The Casino Issue

http://www.sunjournal.com/storyupdate.php?PHPSESSID=98d9ae2aea9c2e312c22820fc8bed0af#1165

It's hard to be a spokesperson when the entity doesn't want anything spoken about the project!

The best quote in the article: "I've promised the people of Maine I would never lie to them and if I keep this job I would have to break that promise," LaMarche said.

CASINOSNO! RESPONDS TO
RESIGNATION OF PAT LAMARCHE


PORTLAND – Dennis Bailey, executive director of CasinosNO!, released the following statement today in response to the resignation of Pat LaMarche as spokesperson for the proposed Oxford County casino:

“I have a great deal of respect for Pat LaMarche and commend her for her ethical standards. Unfortunately she found out the hard way that ethics and casinos don’t always go together. It’s important to remember that the original promoter of the Bangor casino, Shawn Scott, was unable to obtain a license to operate the casino due to his questionable background, yet he walked away with millions after selling it to another casino developer. This ‘get-rich-scheme’ is no doubt the plan of the Oxford County casino promoters, just as it is for the people behind the latest proposal for slot machines at Scarborough Downs. Meanwhile, the voters are left wondering who is really behind these operations and where the financing is coming from.

“Apparently these questions became too much for Pat LaMarche, or she didn’t like the answers. We hope that she will be even more forthcoming and provide the voters of Maine with the details of her concerns before going to the polls in November.”



CONTACT: Dennis Bailey, 207-347-6077, 207-749-4963

The following is an Email to the Rumford Free Press from Seth Carey

It is disappointing that Pat LaMarche has chosen to step down as spokesperson for our campaign. Recently, Pat has been inactive as our spokesperson as we have been busy trying to secure funding for our campaign with an investor that shares our vision. During this interim period, which has taken longer than planned, we have operated without paid staff as we work on securing funding. While we understand Pat’s financial decision, we hoped she would stay on board while adequate funding is secured. We are disappointed that she could not wait for such funding.

We dispute that there are any legal or professional issues that would in any way hinder the project. We will continue to pursue funding and once successful we hope we are able to reengage Pat in her role as spokesperson. We truly believe that we are bringing opportunity to the state, and while the road has been challenging, we will continue to follow our plan of bringing jobs and economic growth to Oxford County and this great state. We would like to wish Pat the best of luck with any future endeavor she wishes to pursue.

Seth T. Carey, Esq.
114 Congress Street
PO Box 100
Rumford, ME 04276

(207) 364-7826
oops.net

we will continue to follow our plan of bringing jobs and economic growth to Oxford County and this great state

Bringing jobs to and economic growth to Oxford County by way of a casino could definitely hinder the growth of the River Valley area if it were located outside this area. Why wouldn't he have specified the River Valley area if it were still under consideration?

This casino is exploding from the inside out. When people that were on their payroll start saying things like "I've promised the people of Maine I would never lie to them and if I keep this job, I would have to break that promise," and staying with Evergreen Mountain Enterprises, the corporation set up to run the campaign, would go against her ethical standards, you can only guess what is going on behind the scenes.

One thing you don’t have to guess about is there are some serious problems with this Casino issue. That is very clear.

Another thing we didn’t need to guess about is how the vote was going to go with our selectmen supporting this effort.

People have speculated that the $90,000 that was put aside for economic development was really seed money for the casino effort. $90,000 at a time when we are making humongous cuts to the public safety budget. Now we have Seth Carey publicly asking for the town to spend money on his effort. I believe that those same three selectmen have planned from the beginning to try to push a huge portion of that $90,000 toward the Casino and soon will be looking for more. They didn’t tell you about it when they suggested it but they’ll have to be coming clean about it soon. What you see is not what you get from this group.

Why would any selectman that cares about our town vote to support an effort that clearly has questionable ethical problems, is supporting undesirable changes to the laws of the state, puts the Casino leadership as a voting member (control) of every board that it’s supposed to contribute money too, is sure to increase crime and social problems in our community and is headed by a man that has serious legal and ethical problems himself?

Please don’t tell me that it’s because we need the economic development it will bring. The Portland Press Herald thoroughly shot that argument out of the water. Most of the money will be taking the fast train right out of the state. If it’s located near Rumford we will be significantly expanding our budget for public safety. Just look at the history of what’s happened in other Casino towns.

I’m not saying there won’t be some economic growth and some increase to our tax base, if it’s located in Rumford. I am saying that the financial and social cost associated with those benefits may be dubious at best.

