The Verifiable Truth

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?

Strange Bedfellows: Former Hawaii Gov. John Waihee & Detroit Gambling Promoter Michael Malik?

Former Governor John Waihee and restoration of Native Hawaiian Sovereignty
For generations, Hawaiians of native ancestry have sought restoration of sovereignty and/or some other form of Federal Recognition; among them, former Hawaii Governor John D. Waihee III and his son John D. Waihee, IV, an elected trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). The elder Waihee was the first Native Hawaiian to be elected Governor, serving from 1986-1994.

When U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga died in 1990, then-Gov. John Waihee appointed U.S. Rep. Daniel Akaka to finish out his term. By Waihee's appointment, Akaka became the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate.

Akaka has become known as a champion for Native Hawaiian causes. He authored the 1993 apology resolution, in which the United States apologized for its role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Since then, Akaka has fought to pass the Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act, now known as the "Akaka Bill."

Controversy erupted in 1993, when Gov. Waihee ordered the U.S. flag not be flown over state buildings in the Capitol-'Iolani Palace area during a 5-day pageant marking the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani and the Hawaiian monarchy.

During his tenure Gov. Waihee created and established OHA during his first term and it has become one of the leading advocates for restoration of Hawaiian sovereignty in one form or another.

Since it's introduction, Waihee III has been a champion of the so-called Akaka Bill which again failed to receive congressional approval during 2011.

In September, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Waihee III the at-large commissioner of the newly formed (Act 195) Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. The Roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

Although Waihee III is on record opposing casinos and gambling in Hawaii; one must remember how personally the sovereignty/Recognition matters to him. And should Americans of Native Hawaiian ancestry be Federally Recognized, they could be eligible for 'Indian Lands.' Such is the designation for property that provides for casino gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

Detroiters with Hawaiian Casino Dreams
For a decade and without success, controversial wheeler-dealer Michael Malik and his Detroit-based cronies have been trying to legalize commercial gambling in Hawaii. Ideally, they want to develop a casino in the general Waikiki Beach area.

Strange Bedfellows
That these Detroiters are credited with helping the Shinnecock Indian Nation gain Federal Recognition, may be a reason that otherwise strange bedfellows, Waihee & Malik, were spotted together on Long Island (NY) at a presentation Malik made to the Elmont Chamber of Commerce regarding his latest schemes for a casino nearest New York City. It was reported in the Long Island Herald that Malik introduced or explained Waihee at the Elmont Chamber event as an "Associate."

Stranger Bedfellows There Have Been
Should Malik/Detroiters be willing to dedicate valuable or unique resources (time, talent/expertise, money) to successfully advance Gov. Waihee's Native agenda, and should Waihee be personally enriched by any future ability to develop and operate Native Gaming facilities on Waikiki, might be enough to cause Gov. Waihee to abandon his earlier position on casinos or gambling in Hawaii and bring the pair together for mutual gains.

Afterall, like Malik, Waihee has often been embroiled in controversy (Broken Trust) and in recent years has fallen upon tough financial circumstances. Waihee was sued by American Express for being delinquent on a bill of over $72,000 and the Bank of Hawaii foreclosed on Waihee’s Nuuanu home on a $828,598 delinquency.

Hitting a personal jackpot with a Native casino on Waikiki and balancing a somewhat tarnished legacy with a place in the history books as a champion of the restoration of Hawaiian sovereignty might sound pretty darn attractive. To say it would be satisfying to Malik too, is a gross understatement. It would be a dream come true.

See also:

Monday, October 31, 2011

D'Amato's Online Gambling Advocacy Group has paid his Lobbying Firm $1.73 Million

Former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY) is the chairman of the Poker Players Alliance, an online gambling advocate group, and also founder and managing director of Park Strategies LLC, a lobbying firm with offices in New York, Washington DC, Taipei, Albany, Buffalo and Long Island.

Source: OpenSecrets.org

According to the New York Times, Poker Players Alliance, a U.S. nonprofit interest group, is funded with money from foreign online gambling companies. Federal investigators are looking into allegations that PPA is away for foreign interests to simply funnel campaign money to Members of Congress. PPA has paid D.C. lobbyists more than $15 million during the last decade.

