined to be an invasion of personal privacy.” The language in quotations is vague and virtually meaningless unless tested before a court or appropriate commission. The agency would notify the person requesting the information and decline to release any details unless ordered to do so by the state Freedom of Information Commission. So any of thousands of legitimate requests for information might be denied and held up while the FOI Commission tries to fit the matter into its hearing schedule, typically months away.
The first writing of the bill put the matter of defining privacy in the hands of individual victims. That bill was such a twisted proposal that proponents saw trouble from FOI advocates ahead and changed the bill.
This amendment shifts the power to the hands of the public agency officials. This makes more sense than having victims interpret what is public information, but it is harmful for creating a bureaucratic labyrinth of potentially epic proportions.
Thus, matters that previously were public record and deserve to be available might be described by police, prosecutors or others as a matter of privacy rights. And that would then potentially require an FOI Commission hearing on all matter of material that ought not be challenged under normal conditions.
This is bad legislation because it does not provide a balancing act of public benefit versus a right to privacy. Rather, it stipulates a potential challenge to the most legitimate information and forces agency bureaucrats to determine what is an invasion of privacy, something better determined by the courts.
My colleague, Chris Powell, managing editor of the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, says that West Hartford Police Chief James J. Strillacci is concerned because, “We're put in the position of being the arbiter of whether there's an invasion of privacy or not.”
There's a danger, too, because police, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials are predisposed by their own self-interests to keep information secret from the public. Faced with privacy claims handed down by public agency administrators, police reporters could find themselves challenged to appeal, over and over again, to the FOI Commission for the most basic information.
Ms. Cruz apparently does not trust the media and so she is attempting to open virtually a blanket challenge to the release of basic information.
This is a bad omen, for the public's interest sometimes can be different from the intentions and motives of the police or other public officials.
Democracy flourishes when government is open and responsive. Ms. Cruz says the privacy rights of victims are a matter for agency bureaucrats to determine and undercuts the idea that government functions best when the people get the facts and understand what is happening.
Crimes often involve sensitive matters, many of them potentially embarrassing to victims and their families. But free, unfettered media provide the best opportunity for democracy to work well.
The legislature should see this bill for what it is and not entertain the idea of keeping more information from the public.
Morgan McGinley is a former Day editorial page editor, now retired.
R E A D E R'S C O M M E N T S
Posted - 5/3/2009 5:10:39 PM
Morgan, Maybe you should read the comments i sent to you and Collins, I'm not repeating my self... What a commie rag paper this is... The opinion of DJ
To Collins & Morgan
FOI, Wheres mine ?
- 5/4/2009 7:54:04 AM
Posted - 5/3/2009 3:59:17 PM
I just read your column, and your subject is indeed well addressed. The Freedom of Information Law needs wider boundaries, not more examination and/or scrutiny. The latter only leads to clandestine subjective exceptions which would inevitably affect our tacit right to know the facts. We have already been denied enough. I agree. More is the operative word, not less. Thank you Mr. McGinley.
Hanna Cushman
Niantic, Ct. 06357
- 5/3/2009 4:23:50 PM
Posted - 5/3/2009 1:23:39 PM
Good. I hope the legislation passes. Why? Well, news outlets are sensational in irresponsible regarding reporting. YOU take those embarassing things, and print them as truth. You, the media outlet, twist and turn a moment in a persons life that has no bearing in the case at hand, but ia used in a case as a smoke screan and print it as truth..for example.."VICTIM WHO WAS MOLESTED AS A CHILD, IS ROBBED 10 YEARS LATER'...so, when you write that...all people read is that someone was molested as a child..and the criminal is forgoten about. But that, is what you media outlets do. And seriously, what business is it of yours, or anyone elses for that matter. ESPECIALLY when it does not pertain to the matter at hand. The Day has a long standing habit of putting information in the stories that try to make victims look bad. And you hide behind the FOI act to do it, and there is no repurcussions for you..the reporter..only the people you victimize. I REALLY..REALLY hope that this legislation passes...you have no one to blame but yourselves in the media...you should have used information responsibly...but you don't.
EFM
Niantic
- 5/3/2009 4:24:37 PM
Posted - 5/3/2009 11:47:16 AM
on the other hand, educating these financial 'product' marketeers about fairness and full disclosure would help. taking a loan or mortgage should not be so complex that a lawyer is required to unravel all the 'product options' buried in the fine print. when average people are in a position to be exploited by some very clever financial methods, the need for substantial penalties for the lender or bank should act to induce their prudent behavior. it should never be necessary to provide a warning such as 'caveat emptor' for financial contracts themselves. the IRS could take some lessons on simplicity also.
gossip
se conn
- 5/4/2009 8:36:02 AM
Posted - 5/3/2009 9:09:06 AM
Very informative article. With the time frame of haveing a matter heard by the FOI agency now, I can only say leave the present requirements alone. Democracy is having a truly hard time to keep its head above water in these times.
Barbara
East Lyme
- 5/3/2009 10:19:28 AM
POST COMMENT
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commission. The agency would notify the person requesting the information and decline to release any details unless ordered to do so by the state Freedom of Information Commission. So any of thousands of legitimate requests for information might be denied and held up while the FOI Commission tries to fit the matter into its hearing schedule, typically months away.
The first writing of the bill put the matter of defining privacy in the hands of individual victims. That bill was such a twisted proposal that proponents saw trouble from FOI advocates ahead and changed the bill.
This amendment shifts the power to the hands of the public agency officials. This makes more sense than having victims interpret what is public information, but it is harmful for creating a bureaucratic labyrinth of potentially epic proportions.
Thus, matters that previously were public record and deserve to be available might be described by police, prosecutors or others as a matter of privacy rights. And that would then potentially require an FOI Commission hearing on all matter of material that ought not be challenged under normal conditions.
This is bad legislation because it does not provide a balancing act of public benefit versus a right to privacy. Rather, it stipulates a potential challenge to the most legitimate information and forces agency bureaucrats to determine what is an invasion of privacy, something better determined by the courts.
My colleague, Chris Powell, managing editor of the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, says that West Hartford Police Chief James J. Strillacci is concerned because, “We're put in the position of being the arbiter of whether there's an invasion of privacy or not.”
There's a danger, too, because police, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials are predisposed by their own self-interests to keep information secret from the public. Faced with privacy claims handed down by public agency administrators, police reporters could find themselves challenged to appeal, over and over again, to the FOI Commission for the most basic information.
Ms. Cruz apparently does not trust the media and so she is attempting to open virtually a blanket challenge to the release of basic information.
This is a bad omen, for the public's interest sometimes can be different from the intentions and motives of the police or other public officials.
Democracy flourishes when government is open and responsive. Ms. Cruz says the privacy rights of victims are a matter for agency bureaucrats to determine and undercuts the idea that government functions best when the people get the facts and understand what is happening.
Crimes often involve sensitive matters, many of them potentially embarrassing to victims and their families. But free, unfettered media provide the best opportunity for democracy to work well.
The legislature should see this bill for what it is and not entertain the idea of keeping more information from the public.
Morgan McGinley is a former Day editorial page editor, now retired.
By Morgan McGinley Published on 5/3/2009
The state bureaucracy and the legislature's Judiciary Committee are up to mischief again, trying to weaken the Freedom of Information law in the name of privacy. State Victim Advocate Michelle Cruz, a former Massachusetts prosecutor, developed the legislation to prevent information considered embarrassing to victims from becoming a matter of public record.
But in her well-meaning yet misguided zeal to give comfort to victims, Ms. Cruz would damage the public's right to information about its government. An amendment now being developed to a bill already cleared by the Judiciary Committee contains an assault on the public's right to know and carries an administrative burden that would disrupt the free flow of information.
The amendment would require any public agency that receives a freedom of information request to inspect or copy “any files,” to raise a privacy objection if the item can be “reasonably determined to be an invasion of personal privacy.” The language in quotations is vague and virtually meaningless unless tested before a court or appropriate commission. The agency would notify the person requesting the information and decline to release any details unless ordered to do so by the state Freedom of Information Commission. So any of thousands of legitimate requests for information might be denied and held up while the FOI Commission tries to fit the matter into its hearing schedule, typically months away.
The first writing of the bill put the matter of defining privacy in the hands of individual victims. That bill was such a twisted proposal that proponents saw trouble from FOI advocates ahead and changed the bill.
This amendment shifts the power to the hands of the public agency officials. This makes more sense than having victims interpret what is public information, but it is harmful for creating a bureaucratic labyrinth of potentially epic proportions.
Thus, matters that previously were public record and deserve to be available might be described by police, prosecutors or others as a matter of privacy rights. And that would then potentially require an FOI Commission hearing on all matter of material that ought not be challenged under normal conditions.
This is bad legislation because it does not provide a balancing act of public benefit versus a right to privacy. Rather, it stipulates a potential challenge to the most legitimate information and forces agency bureaucrats to determine what is an invasion of privacy, something better determined by the courts.
My colleague, Chris Powell, managing editor of the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, says that West Hartford Police Chief James J. Strillacci is concerned because, “We're put in the position of being the arbiter of whether there's an invasion of privacy or not.”
There's a danger, too, because police, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials are predisposed by their own self-interests to keep information secret from the public. Faced with privacy claims handed down by public agency administrators, police reporters could find themselves challenged to appeal, over and over again, to the FOI Commission for the most basic information.
Ms. Cruz apparently does not trust the media and so she is attempting to open virtually a blanket challenge to the release of basic information.
This is a bad omen, for the public's interest sometimes can be different from the intentions and motives of the police or other public officials.
Democracy flourishes when government is open and responsive. Ms. Cruz says the privacy rights of victims are a matter for agency bureaucrats to determine and undercuts the idea that government functions best when the people get the facts and understand what is happening.
Crimes often involve sensitive matters, many of them potentially embarrassing to victims and their families. But free, unfettered media provide the best opportunity for democracy to work well.
The legislature should see this bill for what it is and not entertain the idea of keeping more information from the public.
Morgan McGinley is a former Day editorial page editor, now retired.
R E A D E R'S C O M M E N T S
Posted - 5/3/2009 5:10:39 PM
Morgan, Maybe you should read the comments i sent to you and Collins, I'm not repeating my self... What a commie rag paper this is... The opinion of DJ
To Collins & Morgan
FOI, Wheres mine ?
- 5/4/2009 7:54:04 AM
Posted - 5/3/2009 3:59:17 PM
I just read your column, and your subject is indeed well addressed. The Freedom of Information Law needs wider boundaries, not more examination and/or scrutiny. The latter only leads to clandestine subjective exceptions which would inevitably affect our tacit right to know the facts. We have already been denied enough. I agree. More is the operative word, not less. Thank you Mr. McGinley.
Hanna Cushman
Niantic, Ct. 06357
- 5/3/2009 4:23:50 PM
Posted - 5/3/2009 1:23:39 PM
Good. I hope the legislation passes. Why? Well, news outlets are sensational in irresponsible regarding reporting. YOU take those embarassing things, and print them as truth. You, the media outlet, twist and turn a moment in a persons life that has no bearing in the case at hand, but ia used in a case as a smoke screan and print it as truth..for example.."VICTIM WHO WAS MOLESTED AS A CHILD, IS ROBBED 10 YEARS LATER'...so, when you write that...all people read is that someone was molested as a child..and the criminal is forgoten about. But that, is what you media outlets do. And seriously, what business is it of yours, or anyone elses for that matter. ESPECIALLY when it does not pertain to the matter at hand. The Day has a long standing habit of putting information in the stories that try to make victims look bad. And you hide behind the FOI act to do it, and there is no repurcussions for you..the reporter..only the people you victimize. I REALLY..REALLY hope that this legislation passes...you have no one to blame but yourselves in the media...you should have used information responsibly...but you don't.
EFM
Niantic
- 5/3/2009 4:24:37 PM
Posted - 5/3/2009 11:47:16 AM
on the other hand, educating these financial 'product' marketeers about fairness and full disclosure would help. taking a loan or mortgage should not be so complex that a lawyer is required to unravel all the 'product options' buried in the fine print. when average people are in a position to be exploited by some very clever financial methods, the need for substantial penalties for the lender or bank should act to induce their prudent behavior. it should never be necessary to provide a warning such as 'caveat emptor' for financial contracts themselves. the IRS could take some lessons on simplicity also.
gossip
se conn
- 5/4/2009 8:36:02 AM
Posted - 5/3/2009 9:09:06 AM
Very informative article. With the time frame of haveing a matter heard by the FOI agency now, I can only say leave the present requirements alone. Democracy is having a truly hard time to keep its head above water in these times.
Barbara
East Lyme
- 5/3/2009 10:19:28 AM
POST COMMENT
(Comments will be reviewed by an editor before being posted. Those that include personal insults/attacks, foul language or are otherwise inappropriate or off topic will not be posted. )
Name
Your E-mail Address: (Your e-mail will not be displayed online)
City, State
Message
Access the Day's E-Edition
Today's Print Ads
commission. The agency would notify the person requesting the information and decline to release any details unless ordered to do so by the state Freedom of Information Commission. So any of thousands of legitimate requests for information might be denied and held up while the FOI Commission tries to fit the matter into its hearing schedule, typically months away.
The first writing of the bill put the matter of defining privacy in the hands of individual victims. That bill was such a twisted proposal that proponents saw trouble from FOI advocates ahead and changed the bill.
This amendment shifts the power to the hands of the public agency officials. This makes more sense than having victims interpret what is public information, but it is harmful for creating a bureaucratic labyrinth of potentially epic proportions.
Thus, matters that previously were public record and deserve to be available might be described by police, prosecutors or others as a matter of privacy rights. And that would then potentially require an FOI Commission hearing on all matter of material that ought not be challenged under normal conditions.
This is bad legislation because it does not provide a balancing act of public benefit versus a right to privacy. Rather, it stipulates a potential challenge to the most legitimate information and forces agency bureaucrats to determine what is an invasion of privacy, something better determined by the courts.
My colleague, Chris Powell, managing editor of the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, says that West Hartford Police Chief James J. Strillacci is concerned because, “We're put in the position of being the arbiter of whether there's an invasion of privacy or not.”
There's a danger, too, because police, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials are predisposed by their own self-interests to keep information secret from the public. Faced with privacy claims handed down by public agency administrators, police reporters could find themselves challenged to appeal, over and over again, to the FOI Commission for the most basic information.
Ms. Cruz apparently does not trust the media and so she is attempting to open virtually a blanket challenge to the release of basic information.
This is a bad omen, for the public's interest sometimes can be different from the intentions and motives of the police or other public officials.