I have taken a “wait and see” approach to deciding on whether to support this Casino effort. After the events of the past week, I’ve come to fully believe it’s a horrible idea for our community. The straw that broke the camels back was that the lack of quality leadership has created serious problems right from the start. Instead of managing the problems correctly, they have only continued to grow larger. I see little reason to believe this trend will change.

Admin,

While there is some truth in what you posted above, there is also some speculation and opinion. And to be fair, we should examine the latter:

Admin wrote:This casino is exploding from the inside out. When people that were on their payroll start saying things like "I've promised the people of Maine I would never lie to them and if I keep this job, I would have to break that promise,"...

This is a fact as publicly quoted by the Sun Journal, although there has been nothing indicating that Ms. LaMarche was ever "on the payroll". The organization was purportedly not paying a salary to anyone.

Admin wrote: ...and staying with Evergreen Mountain Enterprises, the corporation set up to run the campaign, would go against her ethical standards, you can only guess what is going on behind the scenes.

One thing you don’t have to guess about is there are some serious problems with this Casino issue. That is very clear.

Another thing we didn’t need to guess about is how the vote was going to go with our selectmen supporting this effort.

People have speculated that the $90,000 that was put aside for economic development was really seed money for the casino effort.

Speculation

Admin wrote:... $90,000 at a time when we are making humongous cuts to the public safety budget.

Fact

Admin wrote: Now we have Seth Carey publicly asking for the town to spend money on his effort. I believe that those same three selectmen have planned from the beginning to try to push a huge portion of that $90,000 toward the Casino and soon will be looking for more. They didn’t tell you about it when they suggested it but they’ll have to be coming clean about it soon. What you see is not what you get from this group.

Why would any selectman that cares about our town vote to support an effort that clearly has questionable ethical problems, is supporting undesirable changes to the laws of the state, puts the Casino leadership as a voting member (control) of every board that it’s supposed to contribute money too, is sure to increase crime and social problems in our community and is headed by a man that has serious legal and ethical problems himself?

Some speculation, some fact. Carey is certainly in some hot water because of his ethics (or lack thereof), which raises doubts about the ethics of HIS organization. Please illuminate me as to where it is documented that Seth Carey asking the town to spend money. As for your speculation about the selectmen, I'm afraid that all you have are your beliefs. And there has been no verifiable evidence of proportionate increases in crime or social problems in locations where casinos have been opened.

Admin wrote: ...Please don’t tell me that it’s because we need the economic development it will bring. The Portland Press Herald thoroughly shot that argument out of the water.

You are referring, of course to the bully pulpit for Dennis Bailey. The PPH ranks right down there with the SJ on my list of reputable news sources. Although it does make a good fish wrapper.

Admin wrote: Most of the money will be taking the fast train right out of the state.

Speculation. The only known fact is that if the referendum passes, 40% of the gross gambling revenue will be allocated to various state, county and local agencies. As for the remaining 60%, some portion will have to cover operating expenses and payouts to winners leaving whatever profit to be distributed to the stockholders who may or may not reside within the state.

Admin wrote: If it’s located near Rumford we will be significantly expanding our budget for public safety. Just look at the history of what’s happened in other Casino towns.

I’m not saying there won’t be some economic growth and some increase to our tax base, if it’s located in Rumford. I am saying that the financial and social cost associated with those benefits may be dubious at best.

Absolutely true. If nothing else, there will be an increase in vehicular traffic warranting additional law enforcement officers. And while they patrolling with their increased staff, they will have more opportunity to prevent and resolve other criminal actions. The referendum, if passed, specifically allocates 1% of the gross gambling revenue to the local municipality for public service requirements. More police = a good thing.

Admin wrote:I have taken a “wait and see” approach to deciding on whether to support this Casino effort. After the events of the past week, I’ve come to fully believe it’s a horrible idea for our community. The straw that broke the camels back was that the lack of quality leadership has created serious problems right from the start. Instead of managing the problems correctly, they have only continued to grow larger. I see little reason to believe this trend will change.

Speculation, although there are sufficient reasons for you to feel this way.

BOTTOM LINE: Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but let's identify them as such. Representing "spin" as facts only distorts the issue, and we abhor our leaders and politicians when they do it. Let's keep this forum reputable.

Hey Steve, I didn't read you comment in its entirety but certainly Pat LaMarche was on the payroll, receiving $1,500 ever week or every other week. It's on the website where they give the information for the PAC.

HI Steve,

Thanks for writing. When I post, I work hard to qualify statements that are my beliefs as opposed to facts. You’ll see I use qualifiers such as “I believe” or use the words “seem” or “likely. I try to be very careful when I write so I don’t confuse the two. Some things you don’t need to have all the facts to know something is up. If something looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s most “likely” a duck. There's no need for DNA testing. The casino “seems” to be a wounded duck. Actually, maybe I should have said skunk because it sure smells worse all the time. (My opinion, based on some factual information).