Since 2007, Poker Player's Alliance, the nonprofit organization D'Amato serves as chairman of the Board, has paid $1.73 million to Park Strategies LLC, the lobbying firm founded by D'Amato.

Detroiters Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik have hired D'Amato to represent at least one of their gambling affiliates, Gateway Casino Resorts.

Through Gateway, the Detroiters hope to secure an opportunity to open an Indian casino nearest New York City, in partnership with the newly recognized Shinnecock Indian Nation. Their latest schemes would include developing, managing and operating a casino at the famed Belmont Race Track on Long Island.

Mrs. Ilitch owns Detroit's highly leveraged MotorCity Casino. Her husband Mike Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers (MLB). They are the co-founders of the Little Caesars pizza enterprise and owners of the Detroit Red Wings (NHL). Ilitch Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of these affiliates.

When the Michigan Gaming Control Board refused to issue a commercial gaming license to Michael Malik in 1999, he was forced from the original MotorCity Casino partnership. For more than a dozen years, he and Marian have failed to get commercial gambling approved in Hawaii; and also failed at numerous schemes to open off-reservation Indian casinos in California, Michigan and New York. Failing to ever obtain a Michigan gaming license, Malik also ventured into the online gambling industry but when the U.S. adopted stricter regulations, he put that on hold.

Similarities Between Strategy to Approve Bay Mills Land Claim and Native Hawaiians' Attempt to Restore Sovereignty

The Common Interest in Both Schemes is

Detroit Gambling Promoter Michael Malik

Detroit Gambling Promoter
Michael J. Malik, Sr.

Blogger’s Note: Does this cram-it-into-an-appropriations-bill strategy not in the Hawaii Free Press story highlighted below sound familiar? Recall when lobbyists and operatives for Detroit gambling promoter Michael Malik attempted to get approvals of the Bay Mills Indian Community Land Claims Settlement crammed into an Appropriations Bill? or the Transportation Omnibus? Those attempts were ultimately intended to get approvals needed to pave the way for Malik’s Bay Mills Indian casino in Port Huron (MI).

Consider this... Malik has attempted to establish gambling (a casino) in Hawaii for the better part of a decade. He’s not been able to get legislative or voter approval despite major efforts in 2001 and 2010-11. But recently he’s been spotted palling around on Long Island (NY) with former Hawaii Governor John Waihee.

Waihee was the first Governor of Hawaii to be of Hawaiian ancestry and he was the person who appointed then-Rep. Akaka to fill the U.S. Senate seat that had been held by Spark Matsunaga, making Akaka the first person of Native Hawaiian ancestry to serve in the Senate.

While Waihee has been an opponent of gaming in Hawaii, for the better part of his life, he’s been a ring leader in the movement to restore Hawaiian Sovereignty. Should Native Hawaiians be Federally Recognized, Malik might be able to get his Waikiki casino – in the same way he hopes to build, manage and operate a Long Island casino using a bargain he struck with the Shinnecock Indian Nation. And should Waihee, who’s had personal financial challenges in recent years and who was embroiled in the Bishop Trust scandals detailed in “Broken Trusts, ” be personally enriched through a Native casino in Hawaii, it would be a grand slam for the former Governor.

Another Akaka Bill sneak attack? GOP Senators tell Inouye to back off

News Release from US Senate Republican Caucus

12.03.2010

WASHINGTON – Senators Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) today released the following statements in response to reports that the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act – legislation that would establish a new governing entity for individuals of native Hawaiian descent – may be added to an Omnibus Appropriations Bill or a Continuing Resolution, one of which must pass Congress and be signed by the president this month, or the federal government will not have the funding to operate.

“Legislation as highly complex and divisive as the native Hawaiian bill requires vigorous discussion, debate, and amendments,” Kyl said. “An attempt to include it in unrelated legislation to keep the government operating is a breach of process and is an example of what the American people are tired of – back room deals that are inserted in secret packages written behind closed doors.”