Democracy flourishes when government is open and responsive. Ms. Cruz says the privacy rights of victims are a matter for agency bureaucrats to determine and undercuts the idea that government functions best when the people get the facts and understand what is happening.
Crimes often involve sensitive matters, many of them potentially embarrassing to victims and their families. But free, unfettered media provide the best opportunity for democracy to work well.
The legislature should see this bill for what it is and not entertain the idea of keeping more information from the public.
Morgan McGinley is a former Day editorial page editor, now retired.
ETESS ON SMOKING IN CASINOS
Mohegan Sun CEO asks legislators to kill casino smoking ban bill
By Ted Mann Published on 5/5/2009
Hartford – The chief executive officer of Mohegan Sun urged state lawmakers Tuesday to kill a proposal that would compel the two tribally owned casinos in Connecticut to ban cigarette smoking by 2011, saying the resulting drop-off in business would cost the state millions in slot revenues and lost jobs.
“We are now competing directly with thousands of slot machines in neighboring states,” CEO Mitchell Etess wrote to the leaders and members of the legislature’s Finance Committee, which received the bill Tuesday morning, when it was referred from the House floor. “Patrons who smoke will take their business to other states, if a ban is approved in Connecticut, and revenues could drop up to 20 percent. There will be layoffs, and a cascading loss of business to us and our vendors.”
Etess pointed to the examples of Illinois and Delaware, where the imposition of smoking bans cut casino business by 17 percent and 19 percent respectively, and also backed his conclusions with a new analysis from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center.
The think tank’s study projects that business could fall by as much as 20 percent if a smoking ban is imposed on Mohegan Sun, which is operated by the Mohegan Tribe, and Foxwoods Resort Casino, operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
The group’s study, commissioned by Mohegan Sun, projected a widening ripple effect from business losses at the casino. A ban resulting in a 10 percent drop in business could cost nearly 1,000 casino jobs and almost 500 external jobs related to the casino’s operatons. A 20-percent drop would bring combined job losses of nearly 3,000, the study said.
That same 20 percent business hit could cut wages for the affected workers by $113 million, the study’s authors found.
And any drop in slot machine revenue is also a revenue loss to the cash-strapped state, which receives 25 percent of the slot machine take of each casino, under the gaming compacts between each tribe and the state government.
It is not the first warning from the tribe that passage of a smoking ban would cost Connecticut dearly.
In March, Mohegan Tribal Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum wrote to Gov. M. Jodi Rell warning that the tribe would challenge any attempt to impose a smoking ban on the casino or state tribal lands as an “affront” to tribal sovereignty. Both Bozsum and Mohegan Attorney General Helga Woods also warned, ominously for those concerned about the state budget, that the tribe would place into escrow its scheduled slot revenue payments to the state in the event of a legal battle.
The two tribes are projected to pay nearly $400 million in slot revenues to the state in the coming fiscal year, a sum that lawmakers would be loath to forego as Connecticut struggles with projected annual deficits of at least $4 billion over the next two years.
But even if the smoking ban goes into effect, said Etess, its effects through the simple discouragement of smokers’ business at the casinos would be “catastrophic.”
The smoking ban bill, H.B. 5608, is awaiting action by the Finance Committee.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Connecticut will not back down. Their Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal will lead the attack to have all smoking banned in the Connecticut casinos by October, 2011.
Is it fair? Probably not. Will the Mohegan Sun Casino be at an economic disadvantage, if this happens? Absolutely. Phasing in more smoking at the same pace as the competition is the way to go. The tribe needs to negotiate. It will hurt the Mohegan Sun Casino's revenues.
Instead of threatening the state, Bruce "Two dogs" Bozsum and Helga Woods should negotiate with the state. Holding back the revenue from slot machines by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, could be a catastrophe. We (the Mohegan Tribe) should not be going down this road. In my opinion, this is bad leadership at it's best. Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, should be held accountable by the tribe for his actions. Should he go? What do you think?
By Ted Mann Published on 5/5/2009
Hartford – The chief executive officer of Mohegan Sun urged state lawmakers Tuesday to kill a proposal that would compel the two tribally owned casinos in Connecticut to ban cigarette smoking by 2011, saying the resulting drop-off in business would cost the state millions in slot revenues and lost jobs.
“We are now competing directly with thousands of slot machines in neighboring states,” CEO Mitchell Etess wrote to the leaders and members of the legislature’s Finance Committee, which received the bill Tuesday morning, when it was referred from the House floor. “Patrons who smoke will take their business to other states, if a ban is approved in Connecticut, and revenues could drop up to 20 percent. There will be layoffs, and a cascading loss of business to us and our vendors.”
Etess pointed to the examples of Illinois and Delaware, where the imposition of smoking bans cut casino business by 17 percent and 19 percent respectively, and also backed his conclusions with a new analysis from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center.
The think tank’s study projects that business could fall by as much as 20 percent if a smoking ban is imposed on Mohegan Sun, which is operated by the Mohegan Tribe, and Foxwoods Resort Casino, operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
The group’s study, commissioned by Mohegan Sun, projected a widening ripple effect from business losses at the casino. A ban resulting in a 10 percent drop in business could cost nearly 1,000 casino jobs and almost 500 external jobs related to the casino’s operatons. A 20-percent drop would bring combined job losses of nearly 3,000, the study said.
That same 20 percent business hit could cut wages for the affected workers by $113 million, the study’s authors found.
And any drop in slot machine revenue is also a revenue loss to the cash-strapped state, which receives 25 percent of the slot machine take of each casino, under the gaming compacts between each tribe and the state government.
It is not the first warning from the tribe that passage of a smoking ban would cost Connecticut dearly.
In March, Mohegan Tribal Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum wrote to Gov. M. Jodi Rell warning that the tribe would challenge any attempt to impose a smoking ban on the casino or state tribal lands as an “affront” to tribal sovereignty. Both Bozsum and Mohegan Attorney General Helga Woods also warned, ominously for those concerned about the state budget, that the tribe would place into escrow its scheduled slot revenue payments to the state in the event of a legal battle.
The two tribes are projected to pay nearly $400 million in slot revenues to the state in the coming fiscal year, a sum that lawmakers would be loath to forego as Connecticut struggles with projected annual deficits of at least $4 billion over the next two years.
But even if the smoking ban goes into effect, said Etess, its effects through the simple discouragement of smokers’ business at the casinos would be “catastrophic.”
The smoking ban bill, H.B. 5608, is awaiting action by the Finance Committee.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Connecticut will not back down. Their Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal will lead the attack to have all smoking banned in the Connecticut casinos by October, 2011.
Is it fair? Probably not. Will the Mohegan Sun Casino be at an economic disadvantage, if this happens? Absolutely. Phasing in more smoking at the same pace as the competition is the way to go. The tribe needs to negotiate. It will hurt the Mohegan Sun Casino's revenues.
Instead of threatening the state, Bruce "Two dogs" Bozsum and Helga Woods should negotiate with the state. Holding back the revenue from slot machines by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, could be a catastrophe. We (the Mohegan Tribe) should not be going down this road. In my opinion, this is bad leadership at it's best. Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, should be held accountable by the tribe for his actions. Should he go? What do you think?
TWIN RIVERS DOG RACING SHUTTING DOWN
RI gambling parlor to suspend greyhound racing
Published on 5/5/2009
LINCOLN, R.I. (AP) — The struggling Twin River gambling parlor says it's suspending greyhound racing for the rest of the year as it deals with deep financial problems.
Craig Eaton, the senior vice president and general counsel for the Lincoln slot parlor, told the state Department of Business Regulation in a letter Wednesday that May 31 would be the last day of racing this year.
Twin River spokeswoman Patti Doyle says the move is in preparation for a possible bankruptcy filing, though she had no timetable for if and when that might happen.
She said about 40 workers would lose their jobs once the racing shuts down.
Rhode Island officials last week broke off talks with Twin River about a possible state takeover after deciding that it would be unwise to take on the facility's debt.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The dog track seems to be a looser. Twin Rivers in bankruptcy?
I don't think we could shut down Pocono Downs trotter racing. I believe it is tied in with our license in Pennylvania.
If Pocono Downs was not tied to the Mohegan Sun, in Connecticut, would it be bankrupt, too? I believe, we (the Mohegan Tribe) knew going into the Pocono deal, that the horse racing would never make money? How much do we pay the horsemen every year? How much have we spent or will spend on improvements of the harness racing? Do you know? Should we find some way to get out of this deal? What do you think?
Bankruptcy for Twin Rivers means that the casino will have the opportunity to somehow fix their financial situation. It could also mean the end of the racetrack or the casino as it exists at the moment. It could mean more business for the Mohegan Sun and Foxwood Resorts Casino and the MGM Hotel Casino at Foxwoods.
Published on 5/5/2009
LINCOLN, R.I. (AP) — The struggling Twin River gambling parlor says it's suspending greyhound racing for the rest of the year as it deals with deep financial problems.
Craig Eaton, the senior vice president and general counsel for the Lincoln slot parlor, told the state Department of Business Regulation in a letter Wednesday that May 31 would be the last day of racing this year.
Twin River spokeswoman Patti Doyle says the move is in preparation for a possible bankruptcy filing, though she had no timetable for if and when that might happen.
She said about 40 workers would lose their jobs once the racing shuts down.
Rhode Island officials last week broke off talks with Twin River about a possible state takeover after deciding that it would be unwise to take on the facility's debt.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The dog track seems to be a looser. Twin Rivers in bankruptcy?
I don't think we could shut down Pocono Downs trotter racing. I believe it is tied in with our license in Pennylvania.
If Pocono Downs was not tied to the Mohegan Sun, in Connecticut, would it be bankrupt, too? I believe, we (the Mohegan Tribe) knew going into the Pocono deal, that the horse racing would never make money? How much do we pay the horsemen every year? How much have we spent or will spend on improvements of the harness racing? Do you know? Should we find some way to get out of this deal? What do you think?
Bankruptcy for Twin Rivers means that the casino will have the opportunity to somehow fix their financial situation. It could also mean the end of the racetrack or the casino as it exists at the moment. It could mean more business for the Mohegan Sun and Foxwood Resorts Casino and the MGM Hotel Casino at Foxwoods.
MOODY'S B3 JUNK BONDS
Moody's downgrades casinos' credit ratings
Published on 5/2/2009
Moody's Investors Service lowered its credit ratings Friday for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, respectively.
It cut the Mashantucket Pequots' corporate family and probability-of-default ratings from Ba3 to B1, a low noninvestment or “junk” grade. The tribe's rating outlook is negative.
The Mohegan authority's corporate family and probability-of-default ratings were lowered further, from B2 to B3 “in response to a continuation of weak revenue trends.” The authority's rating outlook also is negative.
Foxwoods “remains exposed to weak gaming demand trends as well as increased competition from video lottery terminal facilities in New York and Rhode Island,” Moody's said.
Moody's also lowered its ratings for Waterford Gaming LLC and Waterford Gaming Finance Corp., whose fortunes are tied to those of Mohegan Sun, which it helped develop and manage.
- Brian Hallenbeck
"Regional"
Gaming A
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Part of what the Day writer wrote is incorrect, however, the fact that Moody's downgraded the MTGA (the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority) the Mohegan Tribal Council to B3 IS 100% accurate..
Our (the Mohegan Tribe) credit line has continued to drop because the performance of our casinos and poor business decisions by the MTGA. Our bond rating is JUNK BONDS.
Who is to blame for this? The Mohegan Tribal Council. That's who.
Five members of the Tribal Council are running for re-election, consider the Moody's rating when you vote. Only one of the five based on his voting record should stay, the rest should go. Should they go? What do you think?
Published on 5/2/2009
Moody's Investors Service lowered its credit ratings Friday for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, respectively.
It cut the Mashantucket Pequots' corporate family and probability-of-default ratings from Ba3 to B1, a low noninvestment or “junk” grade. The tribe's rating outlook is negative.
The Mohegan authority's corporate family and probability-of-default ratings were lowered further, from B2 to B3 “in response to a continuation of weak revenue trends.” The authority's rating outlook also is negative.
Foxwoods “remains exposed to weak gaming demand trends as well as increased competition from video lottery terminal facilities in New York and Rhode Island,” Moody's said.
Moody's also lowered its ratings for Waterford Gaming LLC and Waterford Gaming Finance Corp., whose fortunes are tied to those of Mohegan Sun, which it helped develop and manage.
- Brian Hallenbeck
"Regional"
Gaming A
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Part of what the Day writer wrote is incorrect, however, the fact that Moody's downgraded the MTGA (the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority) the Mohegan Tribal Council to B3 IS 100% accurate..
Our (the Mohegan Tribe) credit line has continued to drop because the performance of our casinos and poor business decisions by the MTGA. Our bond rating is JUNK BONDS.
Who is to blame for this? The Mohegan Tribal Council. That's who.
Five members of the Tribal Council are running for re-election, consider the Moody's rating when you vote. Only one of the five based on his voting record should stay, the rest should go. Should they go? What do you think?
Saturday, May 2, 2009
MOHEGAN SUN REVENUES FALL AGAIN
Mohegan Sun revenues fall 16% in 2nd quarter
By Brian Hallenbeck Published on 5/1/2009
Mohegan - Revenues at Mohegan Sun fell more than 16 percent in January, February and March, but the losses were partially offset by a cost-containment program that reduced the casino's operating expenses by more than 18 percent.
The figures were released Thursday by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which discussed its second-quarter financial results in a conference call with investors and analysts. The authority owns and operates Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a Wilkes-Barre, Pa., facility that offers slot machines and harness racing. The authority's 2009 fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2008 and ends Sept. 30, 2009.
The authority's consolidated results show its net income for the second quarter totaled $33.2 million, a decline of less than a percent over the same quarter in 2008.
”We're relatively pleased with our results,” said Mitchell Etess, the authority's chief executive officer, who told call participants that the economy continues to take a toll on the gaming industry. He noted that the authority reported adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $85.1 million for the quarter, a 1.4 percent decline, while net revenues came to $351.4 million, a 10.5 percent decrease.
The cost-containment program, which featured salary rollbacks - but no layoffs - for all Mohegan Sun employees, including top executives; cuts in spending on advertising and marketing; and some shortening of hours at the casino's shops and restaurants, saved $30 million in the quarter, Jeffrey Hartmann, the authority's chief operating officer, said. The program is expected to produce another $40 million in savings by the end of the fiscal year, he said.
Both Etess and Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, lauded employees' role in reducing expenses. Acknowledging that the authority's quarterly EBITDA “did not achieve the levels of previous years,” Bozsum said he was “proud and grateful to the entire Mohegan family.”