If the Casino issue goes away without the selectmen trying to use public funds to support it, I’ll issue a public apology to them. In all fairness, the Sun Journals story Friday made it look like Seth asked the town for money. Later on I saw the editor of the Sun Journal post a comment saying Seth didn’t ask for tax money but that he wanted everyone in town to donate $20.00 towards it. I’m still suspicious of the three selectmen trying to use public funds to support this casino but I would love to be wrong.

It’s interesting that you chose to try to take the debate off topic, as opposed to debating with your opinion about the Casino. That’s a common thing for people to do. For instance I’ve read post where people simply discredit the sun journal and totally ignore the information in the article. The Press Herald made a lot of good points in their article. If you disagree with what they said, I’d love to hear about that and why you believe differently.

Here are some of the things you did debate.

First I saw Pat Lamarche’s name on the Pac receiving $1,500 a week. Thanks Timeout for pointing this out.

If you don’t believe Casino’s increase crime, check this out:

Using data from every U.S. county from 1977 to 1996 and controlling for over 50 variables to examine the impact of casinos on the seven FBI Index I crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft), we concluded that casinos increased all crimes except murder, the crime with the least obvious connection to casinos.

For the whole study, go to: http://ncalg.org/Library/Studies%20and%20White%20Papers/Crime%20and%20Corruption/casinos_and_crime_grinols_mustard.pdf

I did put links to support this post on the blog. I didn’t here because they didn’t paste in with the text and I needed to get on with my day. If you’re interested, check out http://rumfordfreepress.blogspot.com/2008/08/casino-effort-is-bad-idea-for-oxford.html

Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine lately.

More interesting reading

http://www.sunjournal.com/story/279795-3/OurView/Voters_must_be_sold_the_casino_first/

The following column ws sent to the RVFP with a request to post it on our Web site.

Gamblers caught in the 'machine zone'
Slot machines have become so sophisticated that their designers can exploit every weakness.

NATASHA DOW SCHULL, Special to the Press Herald
August 23, 2008

2005 Press Herald file

Behind the lights, beeps and buzzers, there’s some deep calculation going on.

All forms of gambling are not created equal. Mainers should take this into account when deciding how to vote in November's referendum for a casino in Oxford County.

At the request of the Maine group Casinos No!, I wanted to share my research as a social anthropologist on this social trend.

My studies of gambling have focused on a dramatic turn that has taken place in recent decades from social forms of gambling played at tables – poker, blackjack, baccarat – to asocial forms played alone at video terminals, now the most popular form of gambling.

If voters endorse the proposal to allow an unlimited number of slot machines at an Oxford County casino, residents will be exposed to devices that have been carefully and specifically designed to make them lose as much money as possible.

It's important for voters to understand how these machines work.
Every feature of a slot machine – its mathematical structure, visual graphics, sound dynamics, seating and screen ergonomics – is calibrated to increase a gambler's "time on device" and to encourage "play to extinction," which is industry jargon for playing until all your money is gone.
The machines have evolved from handles and reels to buttons and screens, from coins to credit cards, from a few games a minute to hundreds.

Although gambling machines must by law use random number generators, the results are fed through complicated mathematical algorithms that give game designers a great deal of control over outcomes – leading some to suggest that these algorithms are a high-tech way to "load the dice."
Using advanced computer chips and integrated circuits, the machines are designed to exploit aspects of human psychology, and they do it well.
In the eyes of the casino industry, this may look like success, but it comes at great expense to players.

The rise in slots gambling, fueled in large part by these technological developments, has led to much higher rates of gambling addiction.
This is evident at Gamblers Anonymous meetings in Las Vegas, where the vast majority of participants are machine gamblers.

These gamblers are motivated more by a need to escape reality than any desire for entertainment and excitement.

Without the presence of social elements such as other players or a live dealer, they are able to exit the world and enter a state where everything fades away.

Slot machines so completely concentrate players' attention on a series of game events that anything troubling about their life situations – physically, emotionally or socially – gets blotted out. Players enter what's known as the "machine zone," where even winning stops mattering.

In fact, it can be unwelcome because it interrupts the flow of play. Such players only stop when their credits are consumed.

Discussion of problem gambling typically focuses on individual gamblers and their "predisposition" to addiction.

This focus ignores the fact that some activities are more addictive than others. The aim of the gambling industry is to increase its bottom line, not to create addicts.