“I’m concerned by reports that a special Native Hawaiian bill, or any other controversial measure, might be quietly inserted into must-pass legislation that’s needed to keep the government open,” Alexander said. “If the Democratic majority wishes to pass legislation that would create a new, sovereign government within our borders based solely upon race, it should be brought up separately and debated openly on the Senate floor with the opportunity for amendment.”

“This November, Americans spoke and we listened,” said Cornyn. “Unfortunately, some of my Senate colleagues did not hear the resounding message that rejected secret backroom deals and controversial legislative distractions like this... (Complete Story)

Detroiters have already Seduced Elmont Chamber of Commerce into supporting their Casino Schemes

The Detroiters pushing for a Shinnecock Indian casino at Belmont Race Track have already infiltrated, the Elmont Chamber of Commerce. Traditionally their first target of opportunity is the local Chamber. Here's how they'll seduce the Chamber: (1) Embrace the local chamber establishment because they’ll be blinded and overwhelmed by the largess of your big hollow economic arguments; (2) Sell them the miracle drug (often a placebo) that will get their desperate economic circumstances moving in a positive direction again and let them wash it down with the Kool-Aid ; and (3) keep them satisfied by throwing around a couple hundred dollars here and there that they can use to go shopping.

But think about it... if these tired their promises and strategies had any truth to them, why is Detroit the worst city in America by nearly all accounts -- but certainly economically? And now that Detroit's has had the benefits raking in the casino cash for nearly a decade, why did Forbes just rank Detroit #1 Most Dangerous City in America? And how is it that Detroit taxpayers are across the board worse off than they were ten years ago and yet Forbes reports that in the last year alone, the net worth of Mike and Marian Ilitch, they’re the Detroiters behind Gateway Casino Resorts, jumped from $1.7 billion to $2 billion?

Here’s how: target places that are already economically challenged/depressed. Create economic arguments, pulled together by third party consultants that are simply recycled from the last campaign they ran using models that are untested in the real world or purely theoretical. Reports and messages suggesting a windfall; talk that suggests public/private partnerships but truly leans on the backs of hardworking taxpayers; and shameless about pushing special exemptions, freebies, condemnations, grants and other taxpayer subsidies.

Put on a few Dog & Pony Shows (but please no cameras)

On October 20, 2011, Detroiter Michael Malik flew in his crew to Elmont and at a regularly scheduled meeting of Chamber members, provided what was billed as a detailed peek at renderings and plans for the proposed project. Malik forbid, however, any photographs of the renderings and failed to distribute any of his own images for people to take with them. Either those images were re-cycled architectural images that have rolled out previously elsewhere, or they’re renderings that haven’t been approved by Shinnecock leaders or others who will have input/veto and could change significantly. But pictures get people excited and suggest, often falsely, that things are moving ahead quickly. If that was the case, images would have been released or photography allowed – at least by local news outlets.

Buy Some Ads

There are Shinnecock favorable ads and advertorial now in rotation on the Elmont Chamber’s website: Elmont.org. A video shares a glimpse into the Shinnecock heritage and culture and links to the Shinnecock Indian Nation website. An ad graphic showing two men in hardhats touts “A Belmont Casino Would Create Up To 5,500 Good Paying Jobs for Elmont” with a “Learn More” button that when clicked lands visitors on a Facebook page for a group calling itself “Alliance for a Belmont Casino.”

Create the Appearances of a Grassroots Movement

That Alliance Facebook page appears to have been created sometime before June 23, 2011. To date there are a little more than 100 Facebook users who “Like” the page. Posts generally visible are added by the administrator of the page and there is very little fan interaction at this time. The info tab on the Facebook pages suggests it has been set up by the Shinnecock or their agents because the only link/contact details provided lead back to the Shinnecock Indian Nation’s website.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Detroiters' Lobbyist Laying Groundwork for Waikiki Gambling

Note: John Radcliffe is a Hawaii-based lobbyist and politico. He's been affiliated with Detroiters Michael Malik and Marian Ilitch for the last decade through Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group, the public affairs firm owned by Malik/Ilitch mouthpiece Tom Shields.

Radcliffe: The game is up, I told you, and you are not ready
2.16.2011

From the Peter Kay Show (click link for audio)

John Radcliffe’s speech to UHPA officials at closed-door meeting Sat. Feb. 12

"I am here to cheer you up. Happy Valentine’s Day!