While the authority's consolidated slot revenues of $244 million were down 3.6 percent, table-games revenues fell 27.5 percent to $74.2 million, and nongaming revenues - from restaurants, hotels, retail shops and entertainment venues - dropped 21 percent to $54.2 million. At Mohegan Sun alone, gaming revenues were down 15.2 percent to $290.4 million and nongaming revenues were down 24.1 percent to $49.6 million.
Etess said the gaming numbers showed that table-games players had curtailed their gambling due to the economic conditions. While “rated” players' trips to the gaming tables were up slightly for the quarter, spending per player was down significantly. As for slot-machine revenues, Mohegan Sun's share of the Connecticut market slipped from 55 percent to 52.5 percent during the quarter, a decline Etess attributed to the “competition's capital investments.” Foxwoods Resort Casino opened MGM Grand at Foxwoods last May, adding more than 1,000 slot machines.
In reporting its financial results, the authority also called attention to an $8.5 million gain from the early extinguishment of debt. As of March 31, the authority's total debt was approximately $1.6 billion.
B.HALLENBECK@THEDAY.COM
"Regional"
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, the Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman, said EBIDTA "DID NOT ACHIEVE THE LEVELS OF PREVIOUS YEARS" but he waa "PROUD AND GRATEFUL TO THE ENTIRE MOHEGAN FAMILY." In my opinion, once again Chairman Bozsum got it wrong. He is sticking his head in the sand. Either he really doesn't understand finances or he is trying to make a bad situation look better. The facts do not bare out what he said. The other thing is, who does he mean by the Mohegan Family? The workers, the tribe, who? The only thing, I agree with him about is that the workers from the casino do a great job. They should be commended.
The fact, that is not evident in this article, is the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority's total debt today in 2009 is $1.598 Billion Dollars compared to one year ago in 2008 of $1.367 Billion ($1,597,548,000.00 now compared to $1,366,587,000.00 in 2008. The Total Debt increased Two Hundred and Thirty One Million Dollars. Almost a Quarter of a Billion dollars. Look at the number, $230,961,000.00. Our credit rating dropped to B3 by Moody's. Chairman Bozsum, this is good? How come you aren't telling it the way it is? What figures are you looking at?
The reality, is that under this present, Tribal Council, has consistantly lost money, over and over again, over the last few years. This situation was going down hill before the economy hit the bottom. These people (the existing Tribal Council) have failed us. They should go. They didn't get it done.
Once again, in my opinion, Chairman Bozsum, and the Mohegan Tribal Council are trying to sell something to the tribal membership. Does anyone want to by a bridge? I have a bridge that connects Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York for sale. Is anyone interested? What do you think?
By Brian Hallenbeck Published on 5/1/2009
Mohegan - Revenues at Mohegan Sun fell more than 16 percent in January, February and March, but the losses were partially offset by a cost-containment program that reduced the casino's operating expenses by more than 18 percent.
The figures were released Thursday by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which discussed its second-quarter financial results in a conference call with investors and analysts. The authority owns and operates Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a Wilkes-Barre, Pa., facility that offers slot machines and harness racing. The authority's 2009 fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2008 and ends Sept. 30, 2009.
The authority's consolidated results show its net income for the second quarter totaled $33.2 million, a decline of less than a percent over the same quarter in 2008.
”We're relatively pleased with our results,” said Mitchell Etess, the authority's chief executive officer, who told call participants that the economy continues to take a toll on the gaming industry. He noted that the authority reported adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $85.1 million for the quarter, a 1.4 percent decline, while net revenues came to $351.4 million, a 10.5 percent decrease.
The cost-containment program, which featured salary rollbacks - but no layoffs - for all Mohegan Sun employees, including top executives; cuts in spending on advertising and marketing; and some shortening of hours at the casino's shops and restaurants, saved $30 million in the quarter, Jeffrey Hartmann, the authority's chief operating officer, said. The program is expected to produce another $40 million in savings by the end of the fiscal year, he said.
Both Etess and Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, lauded employees' role in reducing expenses. Acknowledging that the authority's quarterly EBITDA “did not achieve the levels of previous years,” Bozsum said he was “proud and grateful to the entire Mohegan family.”
While the authority's consolidated slot revenues of $244 million were down 3.6 percent, table-games revenues fell 27.5 percent to $74.2 million, and nongaming revenues - from restaurants, hotels, retail shops and entertainment venues - dropped 21 percent to $54.2 million. At Mohegan Sun alone, gaming revenues were down 15.2 percent to $290.4 million and nongaming revenues were down 24.1 percent to $49.6 million.
Etess said the gaming numbers showed that table-games players had curtailed their gambling due to the economic conditions. While “rated” players' trips to the gaming tables were up slightly for the quarter, spending per player was down significantly. As for slot-machine revenues, Mohegan Sun's share of the Connecticut market slipped from 55 percent to 52.5 percent during the quarter, a decline Etess attributed to the “competition's capital investments.” Foxwoods Resort Casino opened MGM Grand at Foxwoods last May, adding more than 1,000 slot machines.
In reporting its financial results, the authority also called attention to an $8.5 million gain from the early extinguishment of debt. As of March 31, the authority's total debt was approximately $1.6 billion.
B.HALLENBECK@THEDAY.COM
"Regional"
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, the Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman, said EBIDTA "DID NOT ACHIEVE THE LEVELS OF PREVIOUS YEARS" but he waa "PROUD AND GRATEFUL TO THE ENTIRE MOHEGAN FAMILY." In my opinion, once again Chairman Bozsum got it wrong. He is sticking his head in the sand. Either he really doesn't understand finances or he is trying to make a bad situation look better. The facts do not bare out what he said. The other thing is, who does he mean by the Mohegan Family? The workers, the tribe, who? The only thing, I agree with him about is that the workers from the casino do a great job. They should be commended.
The fact, that is not evident in this article, is the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority's total debt today in 2009 is $1.598 Billion Dollars compared to one year ago in 2008 of $1.367 Billion ($1,597,548,000.00 now compared to $1,366,587,000.00 in 2008. The Total Debt increased Two Hundred and Thirty One Million Dollars. Almost a Quarter of a Billion dollars. Look at the number, $230,961,000.00. Our credit rating dropped to B3 by Moody's. Chairman Bozsum, this is good? How come you aren't telling it the way it is? What figures are you looking at?
The reality, is that under this present, Tribal Council, has consistantly lost money, over and over again, over the last few years. This situation was going down hill before the economy hit the bottom. These people (the existing Tribal Council) have failed us. They should go. They didn't get it done.
Once again, in my opinion, Chairman Bozsum, and the Mohegan Tribal Council are trying to sell something to the tribal membership. Does anyone want to by a bridge? I have a bridge that connects Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York for sale. Is anyone interested? What do you think?
Friday, May 1, 2009
AVOID PLANES AND TRAINS
Avoid trains and air travel, advises Joe Biden
Americans should avoid underground trains and air travel to reduce the chance of catching swine flu, vice president Joe Biden indicated, despite official calls for calm.
Speaking today, Mr Biden said he sympathised with parents who were worried about the spread of disease, but reiterated the White House line on shutting down the Mexico border.
President Barack Obama ruled out closing the border with Mexico to protect the US from the outbreak yesterday, likening it to "closing the barn door after the horses are out".
He has previously said the outbreak was cause for concern but not alarm. But speaking on NBC today, his vice president appeared to toughen up advice on protection, stating that he would personally tell family members not to go anywhere in confined spaces at the moment.
It has also reported the only death to have occurred outside Mexico, that of a Mexican toddler visiting relatives in Texas.
In a speech marking his 100th day in office, Mr Obama said that he was monitoring the situation. He added: "This is obviously a very serious situation and every American should know that their entire government is taking the utmost precautions and preparations".
But he said that shutting the border with Mexico was not an option.
Instead he focused on everyday measures of prevention such as regular hand-washing and staying at home if any symptoms were seen.
Speaking today, Mr Biden said he sympathised with parents who were worried about the spread of disease, but reiterated the White House line on shutting down the Mexico border.
Asked if he would advise his own family not to fly to Mexico, the vice president said: "I would tell members of my family, and I have, I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places right now."
He added: "I would not be at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway.
"If you're out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes that's one thing. If you're in a closed aircraft, a closed container, closed car, a closed classroom, it's a different thing."
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The Vice President of the United States advised United States citizens to be careful especially in closed areas such as planes and trains.
According to news sources, the swine flu could kill one in every one thousand people infected (1 in 1,000).
Maybe to be safe Mohegan Tribal Members should stay out of their government building and casino because of what Biden said. It might be hazardous to your health. Should we go there? What do you think?
Americans should avoid underground trains and air travel to reduce the chance of catching swine flu, vice president Joe Biden indicated, despite official calls for calm.
Speaking today, Mr Biden said he sympathised with parents who were worried about the spread of disease, but reiterated the White House line on shutting down the Mexico border.
President Barack Obama ruled out closing the border with Mexico to protect the US from the outbreak yesterday, likening it to "closing the barn door after the horses are out".
He has previously said the outbreak was cause for concern but not alarm. But speaking on NBC today, his vice president appeared to toughen up advice on protection, stating that he would personally tell family members not to go anywhere in confined spaces at the moment.
It has also reported the only death to have occurred outside Mexico, that of a Mexican toddler visiting relatives in Texas.
In a speech marking his 100th day in office, Mr Obama said that he was monitoring the situation. He added: "This is obviously a very serious situation and every American should know that their entire government is taking the utmost precautions and preparations".
But he said that shutting the border with Mexico was not an option.
Instead he focused on everyday measures of prevention such as regular hand-washing and staying at home if any symptoms were seen.
Speaking today, Mr Biden said he sympathised with parents who were worried about the spread of disease, but reiterated the White House line on shutting down the Mexico border.
Asked if he would advise his own family not to fly to Mexico, the vice president said: "I would tell members of my family, and I have, I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places right now."
He added: "I would not be at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway.
"If you're out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes that's one thing. If you're in a closed aircraft, a closed container, closed car, a closed classroom, it's a different thing."
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The Vice President of the United States advised United States citizens to be careful especially in closed areas such as planes and trains.
According to news sources, the swine flu could kill one in every one thousand people infected (1 in 1,000).
Maybe to be safe Mohegan Tribal Members should stay out of their government building and casino because of what Biden said. It might be hazardous to your health. Should we go there? What do you think?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
AQUEDUCT DEADLINE MAY 8, 2009
Aqueduct racino deadline May 8 for developers
by Stephen Geffon, Chronicle Contributor
04/30/2009
The rebid request comes just one month after Delaware North, the Buffalo-based company that owns and operates the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, announced it would not be able to secure the $370 million franchise fee required by March 31 to obtain the exclusive rights to develop a casino complex at Aqueduct. The complex is slated to feature a 184,000 square-foot gambling floor with 4,500 video gambling terminals, several restaurants, a hotel and a 60,000 square-foot conference center.
“We remain absolutely committed to bringing a VLT facility to Aqueduct, which will provide much needed economic development to the race track, and critical funding for education in New York,” Paterson said. “It is extremely disappointing that the economic crisis has slowed this development, but we are confident that Aqueduct will be transformed into a destination spot for racing and gaming fans.”
Even after Delaware North pulled out of the deal, elected officials remained hopeful the area would be developed into a profitable joint racetrack and casino venture.
Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), who watched plans for Aqueduct collapse several times in the last seven years, noted that Delaware North was never the community’s first choice.
“I am very disappointed and frustrated that the process to select a developer for the Aqueduct VLTs has been so slow,” Pheffer said. “However, I remain committed to working to ensure that we select the best qualified operator for the VLTs, who will not only benefit our community but who will bring our vision of the new Aqueduct to fruition.”
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Ozone Park) remained positive, as well.
“I am more optimistic today about the future of Aqueduct and our surrounding communities now that the VLT solicitation process has begun,” Addabbo said.
As with the original proposal, the selected operator will be chosen by a unanimous agreement between Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan).
Among those developers expected to submit bids are Delaware North partnering with Aqueduct Gaming, Capital Play with Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the Victoria Racing Club and SL Green joining with the Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock Entertainment.
©Queens Chronicle 2009
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; If I were the State of New York, I would be disappointed that the deal between the state and Deleware North didn't work out. Now the deal is for about two hundred and fifty million ($250,000,000.00) in construction costs and the state is taking a aeventy eight percent (78%) tax on the facility. That leaves twenty two percent (22%) for whoever gets the deal to make a profit, after paying the loans, interest, employees, facility and everything else to make a profit. That's impossible. A really bad deal, yet the MTGA (the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority) is thinking about doing it. Which tribal councilors are in favor of this deal. Why isn't the tribal council putting the brakes on this deal? Do you know? What do you think?
by Stephen Geffon, Chronicle Contributor
04/30/2009
The rebid request comes just one month after Delaware North, the Buffalo-based company that owns and operates the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, announced it would not be able to secure the $370 million franchise fee required by March 31 to obtain the exclusive rights to develop a casino complex at Aqueduct. The complex is slated to feature a 184,000 square-foot gambling floor with 4,500 video gambling terminals, several restaurants, a hotel and a 60,000 square-foot conference center.
“We remain absolutely committed to bringing a VLT facility to Aqueduct, which will provide much needed economic development to the race track, and critical funding for education in New York,” Paterson said. “It is extremely disappointing that the economic crisis has slowed this development, but we are confident that Aqueduct will be transformed into a destination spot for racing and gaming fans.”
Even after Delaware North pulled out of the deal, elected officials remained hopeful the area would be developed into a profitable joint racetrack and casino venture.
Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), who watched plans for Aqueduct collapse several times in the last seven years, noted that Delaware North was never the community’s first choice.
“I am very disappointed and frustrated that the process to select a developer for the Aqueduct VLTs has been so slow,” Pheffer said. “However, I remain committed to working to ensure that we select the best qualified operator for the VLTs, who will not only benefit our community but who will bring our vision of the new Aqueduct to fruition.”
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Ozone Park) remained positive, as well.
“I am more optimistic today about the future of Aqueduct and our surrounding communities now that the VLT solicitation process has begun,” Addabbo said.
As with the original proposal, the selected operator will be chosen by a unanimous agreement between Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan).
Among those developers expected to submit bids are Delaware North partnering with Aqueduct Gaming, Capital Play with Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the Victoria Racing Club and SL Green joining with the Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock Entertainment.
©Queens Chronicle 2009
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; If I were the State of New York, I would be disappointed that the deal between the state and Deleware North didn't work out. Now the deal is for about two hundred and fifty million ($250,000,000.00) in construction costs and the state is taking a aeventy eight percent (78%) tax on the facility. That leaves twenty two percent (22%) for whoever gets the deal to make a profit, after paying the loans, interest, employees, facility and everything else to make a profit. That's impossible. A really bad deal, yet the MTGA (the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority) is thinking about doing it. Which tribal councilors are in favor of this deal. Why isn't the tribal council putting the brakes on this deal? Do you know? What do you think?
