Facing mounting criticism over his recent actions — including an appearance at a party at Suffolk Downs -- the chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission removed himself today from the debate over casino proposals in Greater Boston.
Reading from a statement before the start of a public meeting, Stephen P. Crosby said he and the commission regard safeguarding the panel’s integrity as their highest priority. But now, Crosby acknowledged, he had become “a distraction and potential threat to our critical appearance of the total impartiality.”
“Over the past several months, my behavior and judgment concerning the parties to the [Greater Boston] decision has been questioned, sometimes in good faith, sometimes in bad faith,’’ Crosby said. “Frankly, neither I nor any of the commissioners have any doubt about my ability to be impartial in the decision-making process.” Crosby in his statement cited the hard work and dedication of the commission. “I will not allow anything to distract or discredit that comprehensive effort,’’ Crosby said. “Therefore, I have decided to recuse myself from any further involvement in any of the issues concerning the licensing decision for [Greater Boston].” Commissioner Jim McHugh will act as chairman of the commission during deliberations over the Greater Boston proposals. In all other respects, Crosby said, he planned to continue to serve as chairman, “and I look forward to being a part of its ongoing important work.” Continue reading below The commission will decide whether Mohegan Sun’s proposal for a casino at Suffolk Downs or a bid from Steve Wynn to open a casino in Everett wins the coveted license. The Boston Globe reported earlier this week that Crosby had attended a private party Saturday at Suffolk Downs celebrating opening day at the track. Guests enjoyed an open bar and a buffet with shrimp, clams, and a carving station. Suffolk Downs representatives said Crosby paid for himself and for guests who attended the party.Holding a brief meeting with the media after reading his statement, Crosby said he came to his decision at 10 a.m. Thursday and insisted that Governor Deval Patrick’s criticism of his appearance at the Suffolk Downs event played no role in that decision. The governor said it was unwise for Crosby to attend when his commission would decide whether a proposed casino at the track would win a license.
Crosby, who had resisted calls to recuse himself or step down, said he saw nothing wrong with attending the racing event, but acknowledged he did not consider how it might appear once it was reported in the Globe.
“It did not pass the sniff test in how that would appear in the Boston Globe,’’ he said.
He said he decided to remove himself from the Greater Boston debate to leave no doubt about the impartiality of the body’s decisions.
“The right thing to do is to recuse myself,’’ he said, adding that people will have to make up their own minds about his actions.
He said the complaints he has fielded so far have been “nothing but noise,’’ insisting there was little substance to them.
Crosby said he was terribly disappointed about leaving, noting the complex issues that remain regarding the proposed casinos in Everett and at Suffolk Downs in Revere.
With that, Crosby left the session, held at the Boston Convention Center & Exposition Center. A scheduled gambling commission hearing resumed without him.
More coverage:
Patrick chides gambling regulator for attending party
Mass. gambling official attended Suffolk Downs party
Walsh accuses gaming chief of bias, demands recusal
Amid furor, gambling panel OK’s revised Everett land deal
Gambling panel chair to recuse self from Everett site review
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