"I am tracking 143 bills for you right now. Half of them are “take aways.” I expect we’ll defeat all of them. You also want me to get you more money. I won’t. In fact, we will be damn lucky to keep what we had.

"BUT

"How long have I been telling you that the revenues to pay for government are inadequate to pay the cost of government?

"Ten years?

"It has been at least ten years. Ten years, I think. In that time, the economy has gone down, up, and down—but each down has been deeper and has taken a toll, and each up has not been enough to restore funding levels…as a result government has suffered… It is now a Potemkin Village — a shabby Potemkin Village.

"The carpeting in the Governor’s office has not been replaced in I don’t know — 10-15 years? The lights don’t all work. The air conditioning is stuck at 60. The offices of other departments are often in much worse shape. There are gaping holes in some of the ceilings — By the way, to save money, the air conditioning in all government offices is shut off at 4:30 PM, and of course on all weekends… and on furlough days. But because people need to work, because they are so shorthanded — they work without the air conditioning — And it is pretty clear that the state has not had enough money to buy air conditioning filters for years — so most government buildings are full of mold and virus—and the workers who are left are sick workers.

"In terms of manpower, all 16 departments — not counting DOE and UH, are between 60% and 40% undermanned.

"Dozens of government programs are gone — teen pregnancy, job training, youth programs in general, etc. all gone….Gone. What are left are food stamps, employment training for adults, some programs for the disabled—child and protective services — the youth jail… Those things for which our government is under court order to provide — things like that. We cannot adequately enforce our laws on food safety, occupational safety, and etc. The questions of the public go unanswered for lack of manpower to answer phones.

"The Governor wants to bring our felons back and build new prisons here…not likely. Not soon.

"By the way, some of these social service agencies have been coming to me to hire me — to help them regain their state funding… and I am refusing to work for them. It would be taking money under false pretenses. They are done. Toast. Over with. Get it? People out of jobs. Kids out of programs. It is gone. Gone.

"Government is a business that enforces laws, provides social services, and shuffles paper… and that is not being done adequately any more.

"There is no legislative stomach for increasing taxes either. The soda tax, liquor tax, tobacco tax, pension tax, plastic bag tax, are probably all going to die..." (Complete Story)

Court Rules Los Coyotes can Toss Eagle Rock from Reservation

Court denies training center's temporary restraining order

10.28.2011

By Edward Sifuentes

A federal judge ruled Friday that the Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians can evict a military training center off its North County reservation.

The Eagle Rock Training Center is the site where a fire started July 21 and burned about 22 square miles.

The firm, which leased the land on the reservation for the training facility, filed a lawsuit in federal court Sept. 15 after the tribe attempted to evict the business from the reservation.

Attorneys for Eagle Rock asked the Judge William Q. Hayes to issue a temporary restraining order to keep the tribe from pushing them out.

On Friday, Hayes denied their request.

At issue is whether the tribe's then-chairwoman, Francine Kupsch, had the authority to agree to the lease on behalf of the tribe.

Hayes said she did not.

"ERTC has failed to present any evidence to show that the Los Coyotes General Council authorized any version of the lease," Hayes wrote.

Sean Roach, Eagle Rock's CEO, declined to comment Friday night.

After the tribe gave the training center an eviction notice in June, Eagle Rock officials said in court documents that they attempted to negotiate with the tribe to clarify the lease agreement, but that tribal officials "failed to negotiate in good faith," according to the lawsuit.

Earlier this month, Mark Radoff, an attorney for Los Coyotes, told the North County Times that the tribe can not be sued because of sovereign immunity and that there was no lease agreement because it was never approved by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Eagle Rock officials said in court documents that they were told the tribal council had voted and approved the lease and that the chairwoman signed a lease agreement that included a waiver of the tribe's sovereign immunity.

Hayes cited previous rulings that say "sovereign immunity cannot be implied but must be unequivocally expressed" and that there is a "strong presumption against waiver of tribal sovereign immunity."

The firm also alleged that the dispute over the lease agreement and the tensions it created between the tribe and the company may have led to the fire.