''DRUNK DRIVERS'
Driver in Fatal Was Drinking at Casino'
By David Collins Published on 4/29/2009
Christopher Brulotte, the 25-year-old construction worker accused of causing a fatal accident April 5 on Interstate 395, sweeping another car off the highway after hitting it from behind at a high rate of speed, was apparently spectacularly drunk.
His blood alcohol levels were .228 and .220, according to police tests, nearly three times the legal limit.
He was so drunk, someone who saw him after the accident told me, that it is hard to imagine how anyone could have continued to serve him alcohol that night. And yet they did.
Brulotte was on his way from Mohegan Sun the night of the accident, his lawyer, Ron Stevens of East Lyme, confirmed this week. He had been drinking at a restaurant there and then on the casino gaming floor, others say.
”It was a tragedy Brulotte, a resident of Lisbon who was also arrested in 2007 on drunken driving charges, will presumably pay a heavy price for what he did. He has been charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle in the death of the 59-year-old Willimantic woman who died in the accident.
Brulotte was the second person in less than a month charged with drunken driving in a fatal accident who had last been drinking at Mohegan Sun before driving. A 23-year-old Connecticut College student was killed March 7 by a wrong-way driver police say had also been drinking at the Sun.
Two fatal accidents in a month attributed to drunken drivers served at the same place is a damning record, one that apparently has been a loud call to action.
Mitchell Etess, president and chief executive officer, said Tuesday the casino has instituted a number of new policies and training programs since the two accidents.
In addition to existing training for liquor servers, dealers will also be taught to better identify and flag drunk patrons. Valets will also get new training. Security personnel will be stationed at exits to the garages on weekend nights to be on the lookout for people who shouldn't drive and electronic signage throughout the casino will deliver drunken driving warnings with increasing frequency throughout the night.
The drink service rules have also been tightened so that customers may be served no more than two drinks an hour. It used to be three. That includes drinks that are paid for as well as complimentary drinks served to people who are gambling.
”We felt like we were doing a lot of things already,” Etess said, citing extensive training programs for beverage servers and electronic systems to be sure that a patron cut off in one area of the casino isn't served somewhere else.
”We always felt we have had a rigorous program in trying to monitor and deal with the consumption of alcohol on the property but . . . in light of the recent events we decided to expand our efforts.”
Both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods pay to have liquor inspectors on the property and both pay substantial fines for violations, although neither casino has ever had its license suspended. Mohegan Sun has paid far more fines over the years, and settled 18 incidents of serving intoxicated people in 2007 and 2008, compared to just two cases at Foxwoods in the same period.
Etess said he couldn't explain the disparity. One can only hope it's going to end.
The state police, too, have taken the two accidents as a call to do something about an obvious problem.
Police were wrong not to disclose to the public, in the wake of the most recent accident, that the accused driver had been drinking at the casino. They did tell casino executives, though.
A recent enhanced weekend police drunken driving patrol netted seven arrests in less than eight hours. More are planned.
Maybe we've reached a turning point.
One thing is for sure. I don't think Gov. Rell will cozy up again for a long, long time to the idea of allowing the casinos to serve liquor 24 hours a day.
This Is The Opinion Of David Collins.
"Regional"
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; If you read the story, you come away thinking that maybe the state police didn't tell the media, where the drivers came from to begin with.
It is good to hear that the casinos are doing somthing about this problem. Hopefuly more lives don't have to be lost. Maybe the plan will work. Let's pray it does. I would not want this on my conscience.
Collins is probably correct, when he states that Governor M. Jodi Rell will not be advocatiing twenty four (24) hour driniking in the casinos anytime soon. Keeping drunk drivers off the roadways seem to be a hard thing to do. Good job David Collins. What do you think?
By David Collins Published on 4/29/2009
Christopher Brulotte, the 25-year-old construction worker accused of causing a fatal accident April 5 on Interstate 395, sweeping another car off the highway after hitting it from behind at a high rate of speed, was apparently spectacularly drunk.
His blood alcohol levels were .228 and .220, according to police tests, nearly three times the legal limit.
He was so drunk, someone who saw him after the accident told me, that it is hard to imagine how anyone could have continued to serve him alcohol that night. And yet they did.
Brulotte was on his way from Mohegan Sun the night of the accident, his lawyer, Ron Stevens of East Lyme, confirmed this week. He had been drinking at a restaurant there and then on the casino gaming floor, others say.
”It was a tragedy Brulotte, a resident of Lisbon who was also arrested in 2007 on drunken driving charges, will presumably pay a heavy price for what he did. He has been charged with second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle in the death of the 59-year-old Willimantic woman who died in the accident.
Brulotte was the second person in less than a month charged with drunken driving in a fatal accident who had last been drinking at Mohegan Sun before driving. A 23-year-old Connecticut College student was killed March 7 by a wrong-way driver police say had also been drinking at the Sun.
Two fatal accidents in a month attributed to drunken drivers served at the same place is a damning record, one that apparently has been a loud call to action.
Mitchell Etess, president and chief executive officer, said Tuesday the casino has instituted a number of new policies and training programs since the two accidents.
In addition to existing training for liquor servers, dealers will also be taught to better identify and flag drunk patrons. Valets will also get new training. Security personnel will be stationed at exits to the garages on weekend nights to be on the lookout for people who shouldn't drive and electronic signage throughout the casino will deliver drunken driving warnings with increasing frequency throughout the night.
The drink service rules have also been tightened so that customers may be served no more than two drinks an hour. It used to be three. That includes drinks that are paid for as well as complimentary drinks served to people who are gambling.
”We felt like we were doing a lot of things already,” Etess said, citing extensive training programs for beverage servers and electronic systems to be sure that a patron cut off in one area of the casino isn't served somewhere else.
”We always felt we have had a rigorous program in trying to monitor and deal with the consumption of alcohol on the property but . . . in light of the recent events we decided to expand our efforts.”
Both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods pay to have liquor inspectors on the property and both pay substantial fines for violations, although neither casino has ever had its license suspended. Mohegan Sun has paid far more fines over the years, and settled 18 incidents of serving intoxicated people in 2007 and 2008, compared to just two cases at Foxwoods in the same period.
Etess said he couldn't explain the disparity. One can only hope it's going to end.
The state police, too, have taken the two accidents as a call to do something about an obvious problem.
Police were wrong not to disclose to the public, in the wake of the most recent accident, that the accused driver had been drinking at the casino. They did tell casino executives, though.
A recent enhanced weekend police drunken driving patrol netted seven arrests in less than eight hours. More are planned.
Maybe we've reached a turning point.
One thing is for sure. I don't think Gov. Rell will cozy up again for a long, long time to the idea of allowing the casinos to serve liquor 24 hours a day.
This Is The Opinion Of David Collins.
"Regional"
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; If you read the story, you come away thinking that maybe the state police didn't tell the media, where the drivers came from to begin with.
It is good to hear that the casinos are doing somthing about this problem. Hopefuly more lives don't have to be lost. Maybe the plan will work. Let's pray it does. I would not want this on my conscience.
Collins is probably correct, when he states that Governor M. Jodi Rell will not be advocatiing twenty four (24) hour driniking in the casinos anytime soon. Keeping drunk drivers off the roadways seem to be a hard thing to do. Good job David Collins. What do you think?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
MOHEGAN PARK
Just recently, it was a beautiful sunny spring day, in the sixties (60's), and I decided I needed to do some execise, since I had been cooped up all winter. I thought a nice walk in Mohegan Park would be the perfect thing to do. Off to Norwich.
I drove over the Thames River, past the Mohegan Monument, past the mall with its memorials to the war dead of Norwich, (brave men and women all), right at the gas station, past the schools, and up the hills in to Mohegan Park. I parked the car.
It was a cool day with a slight breeze. I started walking the extimated mile and a half walk on the black topped paved eight foot wide paths along the road around Mohegan Park. I looked out and thought, the leaves will be popping out of the limbs soon. Soon there will flowers. No more winter. I thought, had my ancestors, walked in this same area many moons ago.
As I walked, I thought how beautiful Connecticut really is. When we look at the combination of trees, rocks and the hills, it quite tranquil and peaceful, complete. I thought, did our ancestors, really enjoy, this or were they so busy living that they didn't see it or feel it. Is it true, you can see the forest but not the trees? Do we need to stand back and look at the whole picture? Is there more than meets the eye? Do we take ourselves too seriously?
I walked past, where last fall, there had been a small stream about two feet wide, it wasn't there. I guess, not enough rain fall, it must have dried up. It reminded me how things are continually changing. I had expected to see the stream, but it was not there. Would it be there again?
I walked over the little wooden bridge and looked at the stram below, the water swirling, spashing against its rocks, headed south. I thought where is the water going? The bottom of the stram, like most strams in Cnnecticut), was filled with brown mud and brown rocks. I thought there doesn't seem to be anything living in the water. I thought, is the water cold? ould it be okay to drink it? Not me, I am not going to drink the water? I then thought of Uncas' Sring, and how in the old days a cup was always there for vistors of the spring to have a drink. I thoght it is pring, I should check it out. Time to go.
Up the path, past the parking lots, the arbor, the play ground and the pond. Kids were trying their luck at fishing. Some ducks were in the water near the edge of the pond looking up at me as I passed. I thought is this like when you go to the zoo and see the apes? What were they thinking? What did they think of me?
Over another wooden bridge, it had been painted with a redwood stain, the stain had worn away exposing the bare fir wood of the base of the bridge. It needed to be painted. Oh, well not my job. I looked at the spring, that went under the bridge, and thought little stream, where did you start? Keep walking.
As I walked along the pond, I thought, soon it will be summer and people will be swimming at the beach on the other side of the pond. It will be noisy and not quiet like now. I walked to the water fountain. It was off, so I decided to sit on the park bench, and just think. I looked over at the statues of the Mohegan family, that are there, the same stautes that at one time, we had at the Mohegan Sun winter entrance. I thoughtb where are our stautes? Our Mohegan family? When will the casino bring them back?
I climbed the hill, back to my car. I drove out of the park, thinking how good it felt to be alive. How lucky and good it is to be a Mohegan. It was a good day for one Mohegan. What do you think/
I drove over the Thames River, past the Mohegan Monument, past the mall with its memorials to the war dead of Norwich, (brave men and women all), right at the gas station, past the schools, and up the hills in to Mohegan Park. I parked the car.
It was a cool day with a slight breeze. I started walking the extimated mile and a half walk on the black topped paved eight foot wide paths along the road around Mohegan Park. I looked out and thought, the leaves will be popping out of the limbs soon. Soon there will flowers. No more winter. I thought, had my ancestors, walked in this same area many moons ago.
As I walked, I thought how beautiful Connecticut really is. When we look at the combination of trees, rocks and the hills, it quite tranquil and peaceful, complete. I thought, did our ancestors, really enjoy, this or were they so busy living that they didn't see it or feel it. Is it true, you can see the forest but not the trees? Do we need to stand back and look at the whole picture? Is there more than meets the eye? Do we take ourselves too seriously?
I walked past, where last fall, there had been a small stream about two feet wide, it wasn't there. I guess, not enough rain fall, it must have dried up. It reminded me how things are continually changing. I had expected to see the stream, but it was not there. Would it be there again?
I walked over the little wooden bridge and looked at the stram below, the water swirling, spashing against its rocks, headed south. I thought where is the water going? The bottom of the stram, like most strams in Cnnecticut), was filled with brown mud and brown rocks. I thought there doesn't seem to be anything living in the water. I thought, is the water cold? ould it be okay to drink it? Not me, I am not going to drink the water? I then thought of Uncas' Sring, and how in the old days a cup was always there for vistors of the spring to have a drink. I thoght it is pring, I should check it out. Time to go.
Up the path, past the parking lots, the arbor, the play ground and the pond. Kids were trying their luck at fishing. Some ducks were in the water near the edge of the pond looking up at me as I passed. I thought is this like when you go to the zoo and see the apes? What were they thinking? What did they think of me?
Over another wooden bridge, it had been painted with a redwood stain, the stain had worn away exposing the bare fir wood of the base of the bridge. It needed to be painted. Oh, well not my job. I looked at the spring, that went under the bridge, and thought little stream, where did you start? Keep walking.
As I walked along the pond, I thought, soon it will be summer and people will be swimming at the beach on the other side of the pond. It will be noisy and not quiet like now. I walked to the water fountain. It was off, so I decided to sit on the park bench, and just think. I looked over at the statues of the Mohegan family, that are there, the same stautes that at one time, we had at the Mohegan Sun winter entrance. I thoughtb where are our stautes? Our Mohegan family? When will the casino bring them back?
I climbed the hill, back to my car. I drove out of the park, thinking how good it felt to be alive. How lucky and good it is to be a Mohegan. It was a good day for one Mohegan. What do you think/
CHILD LEFT ALONE IN MOHEGAN SUN CASINO HOTEL ROOM
Woman Accused Of Leaving Child In Hotel Room
Published on 4/29/2009
Mohegan - A Queens, N.Y., woman was arrested Monday morning after police say she left her 8-year-old child unattended in a hotel room at Mohegan Sun.
Sonia Alejandra, 29, is charged with leaving a child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation.
State police said Alejandra and her boyfriend left the room at 6:45 a.m. About an hour later Alejandra was found in the hotel lobby and was arrested.
Alejandra was released on a $500 bond. She is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on May 5.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; How many times is this kind of thing going to happen in our (the Mohegan Tribe) hotel? Why do people do this? Does anyone have an idea how to stop this? What do you think?
Published on 4/29/2009
Mohegan - A Queens, N.Y., woman was arrested Monday morning after police say she left her 8-year-old child unattended in a hotel room at Mohegan Sun.
Sonia Alejandra, 29, is charged with leaving a child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation.
State police said Alejandra and her boyfriend left the room at 6:45 a.m. About an hour later Alejandra was found in the hotel lobby and was arrested.
Alejandra was released on a $500 bond. She is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on May 5.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; How many times is this kind of thing going to happen in our (the Mohegan Tribe) hotel? Why do people do this? Does anyone have an idea how to stop this? What do you think?
MAYORS AND UNIONS WANT CASINOS IN MASSACHUSETTS
Mayors, unions revive casino push
April 21, 2009 11:27 AM Email| Comments (32)| Text size – + By Matt Viser, Globe Staff
A group of influential mayors, including Thomas M. Menino of Boston, and trade unions re-launched their campaign today to persuade lawmakers to legalize casino gambling in Massachusetts, adding further momentum to a hot-button debate that is expected to take place on Beacon Hill this fall.