But in effect, its efforts to make slot machines so effective at extracting money from people yields a product that, for all intents and purposes, approaches every player as a potential addict – in other words, someone who won't stop playing until his or her means are depleted.

The pro-slots contingent promises increased money for the state, but it's important to understand where that money comes from.

The revenue from slot machines comes not from entertaining but by exploiting people.

Should the government, whose role is to protect its citizens, become a partner in this ethically dubious enterprise?

Maine voters should think twice before allowing more slots in their state.

Copyright © 2008 Blethen Maine Newspapers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natasha Dow Schull of Cambridge, Mass., is an assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her book, "Machine Zone: Technology and Compulsion," will be published next year by Princeton University Press.

A question for the Casino organizers.

Since Seth has now stated that he is actively seeking investors from the east and west coast, does that mean that we will have out of state investors sitting on Maine boards (like the University of Maine, Land for Maine’s Future, ect.) that receive casino profits?

What a mess!

This is a joke. Vote No!

Dave wrote:This is a joke. Vote No!

Well, Dave, you certainly seem adamantly opposed to a casino. And I'm not saying that a casino is the solution to River Valley's economic problems, but I haven't heard of any major industries beating a path to Rumford's door. Nor have I seen any postings from you that offer alternatives. I would welcome the opportunity to address your proposals.

Bottom line is someone with as many question marks next to there name then Seth Carey you would think he would go above and beyond to answer spcific questions with specific answers, would be open and forthright about past, present and future referndum business. I try to compare this project with something of similar controvery and I keep getting the same result:

Imagine for a second that a referendum is up in Nov that would legalize pot. And the person who wrote the bill is the only person who can sell the pot, and he stands to make 50-100 million dollars after the bill passes. And he is asking to lower the age to smoke pot from 21 to 19. And he is a lawyer who is being accused of running an unethical law practice that could result in disbarment. And when asked a question about where he is going to grow the pot and.or sell it he casn't answer. And when asked why he hired a respected political personality to promote his project and she quits siting more unethical behavior he cant answer. And when asked any questions about any aspect of his referendum he gives vague generic answers.

And yes, I too agree that this is a joke and has 0% chance of success and when Seth Carey asks for cash donations I get very skeptical of WHY? Because of the paranoid person behind the request, I know I will never get a straight answer.

Why is this Evergreen Mountain Resort a casino or nothing deal? Couldn't one work without slot machines? If a large all season resort were built somewhere with spectacular views (Black Mtn. area?) and housed a 5 star restaurant and a great golf-course, it could cater to the cross-country and downhill skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers in the winter, the hikers and golfers in the spring and the leaf peepers in the fall.
It could also house a convention center and host retreats, banquets and weddings. It also could have retail space and condos available. This area doesn't have any really nice upscale lodging available. If necessary couldn't it have off-track betting? I would think an established resort might have a better chance of being allowed to have slot machines. Didn't Bangor start out with track betting?

C wrote:Why is this Evergreen Mountain Resort a casino or nothing deal? Couldn't one work without slot machines? If a large all season resort were built somewhere with spectacular views (Black Mtn. area?) and housed a 5 star restaurant and a great golf-course, it could cater to the cross-country and downhill skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers in the winter, the hikers and golfers in the spring and the leaf peepers in the fall.
It could also house a convention center and host retreats, banquets and weddings. It also could have retail space and condos available. This area doesn't have any really nice upscale lodging available. If necessary couldn't it have off-track betting? I would think an established resort might have a better chance of being allowed to have slot machines. Didn't Bangor start out with track betting?

Slot machines and off track betting are okay, but other games are not? Why?

KevinNSaisi wrote:

C wrote:Why is this Evergreen Mountain Resort a casino or nothing deal? Couldn't one work without slot machines? If a large all season resort were built somewhere with spectacular views (Black Mtn. area?) and housed a 5 star restaurant and a great golf-course, it could cater to the cross-country and downhill skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers in the winter, the hikers and golfers in the spring and the leaf peepers in the fall.
It could also house a convention center and host retreats, banquets and weddings. It also could have retail space and condos available. This area doesn't have any really nice upscale lodging available. If necessary couldn't it have off-track betting? I would think an established resort might have a better chance of being allowed to have slot machines. Didn't Bangor start out with track betting?

Slot machines and off track betting are okay, but other games are not? Why?

Because of the person pendling them. If I have to make a decision on making ONE man worth 10's of millions of dollars in an instant and are going to give a him a monopoly on something I would at least want him to be an honest person. Imagine if there was a law in place that if you needed legal advice you had to choose Seth Carey. That is essentially what we are talking about here.