Two tribal members were arrested shortly after the fire and charged with arson for setting a guard shack belonging to Eagle Rock on fire. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

"Members of Los Coyotes even threatened to take matters into their own hands if ERTC did not vacate the property," according to court documents. "Tragically, such threats came to fruition when the tribe allowed certain tribal members to take matters into their own hands by pouring gasoline on the ERTC's security booth and lighting it on fire."

Friday, October 28, 2011

A Decade Ago: Detroiters' First Big Push to Legalize Gambling in Hawaii

Group insists gambling ‘logical’ choice for isles

The mainland group says casinos would improve the economy

3.30.2001

By Richard Borreca

Detroiters pushing to
legalize gambling in Hawaii

A group of mainland investors -- including Marian Ilitch, who owns 25 percent of a Detroit casino -- is launching a push to legalize gambling in Hawaii.

The group, called Holomua Hawaii, plans to testify at a Senate hearing next Thursday to be held by the Economic Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Rod Tam (D-Nuuanu).

The committee is considering resolutions to authorize a study on the economic impact of gambling in the Islands.

But the new group is pushing its own study prepared by Michigan Consultants with the assistance of Lawrence Boyd, a University of Hawaii economist.

The group also is planning newspaper, television and radio ads calling for action by the Legislature this year.

"This is a serious effort at economic development for Hawaii," said John Radcliffe, who is has been hired by a public relations firm associated with gambling interests.

Radcliffe also is the associate executive director of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, which is threatening to strike April 5 if new wage increases are not granted.

Radcliffe sees legalizing gambling as a viable way to improve the state's economic health.
"This is a serious attempt to improve the local economy," he said. "We are hoping for some action this year."

The 75-page economic report concludes that if there were two casinos on Oahu they would bring in $431 million and 6.8 million visitors a year.

"It is entirely logical that a person who withheld support for past gaming proposals during other economic times would now decide to support the dual Oahu casino approach given the financial soundness of the proposal and the competitive and economic realities facing Hawaii," the report said.

In Detroit, Ilitch's casino, MotorCity, has taken in $872,000 a day from food, drink and gambling, according to a report by Mandalay Resort Group, which owns 53.5 percent of the casino.

Senate President Robert Bunda, who has sponsored bills to legalize betting on horse races and lotteries, said he did not know if there was enough support in the Legislature to approve a gambling bill this year. Instead, he is hoping for a study during the interim.

Earlier in this legislative session, Gov. Ben Cayetano said he was interested in a proposal by Sun International to build a $800 million resort and casino at Ko Olina, but that proposal failed to generate support among lawmakers.

Blogger's Note: In the decade since this article was published, Marian Ilitch has taken ownership of MotorCity Casino. However, she and her partner Michael Malik have failed to open any new commercial gaming enterprises and have failed despite numerous schemes to develop off-reservation Indian casinos in Barstow (CA), Port Huron (MI) and on Long Island (NY). Michael Malik was forced from the original MotorCity Casino partnership when the Michigan Gaming Control Board failed to award him with a gaming license in 1999. In the 12 years since, Ilitch/Malik partnerships have failed to win approvals for, or assume management/operations of, any new casinos.

Disclosure? And their tangled web: Detroiter Michael Malik, the Jack Utsick Ponzi Scheme, Shinnecock & Bay Mills Indians, and Akerman Senterfitt

Michael J. Malik, Sr.

According to official lobbying records, during 2008 & 2009 the D.C. office of Akerman Senterfitt (Akerman) a legal/lobbying firm, registered as a lobbyist for the Bay Mills Indian Community but did not report any related income. At the same time Akerman also represented the Shinnecock Indians and was paid $230,000 for that work. Detroiter Michael J. Malik, Sr., or his affiliates pay all or part of the lobbying bills and manage the lobbying contracts for both Native American groups who are also his intended gambling partners. Should either tribe receive the necessary approvals, Malik affiliates have the exclusive rights to develop, manage and operate their respective gambling halls.

Simultaneously, Michael I. Goldberg, an Akerman attorney and "shareholder" in Florida, had been retained as the Receiver in a $300 million federal ponzi scheme case (SEC v. Utsick) against entertainment promoter John P. "Jack" Utsick, his Worldwide Entertainment Group and other parties. Utsick has reportedly taken asylum in Brazil and failed to appear during final court proceedings.