The group, called the “Massachusetts Coalition for Jobs and Growth,” is sending out letters to municipal officials to try to persuade them to get behind resort-style casinos, the version that is supported by Governor Deval Patrick.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, whose district includes Suffolk Downs and Wonderland racetracks, has expressed strong backing for slot parlors, with the most likely venues being the state's existing dog and horse racing tracks. Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, who oversees the lottery, has supported auctioning three licenses for slot parlors.
Senate President Therese Murray last week added more momentum to the debate, saying the state needed to find a new source of revenue as the state struggles through a budget crisis. “Ka-ching,” Murray told a group of business leaders at a hotel ballroom, jerking her arm downward as if pulling the lever on a slot machine.
The letter from local officials, which is going out this week, was signed by Mayors Thomas M. Menino of Boston, Kimberley Driscoll of Salem, Thomas Ambrosino of Revere, and City Manager Jay Ash of Chelsea.
“We don’t have the luxury to continue a policy that exports Massachusetts tax revenues, jobs, and tourism to Connecticut and Rhode Island,” Menino said in a statement. “We have an opportunity with the authorization of resort casinos to create a new and sustainable revenue source for the state and cities and towns that will also create thousands of new jobs and stimulate tourism and economic development growth. And we need to seize that opportunity now.”
The coalition so far includes:
Mayor Tom Ambrosino, City of Revere
Mayor Tom Menino, City of Boston
City Manager Jay Ash, City of Chelsea
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, City of Salem
Mayor Mark Hawke, City of Gardner
Mayor Carolyn A. Kirk, City of Gloucester
Sheet Metal Workers LV # 17
Greater Boston Labor Council
New England Regional Council of Carpenters
Local 103 I.B.E.W
Sheet Metal Workers LV # 17
Massachusetts Teachers Association
Massachusetts Building Trades Council
Carpenters Local 624
Massachusetts AFL-CIO
Carpenters Local 218
Suffolk Sterling Racecourse
Jason Smith, Selectman, Framingham
WFCW Local 1445
Here is a copy of the letter from the mayors:
Dear Fellow Municipal Official:
As Gov. Deval Patrick and the Massachusetts State Legislature decide the future of gaming expansion in Massachusetts, we are asking you to join with us in supporting the licensing of three gaming, entertainment and destination venues that will require the investment of more than $3 billion in private sector spending within our economy --- a critical and much-needed fiscal and economic development initiative that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new local aid to be distributed to our struggling cities and towns.
Each of us is well aware that most of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns face severe budgetary pressures likely to result in thousands of municipal employee layoffs and almost unimaginable curtailment of programs and services. At the same time, Gov. Deval Patrick and the Legislature must address a $1 billion state budget deficit --- and that budget deficit next fiscal year may well approach or exceed $2 billion.
Further, taxpayers have made it clear in public opinion polls, at town meeting, and most demonstrably in a slew of city and town budget override votes, that they are opposed to most --- if not all --- tax increases.
Operating under the existing status quo, there is very little leeway, even by cutting jobs, programs and services, that state government and cities and towns can effectively address these fiscal inequities. As local officials, this leaves us no alternative other than to cut operating budgets --- by all means necessary.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Studies show that three gaming, entertainment and destination venues will generate nearly $500 million in new tax revenues, create 10,000 construction jobs and more than 20,000 casino-related jobs, spawn economic development statewide, generate more than $400 million in casino-related goods and services spending among Massachusetts small businesses, and revitalize the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
And, as a UMass Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis recommended, by apportioning half of all new casino tax revenues to local aid, Massachusetts cities and towns would receive more than $200 million annually in additional local aid --- an estimated 10.4% increase over existing lottery disbursements.
Additionally, by dedicating to local aid an estimated $600 million in licensing fees from the three casinos --- apportioned over three years --- cities and towns would receive another $200 million annually as the casinos were being built and entering their first full year of operation..
Since 2003, Massachusetts residents have spent more than $1 billion annually at the Connecticut casinos and Rhode Island slot parlors. All told, since the casinos and slot parlors opened in 1993, Bay Staters have spent well about $12 billion at Connecticut and Rhode Island gaming venues. That spending has resulted in Massachusetts residents generating $4 billion in tax revenues to the Connecticut and Rhode Island state treasuries, monies used to fund education, local services, police and fire, property tax relief, and scores of other initiatives --- in Connecticut benefitted.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Once again, the unions, and construction companies are looking for work. In my opinion, the only ones who are going to make out on the casinos, is labor and construction. The deal can only benefit them.
The mayors and government officials are looking for quick fixes for their budget short falls. Three casinos with a total of $600 million ($200 millon each) in licensing fees? Are you kidding me? No way is this a good deal.
Readers go on line to the Boston Globe, where this story came from, and look at the comments of the readers. I left the comments off, so that I could be more fair to everyone.
The Mohegan Sun Casino seems dedicated to doing the Palmer project.. Most tribal members, I talked to, do not think it is a good idea.
Look around the Mohegan Reservation, in Uncasville, Connecticut, and what do you see? Two cranes by a hole where the Project Horizon (Earth) hotel was supposed to be built. It was stopped from being built in the end of September, 2008. Workers call the two cranes, "THE CRANES OF SHAME."
Look on top of the hill, what do you see? A shrink wrapped government community center that may never get finished, at least not in the near future. workers call the shrink wrapped building, "THE WHITE ELEPHANT.'
Both projects, were stopped. Why? Was it the economy? Was it that the MTGA made a mistake? Did the MTGA mess up? Who is the MTGA? Oh, I know it's the Mohegan Tribal Council actings as the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. Four out of the five Mohegan Tribal Councilors, who are running for re-election, voted for the government community building. Were they wrong? In my opinion, the Mohegan Tribal Council wasn't listening to the majority of tribal members who didn't want the project.
Does the MTGA have the funding to do any projects? What about the proposed Aqueduct deal? What about Pocono Downs? Who is making these decisions?
Is the Mohegan Tribal Council listening? Should the tribal councilors who are running for re-election go? Are they listening to the tribe? What do you think?
April 21, 2009 11:27 AM Email| Comments (32)| Text size – + By Matt Viser, Globe Staff
A group of influential mayors, including Thomas M. Menino of Boston, and trade unions re-launched their campaign today to persuade lawmakers to legalize casino gambling in Massachusetts, adding further momentum to a hot-button debate that is expected to take place on Beacon Hill this fall.
The group, called the “Massachusetts Coalition for Jobs and Growth,” is sending out letters to municipal officials to try to persuade them to get behind resort-style casinos, the version that is supported by Governor Deval Patrick.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, whose district includes Suffolk Downs and Wonderland racetracks, has expressed strong backing for slot parlors, with the most likely venues being the state's existing dog and horse racing tracks. Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, who oversees the lottery, has supported auctioning three licenses for slot parlors.
Senate President Therese Murray last week added more momentum to the debate, saying the state needed to find a new source of revenue as the state struggles through a budget crisis. “Ka-ching,” Murray told a group of business leaders at a hotel ballroom, jerking her arm downward as if pulling the lever on a slot machine.
The letter from local officials, which is going out this week, was signed by Mayors Thomas M. Menino of Boston, Kimberley Driscoll of Salem, Thomas Ambrosino of Revere, and City Manager Jay Ash of Chelsea.
“We don’t have the luxury to continue a policy that exports Massachusetts tax revenues, jobs, and tourism to Connecticut and Rhode Island,” Menino said in a statement. “We have an opportunity with the authorization of resort casinos to create a new and sustainable revenue source for the state and cities and towns that will also create thousands of new jobs and stimulate tourism and economic development growth. And we need to seize that opportunity now.”
The coalition so far includes:
Mayor Tom Ambrosino, City of Revere
Mayor Tom Menino, City of Boston
City Manager Jay Ash, City of Chelsea
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, City of Salem
Mayor Mark Hawke, City of Gardner
Mayor Carolyn A. Kirk, City of Gloucester
Sheet Metal Workers LV # 17
Greater Boston Labor Council
New England Regional Council of Carpenters
Local 103 I.B.E.W
Sheet Metal Workers LV # 17
Massachusetts Teachers Association
Massachusetts Building Trades Council
Carpenters Local 624
Massachusetts AFL-CIO
Carpenters Local 218
Suffolk Sterling Racecourse
Jason Smith, Selectman, Framingham
WFCW Local 1445
Here is a copy of the letter from the mayors:
Dear Fellow Municipal Official:
As Gov. Deval Patrick and the Massachusetts State Legislature decide the future of gaming expansion in Massachusetts, we are asking you to join with us in supporting the licensing of three gaming, entertainment and destination venues that will require the investment of more than $3 billion in private sector spending within our economy --- a critical and much-needed fiscal and economic development initiative that will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new local aid to be distributed to our struggling cities and towns.
Each of us is well aware that most of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns face severe budgetary pressures likely to result in thousands of municipal employee layoffs and almost unimaginable curtailment of programs and services. At the same time, Gov. Deval Patrick and the Legislature must address a $1 billion state budget deficit --- and that budget deficit next fiscal year may well approach or exceed $2 billion.
Further, taxpayers have made it clear in public opinion polls, at town meeting, and most demonstrably in a slew of city and town budget override votes, that they are opposed to most --- if not all --- tax increases.
Operating under the existing status quo, there is very little leeway, even by cutting jobs, programs and services, that state government and cities and towns can effectively address these fiscal inequities. As local officials, this leaves us no alternative other than to cut operating budgets --- by all means necessary.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Studies show that three gaming, entertainment and destination venues will generate nearly $500 million in new tax revenues, create 10,000 construction jobs and more than 20,000 casino-related jobs, spawn economic development statewide, generate more than $400 million in casino-related goods and services spending among Massachusetts small businesses, and revitalize the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
And, as a UMass Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis recommended, by apportioning half of all new casino tax revenues to local aid, Massachusetts cities and towns would receive more than $200 million annually in additional local aid --- an estimated 10.4% increase over existing lottery disbursements.
Additionally, by dedicating to local aid an estimated $600 million in licensing fees from the three casinos --- apportioned over three years --- cities and towns would receive another $200 million annually as the casinos were being built and entering their first full year of operation..
Since 2003, Massachusetts residents have spent more than $1 billion annually at the Connecticut casinos and Rhode Island slot parlors. All told, since the casinos and slot parlors opened in 1993, Bay Staters have spent well about $12 billion at Connecticut and Rhode Island gaming venues. That spending has resulted in Massachusetts residents generating $4 billion in tax revenues to the Connecticut and Rhode Island state treasuries, monies used to fund education, local services, police and fire, property tax relief, and scores of other initiatives --- in Connecticut benefitted.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Once again, the unions, and construction companies are looking for work. In my opinion, the only ones who are going to make out on the casinos, is labor and construction. The deal can only benefit them.
The mayors and government officials are looking for quick fixes for their budget short falls. Three casinos with a total of $600 million ($200 millon each) in licensing fees? Are you kidding me? No way is this a good deal.
Readers go on line to the Boston Globe, where this story came from, and look at the comments of the readers. I left the comments off, so that I could be more fair to everyone.
The Mohegan Sun Casino seems dedicated to doing the Palmer project.. Most tribal members, I talked to, do not think it is a good idea.
Look around the Mohegan Reservation, in Uncasville, Connecticut, and what do you see? Two cranes by a hole where the Project Horizon (Earth) hotel was supposed to be built. It was stopped from being built in the end of September, 2008. Workers call the two cranes, "THE CRANES OF SHAME."
Look on top of the hill, what do you see? A shrink wrapped government community center that may never get finished, at least not in the near future. workers call the shrink wrapped building, "THE WHITE ELEPHANT.'
Both projects, were stopped. Why? Was it the economy? Was it that the MTGA made a mistake? Did the MTGA mess up? Who is the MTGA? Oh, I know it's the Mohegan Tribal Council actings as the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. Four out of the five Mohegan Tribal Councilors, who are running for re-election, voted for the government community building. Were they wrong? In my opinion, the Mohegan Tribal Council wasn't listening to the majority of tribal members who didn't want the project.
Does the MTGA have the funding to do any projects? What about the proposed Aqueduct deal? What about Pocono Downs? Who is making these decisions?
Is the Mohegan Tribal Council listening? Should the tribal councilors who are running for re-election go? Are they listening to the tribe? What do you think?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
SWINE FLU
As the number of confirmed swine flu cases nationwide doubled to 40 - with half of them from a school in Queens - the World Health Organization raised its flu-alert system Monday to signal that "the likelihood of a pandemic has increased."
The additional 20 cases brings to 28 the number of swine flu cases at St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows. The city's health department said another 17 cases have been identified as "probable" and have been sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for further testing.
As health departments were flooded with calls from worried citizens, President Barack Obama said "we are closely monitoring the emerging cases," and the United States Monday advised Americans to put off unnecessary travel to Mexico.
Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, said Monday the 20 additional cases do not represent "an ongoing spread" of the disease but are associated with additional testing of the original cluster of students. City health officials said at least 100 students at the school have complained of flu-like symptoms.
Experts: Expect more swine flu cases -- and deaths
Recent visitors to Mexico worry about swine flu
Emergency center in Syosset monitors flu, patient data
U.S. declares public health emergency for swine flu
Eight students likely have swine flu in NYC; area on alert
Airlines waive change fees amid swine flu outbreak
8 NYC swine flu cases confirmed, 1 suspected in Nassau
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Swine flu Meanwhile, on Long Island, four possible Suffolk County cases "are in the pipeline" to be tested, Health Commissioner Dr. Humayun J. Chaudhry said. All four are from Amityville. The specimens have been sent to the state laboratory outside Albany. Once the specimens are received, testing takes six to eight hours to determine whether it's a probable case of swine flu.
In Nassau, the county's one suspected case will not be tested, Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Torroella Carney said. That's because the patient had mild symptoms and is recovering at home. The state is prioritizing cases of people who are seriously ill, linked to the Queens school or who have a "travel history to Mexico," said Dr. Gus Birkhead, deputy commissioner in the state Health Department.
Since Saturday, the city's 311 information line has fielded more than 100,000 queries about swine flu. Birkhead said the state got 1,176 calls in the first 24 hours of its setting up an toll free swine flu hotline.
Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of infectious diseases at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, said they have been "inundated" with calls and visits from anxious people.
Seventy-three cases of the virus have been confirmed worldwide, WHO said. Mexico has confirmed 26 cases although Mexican authorities said the virus has possibly killed 149 and sickened close to 2,000.
In the United States, there have been no deaths and only one person has been hospitalized. But, Besser warned, that could change.