Slot machines and off track betting are okay, but other games are not? Why?

They are all the same to me- gambling is gambling. To the State of Maine it isn't the same. They allow off-track betting more readily than slot machines. My thoughts were if Seth's plan started on a less grand scale he might achieve the same result in the long run with patience and sound business planning. Of course if his plan is to outright sell the the casino concept/plans/rights (or what ever you would call it) to a developer or casino chain the more laid back approach wouldn't work at all, he would need the whole package.

C wrote:

Slot machines and off track betting are okay, but other games are not? Why?

They are all the same to me- gambling is gambling. To the State of Maine it isn't the same. They allow off-track betting more readily than slot machines. My thoughts were if Seth's plan started on a less grand scale he might achieve the same result in the long run with patience and sound business planning. Of course if his plan is to outright sell the the casino concept/plans/rights (or what ever you would call it) to a developer or casino chain the more laid back approach wouldn't work at all, he would need the whole package.

Again, the free enterprise system at work. He doesn't have the resources to build from a small scale enterprise, so he went with the whole package. As a businessman, it is his right to do so.

PORTLAND – A closed-door meeting of the Rumford Board of Selectmen last week concerning the proposed Oxford County casino has raised more questions about the campaign tactics of the casino proponents.

Last Thursday, the Rumford Board of Selectmen held a closed-door meeting with Seth Carey, the head of the casino proposal. The meeting was private; no members of the public or press were allowed into the hour-long session. Following the meeting, according to a report by the Lewiston Sun Journal, at least one of the selectmen who was undecided about the casino stated his support based on what he was told by Carey during the meeting.

“We believe the meeting was illegal, a violation of the state’s Right to Know law,” said Dennis Bailey, executive director of CasinosNO!, the state’s grassroots organization opposed to the expansion of casino gambling. “We’ve written to the Rumford town manager asking for clarification but have received no response.

“Besides being illegal, the private meeting raises other questions,” Bailey continued. “What is Seth Carey telling the Rumford selectmen to win their support that he isn’t telling the voters who will decide this issue in November? Have promises been made or deals struck that the voters should know about before deciding this issue?”

Bailey said the question of the possibly illegal meeting is complicated by the fact that Seth Carey’s father, Thomas Carey, serves as the town’s attorney (although it is unclear if he was involved in last Thursday’s meeting) and has contributed to the Oxford County casino campaign.

Bailey also noted that Seth Carey is facing misconduct charges related to his legal practice, and the former spokesperson for the casino Pat LaMarche recently resigned suggesting that she would have had to lie in order to promote the casino. LaMarche also complained about “moral failings and disreputable conduct” by members of the campaign organization.

“And these people want to run a casino,” Bailey asked. “I think it’s clear from their tactics and behavior that voters should be very skeptical about giving them the keys to the castle and vote NO on Nov. 4th.”



CONTACT: Dennis Bailey, 207-347-6077, 207-749-4963

I think the town is wrong in becoming involved in any way with this private agenda. This isn't a concern of theirs until the campaign passes in November and Rumford has been chosen as the location. That day may never come. Having any involvement at this stage raises suspicion that the TM and Selectmen may have a personal stake or may have been promised personal gain regarding this project. At this point, none of our tax dollars or even resources supported by our tax dollars should be going toward this private enterprise.

C wrote:I think the town is wrong in becoming involved in any way with this private agenda. This isn't a concern of theirs until the campaign passes in November and Rumford has been chosen as the location. That day may never come. Having any involvement at this stage raises suspicion that the TM and Selectmen may have a personal stake or may have been promised personal gain regarding this project. At this point, none of our tax dollars or even resources supported by our tax dollars should be going toward this private enterprise.

It is common for such enterprises to seek a vote for the "concept" from a municipal board. I have not looked into the laws regarding their meeting, but it is my understanding that open discussion would have comprimised the resort's position in negotiating with potential investors. The selectmen have insisted on certain information prior to providing an endorsement of the concept. Rob Cameron has lead this obstructionist effort. There is no rationale for the selectmen to have put out a survey and insisted upon confidential business information prior to endorsing the concept. I applaud Brad for being open to the concept and voting to support it.

As elected officials I don't think they have any business publicly endorsing this private enterprise either.

why would it be any different for the selectmen and tm to endorse a new store interested in comming to the area than a casino?

A new store wouldn't need need to campaign or have need of a public endorsement as it wouldn't be put on a state (or local) referendum for the voters. This is an attempt to gain positive publicity by using the opinion of a few (The TM, 3 selectmen and however many positive survey returns) to infer that the whole area supports the casino effort.