Michael I. Golderg

In the matter of the ponzi scheme, Receiver Goldberg had brought a fraudulent transfer case in Florida federal court against Malik (Goldberg v. Malik , Jun 9, 2008) alleging Malik was involved in a $2.1 million fraudulent transfer.

After the usual legal maneuvering, the Court received a Settlement Agreement (April 29, 2009) in which the Receiver, an attorney with and "shareholder" of Akerman whose associates had simultaneously represented the gambling interests of Malik and/or his affiliates, had revised down the amount of money alleged in the fraudulent transfer from $2.1 million to $620,000 and the parties agreed Malik would repay the Receivership $170,000 in-full within twelve months or be responsible for repaying the entire $620,000 minus any payments. It's not clear if Malik made good on the terms of the Settlement Agreement.

By the terms of the negotiated Settlement Agreement, Goldberg agreed Malik, a guy who reportedly spent $300,000 on a Las Vegas wedding and paid $5.4 million for a Manhattan Penthouse both in early in 2010, would repay just 8% of the funds Goldberg had originally alleged were fraudulently transferred.

It unclear whether Receiver Goldberg or the Court were aware of the following circumstances prior to entering into the Settlement Agreement:

Michael J. Malik, Sr. (as Trustee under the Michael J. Malik Revocable Living Trust dated 5/13/98) and Jack Utsick (as President, The Entertainment Group Fund, Inc.) organized AB Funding Company, L.L.C., a Detroit-based enterprise, on March 10, 2000. In court documents it was revealed the pair were introduced by Bruce Glatman.

It is also unclear whether or not Malik ever disclosed his relationships with Akerman associates in D.C.; Goldberg ever checked for conflicts; and/or if those details were ever disclosed to the Court:

From 2007-2011 Akerman has represented the Shinnecock Indians and the Shinnecock paid $510,000 to Akerman. Akerman represented the Bay Mills Indians during 2008 & 2009 but there are no records that Akerman was compensated directly for that work. Malik or his affiliates either pay directly or funnel funds to other parties responsible for paying the lobbying bills for these Native American entities. Should these parties get approvals to build casinos in the future, Malik affiliates have the exclusive rights to develop, manager and operate the gambling halls.

It is noted that since Malik and Goldberg entered into the Settlement Agreement, the Shinnecock have paid Akerman approximately $250,000 or nearly half of all the payments Akerman has received from Malik affiliates/partners; and Akerman terminated representation of the Bay Mills Indian Community. Since the Shinnecock achieved Federal Recognition, Akerman has continued to be paid, at least $70,000.

D'Amato's Online Gambling Group Bankrolled by Foreign Interests; Now he's behind Detroiter's Casino Schemes for Belmont Race Track

Foreign Money Fuels Faltering Bid to Push Online Poker
4.18.2011

By Eric Lipton

WASHINGTON — For the past four years, the foreign companies that control the global Internet poker industry have helped bankroll an elaborate lobbying campaign here, seeking to keep the United States from shutting their American operations down.

Former Senator Alfonse M. D’Amato, Republican of New York, has been the public face of the effort [Poker Players Alliance, theppa.org], which has included charity poker tournaments featuring members of Congress, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to a disparate assortment of lawmakers, including Representative Barney Frank, Democrat of Massachusetts, and Senator Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, the majority leader.

But late last week, the United States Justice Department delivered an unexpected thunderbolt to this huge lobbying campaign when it indicted top executives at PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker, accusing them of fraud and money laundering. In doing so the government has taken on a politically powerful industry that for a while seemed like it might transform gambling around the world... (Complete Story)

Al D’Amato is also founder and managing director of Park Strategies LLC, a lobbying firm with upwards of $3.5 million in annual revenues. A gambling affiliate (Gateway Casino Resorts) organized by Detroiters Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik to secure an opportunity to operate an Indian casino on Long Island, retained D’Amato’s firm this year.