Meanwhile, the WHO upped its level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 3 to phase 4 on a six-level scale. The change indicates "the likelihood of a worldwide outbreak has increased but not that a pandemic is inevitable," the WHO said.
The other confirmed cases in the United States have been in California, Ohio, Kansas and Texas. Canada has reported six cases while Spain has reported one, WHO said.
The WHO did not recommend travel restrictions but the European Union's health commissioner, Androulla Vassilou, said she recommended people avoid "nonessential travel to those areas reported to be in the center of the cluster," including the United States. However, Besser said it was "premature" to warn people not to travel to the United States.
Staff writers Michael Frazier and Jennifer Barrios contributed to this story, which was supple-
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: The important thing to realize is that the flu is right in New York, and we should be careful....The story was from Newsday. On Tuesday there were two cases reported in Connecticut..
The additional 20 cases brings to 28 the number of swine flu cases at St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows. The city's health department said another 17 cases have been identified as "probable" and have been sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for further testing.
As health departments were flooded with calls from worried citizens, President Barack Obama said "we are closely monitoring the emerging cases," and the United States Monday advised Americans to put off unnecessary travel to Mexico.
Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, said Monday the 20 additional cases do not represent "an ongoing spread" of the disease but are associated with additional testing of the original cluster of students. City health officials said at least 100 students at the school have complained of flu-like symptoms.
Experts: Expect more swine flu cases -- and deaths
Recent visitors to Mexico worry about swine flu
Emergency center in Syosset monitors flu, patient data
U.S. declares public health emergency for swine flu
Eight students likely have swine flu in NYC; area on alert
Airlines waive change fees amid swine flu outbreak
8 NYC swine flu cases confirmed, 1 suspected in Nassau
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Swine flu Meanwhile, on Long Island, four possible Suffolk County cases "are in the pipeline" to be tested, Health Commissioner Dr. Humayun J. Chaudhry said. All four are from Amityville. The specimens have been sent to the state laboratory outside Albany. Once the specimens are received, testing takes six to eight hours to determine whether it's a probable case of swine flu.
In Nassau, the county's one suspected case will not be tested, Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Torroella Carney said. That's because the patient had mild symptoms and is recovering at home. The state is prioritizing cases of people who are seriously ill, linked to the Queens school or who have a "travel history to Mexico," said Dr. Gus Birkhead, deputy commissioner in the state Health Department.
Since Saturday, the city's 311 information line has fielded more than 100,000 queries about swine flu. Birkhead said the state got 1,176 calls in the first 24 hours of its setting up an toll free swine flu hotline.
Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of infectious diseases at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, said they have been "inundated" with calls and visits from anxious people.
Seventy-three cases of the virus have been confirmed worldwide, WHO said. Mexico has confirmed 26 cases although Mexican authorities said the virus has possibly killed 149 and sickened close to 2,000.
In the United States, there have been no deaths and only one person has been hospitalized. But, Besser warned, that could change.
Meanwhile, the WHO upped its level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 3 to phase 4 on a six-level scale. The change indicates "the likelihood of a worldwide outbreak has increased but not that a pandemic is inevitable," the WHO said.
The other confirmed cases in the United States have been in California, Ohio, Kansas and Texas. Canada has reported six cases while Spain has reported one, WHO said.
The WHO did not recommend travel restrictions but the European Union's health commissioner, Androulla Vassilou, said she recommended people avoid "nonessential travel to those areas reported to be in the center of the cluster," including the United States. However, Besser said it was "premature" to warn people not to travel to the United States.
Staff writers Michael Frazier and Jennifer Barrios contributed to this story, which was supple-
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: The important thing to realize is that the flu is right in New York, and we should be careful....The story was from Newsday. On Tuesday there were two cases reported in Connecticut..
Monday, April 27, 2009
THE DAY ON SMOKING LYNN MALERBA AND RICHARD BLUMENTHAL'S VIEWS
Mohegans comply with state compact
Published on 4/21/2009
by LYNN MALERBA
The Mohegan Tribe is not clamoring for stimulus funds like other businesses and governments. It is self-sustaining, and in fact, an economic workhorse in the state.
But you wouldn't know that by the way the state is behaving. It is considering legislation to force a smoking ban at Connecticut's Native American-run casinos that would not only trample on tribal sovereignty, but would also erode business. And these are businesses that feed the state.
Connecticut has lost more than 30,000 jobs in the current recession, the Mohegan Tribe, operators of Mohegan Sun, have kept employees at work without resorting to layoffs. The benefit to the state of the tribe keeping its work force intact in hard economic times is direct and indirect income. These 8,000 employees pay taxes to the state, have health care benefits and frequent local businesses.
Additionally, the tribe pays the state a whopping 25 percent “tax” on its slot machine win as negotiated in its compact with the state, not the 7 percent that other corporations pay. Annually, Mohegan Sun purchases more than $331 million in goods and services from other businesses in the state, the equivalent of 24,000 jobs producing corporate and personal income tax revenues.
Since 1996, Connecticut has collected $2.1 billion from the Mohegan Tribe — far more than the 1,800-member tribe has received for itself from its casino business. Do not be deceived by what is reported as slot income in the newspapers: the state of Connecticut, lending institutions, former business partners and all operational costs must be paid prior to the Mohegan tribe receiving any profits from its business. And to all of this, how has the state responded? It is attempting to withhold a guaranteed (by compact) liquor license to force a smoking ban that almost everyone agrees will decrease revenues by as much as 20 percent. If smoking is banned at the casinos, there will be layoffs.
The impact to the state: less income in corporate, liquor, gas and personal income taxes; less ancillary corporate taxes due to fewer goods purchased; and an increase in state spending for health care and unemployment benefits.
Given the dismal budget projections for Connecticut, should it further jeopardize its tenuous financial position? Ironic, isn't it, that other private establishments, such as VFWs, Polish and Italian meeting halls, and country clubs, are not being threatened with similar legislation Not a single member of the Mohegan Tribal Council believes that smoking is a good thing. Long before the secondhand smoke issue was raised at the state Capitol, the tribe voluntarily undertook measures to reduce the risk to its employees and patrons.
A state-of-the-art air filtering system that continuously exchanges the air has been installed at Mohegan Sun. The tribe has opened non-smoking areas at the casino including slot machine play and table games. Smoking has also been eliminated in all restaurants, retail corridors and employee areas. “Air curtains” have been installed at gaming tables to direct patrons' smoke up to the ventilation handlers.
In fact, 90 percent of the entire property is nonsmoking. Twenty-five percent of the gaming space is nonsmoking. This exceeds our government-to-government agreement with Gov. M. Jodi Rell regarding the reduction of secondhand smoke on our reservation.
Which is the critical point on this issue. The state legislature has no role in the governance of Mohegan lands held in trust by the federal government. No more so than it would in Rhode Island.
All native nations in the U.S. enjoy a special relationship as dependent sovereigns much like states. Mohegan was recognized in Colonial times as a separate nation, with a separate government and land base apart from the colony of Connecticut. Our Mohegan nation and government predated European settlers. This fact was affirmed and recognized by the U.S. when we completed the federal recognition process.
The U.S. does not grant tribal status, it merely recognizes the fact that since its first contact with European settlers, the Mohegans have had an unbroken history of self-governance.
Since the time of Uncas, the Mohegan people have been generous neighbors with the people who eventually created the state of Connecticut. The tribe negotiated a compact with the state when it opened its casino 13 years ago. And we expect the state will honor our compact. It seems only fair.
================================================
Ban respects rights of tribe and public
Published on 4/21/2009
By RICHARD BLUMENTHAL
.
A legislative ban on casino smoking fully respects and recognizes tribal sovereignty, because both tribes have already agreed — as a condition in their state gaming compacts — to adopt Connecticut's public health standards.
The compacts, negotiated in the 1990s, establish firm conditions — enforceable in federal court — that govern operation of the casinos. The tribes have agreed as sovereign nations to honor these conditions, or risk losing state liquor license and gambling rights.
Among the most significant requirements is that the tribes maintain health and safety standards “no less rigorous than standards generally imposed by the laws and regulations of the state relating to public facilities.
The operative health standard is a 2003 law — one of the most profoundly important public health measures in recent history — prohibiting smoking in virtually all public places, including restaurants and bars.
The legislature is now prepared to extend our smoking ban to tribal casinos — the only present exceptions — to protect tens of thousands of patrons and employees exposed to deadly cancer-causing secondhand smoke every day.
The proposed smoking ban recognizes and respects public health — saving lives and medical treatment dollars — by stopping secondhand smoke, a proven killer.
The measure also respects and recognizes the economic realities — possible competition from other gambling venues — by implementing it in stages over a period of years.
The tribes have opposed this measure, even threatening to hold hostage hundreds of millions of dollars in slot revenue owed to Connecticut taxpayers. This move is deeply saddening — imperiling a long-standing positive and productive relationship between the tribes and the state.
No economic apocalypse will result from a smoking ban at the casinos — just as there was none at restaurants and bars. As a matter of fact, business there has increased because non-smokers — who constitute more than 80 percent of our society — can finally enjoy smoke-free environments.
While predicted economic harm from smoking bans has proven illusory, the dangers of secondhand smoke are real. Secondhand smoke kills. It causes all the same fatal and intensely painful, costly diseases as smoking itself.
I have been a strong and consistent advocate of banning smoking in public places for more than a decade. I have been proud to help lead national efforts, including our landmark legal battle, against Big Tobacco.
I recognize that public places on reservations belonging to federally recognized tribes have a different status under federal law and principles of tribal sovereignty. These principles of sovereignty in no way bar the state from prohibiting smoking because the tribes have voluntarily agreed in the compacts to adopt the state's public health legal standards.
Installing smoking ventilation systems and adopting partial smoking bans as the tribes have suggested are inadequate because they fail to effectively protect patrons and employees from secondhand smoke, especially on the casino floors.
But the proposed ban permits — and I would welcome — a voluntary tribal law ban adopted by the tribes as sovereign measure and substitute for legislative prohibition
Protecting employees from secondhand smoke should provide a financial incentive for the tribes — diminishing costs of employee sickness and medical treatment.
Many states, heeding economic incentives, are moving to ban smoking in gambling facilities. Massachusetts has stated that no smoking will be allowed in any tribal casinos authorized in that state. At least three tribes have voluntarily prohibited smoking in their casinos. In addition, Puerto Rico, Ontario, Quebec, the United Kingdom, France and Ireland all prohibit casino smoking.
I am hopeful that both tribes will rethink their resistance and responsibly protect their patrons and hard-working employees.
My office stands ready to enforce the clear terms of our compacts while respecting tribal sovereignty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brokenwings Comment; Some of things talked about in both letters are right and some are wrong.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
On LYNN MALEERBA, the Vice Chairwoman of the Mohegan TRibal Council, here are my thoughts.
Malerba does not mention in her letter that the Mohegan Tribal Government laid off about 50 workers.
In the Mohegan Sun Casino, there is a policy of a attrition, workers who leave are not being replaced. There were cut backs in salaries to the September 2008 levels.
Workers at the casino gave up 4%, 8% and 10 % depending on their earnings levels. The Mohegan Tribal Council only gave up 8%. Shame on the Tribal Council. Benefits for tribal government workers and casino workers, as well as tribal members, were partially cut or totally taken away.
When Ms.Malerba said that there would be layoffs, if the smoking ban went into effect, is that possibly opening the door to unions?
The VFW, Polish halls and Italian halls, etc. are private clubs and should come under the rules of the clubs, and not the State of Connecticut. Could some people take the comment about Italian and Polish as prejudicial? Was it racial or in bad taste? Should it have been said?
The fact is that bars and restaurants come under a smoking ban so why shouldn't the casinos? Granted the casinos pay a lot more in taxes than all the bars and restaurants combined.
Malerba is correct when she states the Mohegan Tribe gained Federal Recognition because it was a sovereignity, a government, a nation and not because it was a family.
What she didn't talk about, was how Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, the Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman and Helga Woods, the Attorney General of the Mohegan Tribe, threatened to withhold payments of revenues to the state. Not a smart thing to do. She evidently agrees with this plan of action.
The only people, who will make out if a lawsuit commences will be, the lawyers representing the tribe and the state.
Although, I don't want to see a smoking ban either, I don't think Lynn Malerba did a very good job of explaining the tribe's position on the smoking ban. I think Lynn Malerba is a preson who cares for the Mohegan Tribal government workers and the Mohegan Sun Casino workers. The letter, somehow doesn't seem to get that point across. Did anyone help Malerba on her letter? If someone advised her, in my opinion, they should be let go. Lynn Malerba is running for re-election for the Tribal Council. Do you think she will get re-elected? What do you think?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Brokenwing Editorial Comment on Richard Blumenthal, the Attorney General of Connecticut. If what he says is true, that the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe both agreed about the public and their employees health in the compacts, then neither tribe has a leg to stand on.
Blumenthal seems genuinely concerned for the workers and patrons who visit and work in the casinos. No matter how good the ventilation system is in a casino, (I think the one in the Mohegan Sun is quite good), the dangers of second hand smoke still exist. A bar or restaurants have better air quality because there is no smokiing allowed, therefore the air quality is better.
The medical bills for the workers in a smoking environment are mostly likely higher than in a smoke free environment. He's probably right.
Blumenthal doesn't seem to want to over throw the tribe's sovereignity, what he is stating is that he wants the tribes to live up to the deal they made with the state.
From the tone of the letter, it seems that Blumenthal will not back down. The tribes are on a collision course of destruction.
He wrote a very well thought out letter. He did a good job, stating his case.
Published on 4/21/2009
by LYNN MALERBA
The Mohegan Tribe is not clamoring for stimulus funds like other businesses and governments. It is self-sustaining, and in fact, an economic workhorse in the state.
But you wouldn't know that by the way the state is behaving. It is considering legislation to force a smoking ban at Connecticut's Native American-run casinos that would not only trample on tribal sovereignty, but would also erode business. And these are businesses that feed the state.
Connecticut has lost more than 30,000 jobs in the current recession, the Mohegan Tribe, operators of Mohegan Sun, have kept employees at work without resorting to layoffs. The benefit to the state of the tribe keeping its work force intact in hard economic times is direct and indirect income. These 8,000 employees pay taxes to the state, have health care benefits and frequent local businesses.
Additionally, the tribe pays the state a whopping 25 percent “tax” on its slot machine win as negotiated in its compact with the state, not the 7 percent that other corporations pay. Annually, Mohegan Sun purchases more than $331 million in goods and services from other businesses in the state, the equivalent of 24,000 jobs producing corporate and personal income tax revenues.
