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Mohegans, Mashantuckets deny link to casino jobs group

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Tuesday, 20 July 2010

Mohegans, Mashantuckets deny link to casino jobs group Coalition supports Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun By JAMES MOSHER Norwich Bulletin Posted Jul 18, 2010 Eastern Connecticut’s two casinos share the same interests as a recently founded lobbying group, but the casinos say there is no formal affiliation. “Have absolutely nothing to do with them,” said Chuck Bunnell, chief of staff of the Mohegan Tribal Nation, owner of Mohegan Sun. “We are not affiliated with them in any way whatsoever,” said Lori Potter, spokeswoman for Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The Foxwoods properties are owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Matthew Hennessy, a lobbyist and one-time aide to former Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, is spokesman for the Connecticut Coalition for Gaming Jobs, which is fighting federal recognition of the Shinnecock tribe, labeling developments so far “deeply flawed.” After recognition, many tribes have sought to build casinos exempt from laws applied to non-Indian gambling groups. The Shinnecocks are interested in starting a New York casino that would compete with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Lower gambling revenue for Connecticut’s casinos means higher taxes out of the pockets of Connecticut residents, the coalition leader says. Hennessy declines to say if he’s affiliated with Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun. “Our members have asked us not to publicize their involvement,” he said. “If they eventually wish to disclose their involvement then that’s up to them.” Chris Cooper, a former spokesman for Gov. M. Jodi Rell and a consultant to Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele’s gubernatorial campaign, is doing some work for the coalition through his private communications firm. That work should in no way be taken as an endorsement by Fedele of the coalition’s activities, Cooper said. Fedele is not affiliated with the group, he added. Potential rivals The coalition is also scrutinizing casino developments in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Hennessy said. Massachusetts is considering legalizing casino gambling through some mixture of resort casinos and racetrack slot machines. Rhode Island is considering turning its two slot machine parlors — Newport Grand and Twin River — into full-service casinos. Hennessy’s group is not looking to start additional casinos in Connecticut. “We’re not in the casino development business,” he said. “We are trying to strengthen what we have.” The coalition does plan to spread the word about advantages to be gained from increasing business at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. “Southeastern Connecticut has a feel for the importance of casinos, but statewide there’s not that same feeling,” Hennessy said. “We want all of Connecticut to realize the importance of this sector of our economy.” http://www.norwichbulletin.com/casinos/x1814122795/Mohegans-Mashatucket-Pequots-deny-link-to-casino-jobs-group

 

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