Since 1996, Connecticut has collected $2.1 billion from the Mohegan Tribe — far more than the 1,800-member tribe has received for itself from its casino business. Do not be deceived by what is reported as slot income in the newspapers: the state of Connecticut, lending institutions, former business partners and all operational costs must be paid prior to the Mohegan tribe receiving any profits from its business. And to all of this, how has the state responded? It is attempting to withhold a guaranteed (by compact) liquor license to force a smoking ban that almost everyone agrees will decrease revenues by as much as 20 percent. If smoking is banned at the casinos, there will be layoffs.
The impact to the state: less income in corporate, liquor, gas and personal income taxes; less ancillary corporate taxes due to fewer goods purchased; and an increase in state spending for health care and unemployment benefits.
Given the dismal budget projections for Connecticut, should it further jeopardize its tenuous financial position? Ironic, isn't it, that other private establishments, such as VFWs, Polish and Italian meeting halls, and country clubs, are not being threatened with similar legislation Not a single member of the Mohegan Tribal Council believes that smoking is a good thing. Long before the secondhand smoke issue was raised at the state Capitol, the tribe voluntarily undertook measures to reduce the risk to its employees and patrons.
A state-of-the-art air filtering system that continuously exchanges the air has been installed at Mohegan Sun. The tribe has opened non-smoking areas at the casino including slot machine play and table games. Smoking has also been eliminated in all restaurants, retail corridors and employee areas. “Air curtains” have been installed at gaming tables to direct patrons' smoke up to the ventilation handlers.
In fact, 90 percent of the entire property is nonsmoking. Twenty-five percent of the gaming space is nonsmoking. This exceeds our government-to-government agreement with Gov. M. Jodi Rell regarding the reduction of secondhand smoke on our reservation.
Which is the critical point on this issue. The state legislature has no role in the governance of Mohegan lands held in trust by the federal government. No more so than it would in Rhode Island.
All native nations in the U.S. enjoy a special relationship as dependent sovereigns much like states. Mohegan was recognized in Colonial times as a separate nation, with a separate government and land base apart from the colony of Connecticut. Our Mohegan nation and government predated European settlers. This fact was affirmed and recognized by the U.S. when we completed the federal recognition process.
The U.S. does not grant tribal status, it merely recognizes the fact that since its first contact with European settlers, the Mohegans have had an unbroken history of self-governance.
Since the time of Uncas, the Mohegan people have been generous neighbors with the people who eventually created the state of Connecticut. The tribe negotiated a compact with the state when it opened its casino 13 years ago. And we expect the state will honor our compact. It seems only fair.
================================================
Ban respects rights of tribe and public
Published on 4/21/2009
By RICHARD BLUMENTHAL
.
A legislative ban on casino smoking fully respects and recognizes tribal sovereignty, because both tribes have already agreed — as a condition in their state gaming compacts — to adopt Connecticut's public health standards.
The compacts, negotiated in the 1990s, establish firm conditions — enforceable in federal court — that govern operation of the casinos. The tribes have agreed as sovereign nations to honor these conditions, or risk losing state liquor license and gambling rights.
Among the most significant requirements is that the tribes maintain health and safety standards “no less rigorous than standards generally imposed by the laws and regulations of the state relating to public facilities.
The operative health standard is a 2003 law — one of the most profoundly important public health measures in recent history — prohibiting smoking in virtually all public places, including restaurants and bars.
The legislature is now prepared to extend our smoking ban to tribal casinos — the only present exceptions — to protect tens of thousands of patrons and employees exposed to deadly cancer-causing secondhand smoke every day.
The proposed smoking ban recognizes and respects public health — saving lives and medical treatment dollars — by stopping secondhand smoke, a proven killer.
The measure also respects and recognizes the economic realities — possible competition from other gambling venues — by implementing it in stages over a period of years.
The tribes have opposed this measure, even threatening to hold hostage hundreds of millions of dollars in slot revenue owed to Connecticut taxpayers. This move is deeply saddening — imperiling a long-standing positive and productive relationship between the tribes and the state.
No economic apocalypse will result from a smoking ban at the casinos — just as there was none at restaurants and bars. As a matter of fact, business there has increased because non-smokers — who constitute more than 80 percent of our society — can finally enjoy smoke-free environments.
While predicted economic harm from smoking bans has proven illusory, the dangers of secondhand smoke are real. Secondhand smoke kills. It causes all the same fatal and intensely painful, costly diseases as smoking itself.
I have been a strong and consistent advocate of banning smoking in public places for more than a decade. I have been proud to help lead national efforts, including our landmark legal battle, against Big Tobacco.
I recognize that public places on reservations belonging to federally recognized tribes have a different status under federal law and principles of tribal sovereignty. These principles of sovereignty in no way bar the state from prohibiting smoking because the tribes have voluntarily agreed in the compacts to adopt the state's public health legal standards.
Installing smoking ventilation systems and adopting partial smoking bans as the tribes have suggested are inadequate because they fail to effectively protect patrons and employees from secondhand smoke, especially on the casino floors.
But the proposed ban permits — and I would welcome — a voluntary tribal law ban adopted by the tribes as sovereign measure and substitute for legislative prohibition
Protecting employees from secondhand smoke should provide a financial incentive for the tribes — diminishing costs of employee sickness and medical treatment.
Many states, heeding economic incentives, are moving to ban smoking in gambling facilities. Massachusetts has stated that no smoking will be allowed in any tribal casinos authorized in that state. At least three tribes have voluntarily prohibited smoking in their casinos. In addition, Puerto Rico, Ontario, Quebec, the United Kingdom, France and Ireland all prohibit casino smoking.
I am hopeful that both tribes will rethink their resistance and responsibly protect their patrons and hard-working employees.
My office stands ready to enforce the clear terms of our compacts while respecting tribal sovereignty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brokenwings Comment; Some of things talked about in both letters are right and some are wrong.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
On LYNN MALEERBA, the Vice Chairwoman of the Mohegan TRibal Council, here are my thoughts.
Malerba does not mention in her letter that the Mohegan Tribal Government laid off about 50 workers.
In the Mohegan Sun Casino, there is a policy of a attrition, workers who leave are not being replaced. There were cut backs in salaries to the September 2008 levels.
Workers at the casino gave up 4%, 8% and 10 % depending on their earnings levels. The Mohegan Tribal Council only gave up 8%. Shame on the Tribal Council. Benefits for tribal government workers and casino workers, as well as tribal members, were partially cut or totally taken away.
When Ms.Malerba said that there would be layoffs, if the smoking ban went into effect, is that possibly opening the door to unions?
The VFW, Polish halls and Italian halls, etc. are private clubs and should come under the rules of the clubs, and not the State of Connecticut. Could some people take the comment about Italian and Polish as prejudicial? Was it racial or in bad taste? Should it have been said?
The fact is that bars and restaurants come under a smoking ban so why shouldn't the casinos? Granted the casinos pay a lot more in taxes than all the bars and restaurants combined.
Malerba is correct when she states the Mohegan Tribe gained Federal Recognition because it was a sovereignity, a government, a nation and not because it was a family.
What she didn't talk about, was how Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, the Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman and Helga Woods, the Attorney General of the Mohegan Tribe, threatened to withhold payments of revenues to the state. Not a smart thing to do. She evidently agrees with this plan of action.
The only people, who will make out if a lawsuit commences will be, the lawyers representing the tribe and the state.
Although, I don't want to see a smoking ban either, I don't think Lynn Malerba did a very good job of explaining the tribe's position on the smoking ban. I think Lynn Malerba is a preson who cares for the Mohegan Tribal government workers and the Mohegan Sun Casino workers. The letter, somehow doesn't seem to get that point across. Did anyone help Malerba on her letter? If someone advised her, in my opinion, they should be let go. Lynn Malerba is running for re-election for the Tribal Council. Do you think she will get re-elected? What do you think?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Brokenwing Editorial Comment on Richard Blumenthal, the Attorney General of Connecticut. If what he says is true, that the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe both agreed about the public and their employees health in the compacts, then neither tribe has a leg to stand on.
Blumenthal seems genuinely concerned for the workers and patrons who visit and work in the casinos. No matter how good the ventilation system is in a casino, (I think the one in the Mohegan Sun is quite good), the dangers of second hand smoke still exist. A bar or restaurants have better air quality because there is no smokiing allowed, therefore the air quality is better.
The medical bills for the workers in a smoking environment are mostly likely higher than in a smoke free environment. He's probably right.
Blumenthal doesn't seem to want to over throw the tribe's sovereignity, what he is stating is that he wants the tribes to live up to the deal they made with the state.
From the tone of the letter, it seems that Blumenthal will not back down. The tribes are on a collision course of destruction.
He wrote a very well thought out letter. He did a good job, stating his case.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
THE LETTER JAMES GESSNER ALLEGEDLY REFUSED TO READ
THIS IS THE LETTER THAT ALLEGEDLY JAMES GESSNER, THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY, OF THE MOHEGAN TRIBAL COUNCIL REFUSED TO READ TO THE MOHEGAN TRIBAL MEMBERS AT THE QUARTERLY MEETING ON APRIL 26, 2009. THIS LETTER WAS SENT TO THE TRIBAL COUNCIL CERTIFIED MAIL ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009 AND RECEIVED ON APRIL 23, 2009.
IT'S IRONIC, THAT THE LETTER ABOUT THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, IS THE VERY THING THAT WAS ALLEGEDLY DENIED BEING READ.
April 22, 2009
James Gessner, Corresponding Secretary
The Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut
5 Crow Hill Road
Uncasville , CT 06382
Dear Mr. Gessner,
I would like this letter of correspondence to be read out loud to the tribal membership at the quarterly membership meeting on Sunday, April 26, 2009:
Subject: Freedom of Information Ordinances
The April 8th issue of Wuskuso had an article on an amended freedom of information ordinance approved by the Tribal Council on April 1st. The article does not mention that tribal members submitted a successful petition against the first freedom of information ordinance approved by the Tribal Council on January 14th.
Based on that first petition, the first freedom of information ordinance was rescinded by the Tribal Council in March instead of allowing it to go out for a referendum vote by tribal members as required under the petitioning section (Article 12) of the Mohegan Constitution. Wuskuso ignores this matter of law in their article. Instead Wuskuso says, and I quote, “The original ordinance was repealed on March 18 after the Council heard concerns raised by Tribal members who said they wanted to change portions of it during a special meeting on Feb. 23.” In reality, the ordinance was rescinded because of the petition but Wuskuso does not mention this.
A second freedom of information ordinance was then passed two weeks later by the Tribal Council on April 1st, which was also successfully petitioned against.
Will Wuskuso report this second petition even though it failed to report the first petition?
Why isn’t Wuskuso accurately reporting the information as to what has transpired regarding both freedom of information ordinances that were petitioned against? Why weren’t tribal members given an opportunity to see a draft version of the second freedom of information ordinance as requested by members at the special meeting? Why hasn’t the petition by tribal members who wanted to enact their own version of a freedom of information ordinance been reported upon in Wuskuso?
Can you please respond to these questions after you have read this out loud at the quarterly membership meeting.
Sincerely,
Mike Bartha
Concerned Tribal Member
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The tribal member, (who is running for the Mohegan Tribal Council) with his likeness on the white van allegedly parked in front of the main entrance of the Mohegan Tribal Government building during the quarterly meeting. His representatives, allegedly, were giving coffee mugs in front of the main enterance of the government buidling. Isn't the ballot box right there in the main lobby? Is this a violation of the election ordinance? What do you think?
IT'S IRONIC, THAT THE LETTER ABOUT THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, IS THE VERY THING THAT WAS ALLEGEDLY DENIED BEING READ.
April 22, 2009
James Gessner, Corresponding Secretary
The Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut
5 Crow Hill Road
Uncasville , CT 06382
Dear Mr. Gessner,
I would like this letter of correspondence to be read out loud to the tribal membership at the quarterly membership meeting on Sunday, April 26, 2009:
Subject: Freedom of Information Ordinances
The April 8th issue of Wuskuso had an article on an amended freedom of information ordinance approved by the Tribal Council on April 1st. The article does not mention that tribal members submitted a successful petition against the first freedom of information ordinance approved by the Tribal Council on January 14th.
Based on that first petition, the first freedom of information ordinance was rescinded by the Tribal Council in March instead of allowing it to go out for a referendum vote by tribal members as required under the petitioning section (Article 12) of the Mohegan Constitution. Wuskuso ignores this matter of law in their article. Instead Wuskuso says, and I quote, “The original ordinance was repealed on March 18 after the Council heard concerns raised by Tribal members who said they wanted to change portions of it during a special meeting on Feb. 23.” In reality, the ordinance was rescinded because of the petition but Wuskuso does not mention this.
A second freedom of information ordinance was then passed two weeks later by the Tribal Council on April 1st, which was also successfully petitioned against.
Will Wuskuso report this second petition even though it failed to report the first petition?
Why isn’t Wuskuso accurately reporting the information as to what has transpired regarding both freedom of information ordinances that were petitioned against? Why weren’t tribal members given an opportunity to see a draft version of the second freedom of information ordinance as requested by members at the special meeting? Why hasn’t the petition by tribal members who wanted to enact their own version of a freedom of information ordinance been reported upon in Wuskuso?
Can you please respond to these questions after you have read this out loud at the quarterly membership meeting.
Sincerely,
Mike Bartha
Concerned Tribal Member
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; The tribal member, (who is running for the Mohegan Tribal Council) with his likeness on the white van allegedly parked in front of the main entrance of the Mohegan Tribal Government building during the quarterly meeting. His representatives, allegedly, were giving coffee mugs in front of the main enterance of the government buidling. Isn't the ballot box right there in the main lobby? Is this a violation of the election ordinance? What do you think?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
PROHIBITED CONDUCT DURING ELECTIONS
Section 7. Proibited Conduct during Elections
(a) for the purposes of this section, the followingterms shall have the following meanings:
1) Bribery of a Registered Voter", A person in guilty of Bribery of a Registered Voter; if he/she offers, confers or agrees to confer upon a registered voter of the Tribe("beneficiary") any monetary benefit or anything regarded by the beneficiaryas a monetary benefit (including benefit to any person or entity in whose welfare the beneficiary is interested) with the intent to influence the beneficiary in reapect to how he/she will vote an election.
2)Bribe Receiving by a Registered Voterer"; A registered voter is guilty of Bribe Receiving if he/she solicits, accepts,or agrees to accept any monetary benefit or anything that he/she would regard as a monetary benefit (incluing benefit to any person or entity in whose welfare he/she is interested) from another person upon an agreement of understanding that such benefit will influence him/her in respect to how he/she will vote in an election.
3) "Coercion" To compel or induce another person to engage in conduct which such other person has a legal right to abstain from engaging in, or to abstain from engaging in conduct in which such other person has a legal right to engage, by means of instilling in such other a fear that, if the demand is not complied with, the actor or another will: (1) commit any criminal offense; or (2) accuse any person of a criminal offense; or (3) expose any secret tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or to impair any person's credit or business repute; or (4) take or withhold action as an elected official of the Tribe, or cause an elected official of the Tribe to take or withold action; however, a person is not guilty of coercion under subsections (2), (3), or (4) if the actor reasonably belived the accusation or secret to be true or the proposed official action is justified and that his/her purpose was limited to compelling the other person to behave in a way reasonably related to the circumstances which were the subject of the accusation, exposure or proposed official action, as by desisting from further misbehaving or making good a wrong done.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: This is the conduct that must be upheld by Mohegan Tribal Members running for elected office.
There are questions that have arose from some of the campaigning going on this election.. I don't kow if what is being done is legal, fair or moral. What I do know, is what I've seen. It is actually quite ingeiolus.
One is a white van with the likeness of the candiate on it parked in the Mohegan Sun Casino parking lot. Government workers and casino workers who have seen the van are allegedly laughing about it. The workers have allegedly named it the pimp mobile.
This candidate has given out bumper stickers, pens, coffee travel mugs and watches. The coffee mugs, the pens and the bumper stickers may not be a problem, the watch, however, may be.
Is this willful misconduct? Is it egregious? Doe this harm the tribe? Does this harm other candidates? Is it detrimental to the tribe? Is this a violation of the election ordinance or some other policy?
Could this person be getting away with something because of his family ties? Is this a problem? Should somethng be done about it? Is this in good taste? Does this violate the intent of the law? Does this behavior make the Mohegan Tribe look bad? Is this the kind of person, we want on our tribal council? I don't know. Do you know?
Should the Mohegan Tribal Election Committee do something about this? I don't know. If you don't like this conduct, you should tell the Election Committee. If this conduct, bothers you and nothing is done about it, remember it at election time.. Do you care? What do you think?
(a) for the purposes of this section, the followingterms shall have the following meanings:
1) Bribery of a Registered Voter", A person in guilty of Bribery of a Registered Voter; if he/she offers, confers or agrees to confer upon a registered voter of the Tribe("beneficiary") any monetary benefit or anything regarded by the beneficiaryas a monetary benefit (including benefit to any person or entity in whose welfare the beneficiary is interested) with the intent to influence the beneficiary in reapect to how he/she will vote an election.
2)Bribe Receiving by a Registered Voterer"; A registered voter is guilty of Bribe Receiving if he/she solicits, accepts,or agrees to accept any monetary benefit or anything that he/she would regard as a monetary benefit (incluing benefit to any person or entity in whose welfare he/she is interested) from another person upon an agreement of understanding that such benefit will influence him/her in respect to how he/she will vote in an election.
3) "Coercion" To compel or induce another person to engage in conduct which such other person has a legal right to abstain from engaging in, or to abstain from engaging in conduct in which such other person has a legal right to engage, by means of instilling in such other a fear that, if the demand is not complied with, the actor or another will: (1) commit any criminal offense; or (2) accuse any person of a criminal offense; or (3) expose any secret tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or to impair any person's credit or business repute; or (4) take or withhold action as an elected official of the Tribe, or cause an elected official of the Tribe to take or withold action; however, a person is not guilty of coercion under subsections (2), (3), or (4) if the actor reasonably belived the accusation or secret to be true or the proposed official action is justified and that his/her purpose was limited to compelling the other person to behave in a way reasonably related to the circumstances which were the subject of the accusation, exposure or proposed official action, as by desisting from further misbehaving or making good a wrong done.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: This is the conduct that must be upheld by Mohegan Tribal Members running for elected office.
There are questions that have arose from some of the campaigning going on this election.. I don't kow if what is being done is legal, fair or moral. What I do know, is what I've seen. It is actually quite ingeiolus.
One is a white van with the likeness of the candiate on it parked in the Mohegan Sun Casino parking lot. Government workers and casino workers who have seen the van are allegedly laughing about it. The workers have allegedly named it the pimp mobile.
This candidate has given out bumper stickers, pens, coffee travel mugs and watches. The coffee mugs, the pens and the bumper stickers may not be a problem, the watch, however, may be.
Is this willful misconduct? Is it egregious? Doe this harm the tribe? Does this harm other candidates? Is it detrimental to the tribe? Is this a violation of the election ordinance or some other policy?
Could this person be getting away with something because of his family ties? Is this a problem? Should somethng be done about it? Is this in good taste? Does this violate the intent of the law? Does this behavior make the Mohegan Tribe look bad? Is this the kind of person, we want on our tribal council? I don't know. Do you know?
Should the Mohegan Tribal Election Committee do something about this? I don't know. If you don't like this conduct, you should tell the Election Committee. If this conduct, bothers you and nothing is done about it, remember it at election time.. Do you care? What do you think?
NEW YORK, YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME
Mohegan Sun weighing N.Y. licensing fee
Winning bidder on casino must pay large upfront fee
By Brian Hallenbeck Published on 4/24/2009
Mohegan Sun executives, who are expected to submit a bid to build and operate a casino at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, the New York City borough, are studying New York state's plan to fast-track the project, which includes providing $250 million worth of construction financing.
New York's request for proposals, issued late last week, calls for bidders to offer an upfront licensing fee, a provision that led to the undoing of Delaware North Companies, the Buffalo, N.Y., firm chosen to build the casino in an initial round of bids last year. In March, however, Delaware North withdrew its plan, informing New York Gov. David Paterson's office that it was unable to make the $370 million upfront payment it had offered.
According to the agreement the winning bidder would now have to sign with New York officials, the licensing fee would have to be paid within 10 days of the document's signing. No minimum bid for the fee has been established.
According to the agreement the winning bidder would now have to sign with New York officials, the licensing fee would have to be paid within 10 days of the document's signing. No minimum bid for the fee has been established. ”We're running models of the competitive landscape and haven't decided whether to provide a bid,” Jeffrey Hartmann, chief operating officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which manages Mohegan Sun, said Thursday. He added, however, “We believe we have the best understanding of the Northeast gaming market.”
The Mohegan authority partnered with Capital Play, a New York company, in submitting its earlier bid, which was one of three finalists. Hartmann said the authority has not decided whether to partner with another entity on a new bid.
Hartmann said New York's latest request for proposals was substantially the same as the earlier one. However, it does not provide an option for bidders interested only in building and managing the casino as opposed to owning it, which is likely to keep the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe's Foxwoods Development Co. from entering the fray, Gary Armentrout, Foxwoods Development's president, said Thursday.
New York contemplates that the winner (of the bidding process) would own and operate the facility,” Armentrout said. “They're looking at a $3 million upfront payment just to be considered, as well as the upfront licensing fee and effectively a 78 percent tax rate. Based on that, it's not likely that we're going to participate this time around.”
Foxwoods Development did submit a bid for a state-owned, Foxwoods-managed casino in the initial round of bids.
Delaware North had planned to build a casino that included 4,500 video lottery terminals, which are similar to slot machines; restaurants; a hotel and a 60,000-square-foot conference center. The New York Racing Association has the franchise to operate Aqueduct's horse racing.
Hartmann said he expected the economic conditions and a “tight time frame” - proposals are due May 8 - to limit responses to a handful of bidders.
Delaware North, which is expected to come forward again, has been accused of breach of contract in a New York state Supreme Court suit filed by SL Green Realty Corp., its one-time partner in a group called Empire Racing. SL Green also is expected to participate in the Aqueduct rebidding.
B.HALLENBECK@THEDAY.COM
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE;
Jeffrey Hartmann, Chief Operating Officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA) said, "We're running models of the competive landscape and haven't decided whether to provide a bid. We believe we have the best understanding of the Northeast gaming market."
The Mashantucket pequots will probably not bid on the New York projects. The bids are due n on May 8, 2009. The bids require a three million dollar ($3,000,000.00) up front licensing fee.
New York wants a 78% tax rate. That leaves 22% to pay loans, salaries, interest, everything and try and make a profit. Are you kidding me? How can this possibly be done? This is insanity. Who's minding the store? The MTGA (the Mohegan Tribal Council) is okay with this?
In my opinion, the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs can't make a profit at between 55% to 62% off the top. How can it be done for 78% off top?
One tribal member said, 'you my as well give them 100%, because there is no way this thing can make money."
'
Is this more smoke and mirrors, from the Mohegan Tribal Council? Is this the best plan they can come up with? Should they go at election time? Are they doing the right thing for the Mohegan Tribe? What do you think?
New York you gotta be kidding.
Winning bidder on casino must pay large upfront fee
By Brian Hallenbeck Published on 4/24/2009
Mohegan Sun executives, who are expected to submit a bid to build and operate a casino at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, the New York City borough, are studying New York state's plan to fast-track the project, which includes providing $250 million worth of construction financing.
New York's request for proposals, issued late last week, calls for bidders to offer an upfront licensing fee, a provision that led to the undoing of Delaware North Companies, the Buffalo, N.Y., firm chosen to build the casino in an initial round of bids last year. In March, however, Delaware North withdrew its plan, informing New York Gov. David Paterson's office that it was unable to make the $370 million upfront payment it had offered.
According to the agreement the winning bidder would now have to sign with New York officials, the licensing fee would have to be paid within 10 days of the document's signing. No minimum bid for the fee has been established.
According to the agreement the winning bidder would now have to sign with New York officials, the licensing fee would have to be paid within 10 days of the document's signing. No minimum bid for the fee has been established. ”We're running models of the competitive landscape and haven't decided whether to provide a bid,” Jeffrey Hartmann, chief operating officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which manages Mohegan Sun, said Thursday. He added, however, “We believe we have the best understanding of the Northeast gaming market.”
The Mohegan authority partnered with Capital Play, a New York company, in submitting its earlier bid, which was one of three finalists. Hartmann said the authority has not decided whether to partner with another entity on a new bid.
Hartmann said New York's latest request for proposals was substantially the same as the earlier one. However, it does not provide an option for bidders interested only in building and managing the casino as opposed to owning it, which is likely to keep the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe's Foxwoods Development Co. from entering the fray, Gary Armentrout, Foxwoods Development's president, said Thursday.
New York contemplates that the winner (of the bidding process) would own and operate the facility,” Armentrout said. “They're looking at a $3 million upfront payment just to be considered, as well as the upfront licensing fee and effectively a 78 percent tax rate. Based on that, it's not likely that we're going to participate this time around.”
Foxwoods Development did submit a bid for a state-owned, Foxwoods-managed casino in the initial round of bids.
Delaware North had planned to build a casino that included 4,500 video lottery terminals, which are similar to slot machines; restaurants; a hotel and a 60,000-square-foot conference center. The New York Racing Association has the franchise to operate Aqueduct's horse racing.
Hartmann said he expected the economic conditions and a “tight time frame” - proposals are due May 8 - to limit responses to a handful of bidders.
Delaware North, which is expected to come forward again, has been accused of breach of contract in a New York state Supreme Court suit filed by SL Green Realty Corp., its one-time partner in a group called Empire Racing. SL Green also is expected to participate in the Aqueduct rebidding.
B.HALLENBECK@THEDAY.COM
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE;
Jeffrey Hartmann, Chief Operating Officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA) said, "We're running models of the competive landscape and haven't decided whether to provide a bid. We believe we have the best understanding of the Northeast gaming market."
The Mashantucket pequots will probably not bid on the New York projects. The bids are due n on May 8, 2009. The bids require a three million dollar ($3,000,000.00) up front licensing fee.
New York wants a 78% tax rate. That leaves 22% to pay loans, salaries, interest, everything and try and make a profit. Are you kidding me? How can this possibly be done? This is insanity. Who's minding the store? The MTGA (the Mohegan Tribal Council) is okay with this?
In my opinion, the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs can't make a profit at between 55% to 62% off the top. How can it be done for 78% off top?
One tribal member said, 'you my as well give them 100%, because there is no way this thing can make money."
'
Is this more smoke and mirrors, from the Mohegan Tribal Council? Is this the best plan they can come up with? Should they go at election time? Are they doing the right thing for the Mohegan Tribe? What do you think?
New York you gotta be kidding.
Friday, April 24, 2009
QUARTERLY MEETING
On Sunday, April 26, 2009, the Mohegan Tribal Quarterly Meeting will take place from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the Tribal Meeting Room of the Mohegan Tribal Government Building.
The meeting was orginally scheduled for April 19, 2009.
With the dismal financial reports coming from the Mohegan Sun Casino, it will be your (the Mohegan Tribe's) opportunity to question your elected government officials on the situation.
What we don't need is answers like, I don't know, I'll look into it, or we'll get back to you. This is a critical time for the Mohegan People. It calls for Tribal Councilors to speak up.
It calls for the Tribal Councilors to come forward with new ideas and solutions. Evidently, what the tribal government is doing, is not working. In my opinion, the economic situation of the tribe seems to be getting worse and not better.
Be there, and ask questions. This will probably be tribal members last chance, to ask questions of the Tribal Council, as a group, before the first round of ballots are counted on May 27, 2009. Five present Tribal Councilors are running for re-election. They are Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, Lynn Malerba, William Quidgeon, James Gessner and Mark Hamilton. If these people have not lived up to your expectations, then maybe they should be voted out. When you vote look at their records. Did they do the will of the Mohegan People?
I am not sure if I will be there, but if not have a good meeting. Come bring your questions. The Tribal Councilors make a great deal of money, make them accountable to the membership. We deserve answers. Please try and be there and see your government in action. .
The meeting was orginally scheduled for April 19, 2009.
With the dismal financial reports coming from the Mohegan Sun Casino, it will be your (the Mohegan Tribe's) opportunity to question your elected government officials on the situation.
What we don't need is answers like, I don't know, I'll look into it, or we'll get back to you. This is a critical time for the Mohegan People. It calls for Tribal Councilors to speak up.
It calls for the Tribal Councilors to come forward with new ideas and solutions. Evidently, what the tribal government is doing, is not working. In my opinion, the economic situation of the tribe seems to be getting worse and not better.
Be there, and ask questions. This will probably be tribal members last chance, to ask questions of the Tribal Council, as a group, before the first round of ballots are counted on May 27, 2009. Five present Tribal Councilors are running for re-election. They are Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, Lynn Malerba, William Quidgeon, James Gessner and Mark Hamilton. If these people have not lived up to your expectations, then maybe they should be voted out. When you vote look at their records. Did they do the will of the Mohegan People?
I am not sure if I will be there, but if not have a good meeting. Come bring your questions. The Tribal Councilors make a great deal of money, make them accountable to the membership. We deserve answers. Please try and be there and see your government in action. .
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