One of D’Amato’s Park Strategies associates is Anthony Cancellieri, former Chief Deputy County Executive of Nassau County. D’Amato got his start in politics when he was appointed Public Administrator of Nassau County and from 1977-1980 he was vice chairman of the Nassau County Board of Supervisors. The Detroiters’ current scheme would include developing and operating a casino for the Shinnecock Indian Nation at Belmont Race Track in Nassau County.

D'Amato's advocacy group is also a major contributor to U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), the majority leader. The Detroiters have failed to win support from Reid for their various Indian casino schemes across the U.S. and in some cases Reid has blocked/stopped their progress.

Sovereignty for Native Hawaiians Could be a Boom to Native Gaming There

From the National Journal's Almanac
Hawaii State Profile

The second peculiar characteristic of Hawaii is its aloha spirit. This great asset could become a liability if Hawaii goes too far on Native Hawaiian sovereignty. The commemoration of the overthrow of Liliuokalani has led the state government to set up a process for Native Hawaiians to decide if they want sovereignty, though no one is quite sure what that means. In September 1996, 30,000 eligibles with some Native blood (there are only a few hundred pure native Hawaiians left) voted 73% yes on the question, "Shall the Hawaiian people elect delegates to propose a native Hawaiian government?" It seems unlikely they will want to be a separate nation, or that Congress will let them; some leaders of native groups call for "nation within a nation" status, with dual citizenship, limited return of lands, and restoration of Hawaiian culture, which also seems a nonstarter. Others want the same status as recognized Indian tribes, which would allow Native gambling -- a bonanza in the one of two American states (Utah is the other) which allows no gambling of any kind. Cayetano says sovereignty will be fine if it is "acceptable to the non-Hawaiians, as well as the United States government"; the four-member Hawaiian congressional delegation promised to abide by the results of the referendum.

Al D'Amato retained to advance Detroiters Long Island Casino Schemes is also leading fight for online gaming

Former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY) is Chairman of the Board of the Poker Players Alliance (theppa.org). From 2005 through 2011, Poker Players Alliance paid more than $15 million to D.C. lobbying firms who helped them advance their agenda.

Poker Players Alliance
Mission Statement

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is a non-profit membership organization comprised of online and offline poker players. Our membership consists of enthusiasts from around the United States who have joined together to speak with one voice to promote the game and protect the right to play poker in all its forms.

The PPA’s mission is to establish favorable laws that provide poker players with a secure, safe and regulated place to play. Through education and awareness the PPA will keep this game of skill, one of America’s oldest recreational activities, free from egregious government intervention and misguided laws.

The PPA is committed to defending the rights of poker players. On behalf of our broad membership, we will promote and protect poker through advocacy work in Washington, D.C., and throughout the nation. The Poker Players Alliance will work with key lawmakers to ensure a thoughtful and productive dialogue that represents everyone who enjoys and wants to protect the game.

But the PPA’s most powerful resource is its membership base, the players. Through our Web site, www.theppa.org, and through direct contact with our members, the Poker Players Alliance is empowering poker players and enthusiasts to deliver positive messages about the game and why it should be protected to federal, state, and local elected representatives.

D'Amato is also founder and managing director of the Park Strategies LLC lobbying firm. That firm was retained this year by Gateway Casino Resorts, a gaming affiliate of Detroiters Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik. Gateway has the exclusive rights to develop, manage and operate Shinnecock Indian Nation casinos on Long Island (NY).

Malik, a controversial wheeler-dealer, has failed to obtain a Michigan gaming license. As such, in 1999 he was forced out of the original partnership group that founded Detroit's MotorCity Casino. Upon that failure, Malik sought to develop online gaming opportunities under various affiliates but given U.S. restrictions on such, has put those schemes on hold up until now.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

MotorCity Casino Workers Told to Pay Health Care Costs or Face Job Lose; MGM Grand Detroit workers say, 'Hell No!" reject contract | Crain's Detroit Business

MGM Grand Detroit workers reject contract, will stay on the job | Crain's Detroit Business
10.28.2011

Unionized workers at the MGM Grand Detroit casino have voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract.

The rejection comes after workers at Greektown Casino-Hotel and MotorCity Casino Hotel both approved the contract.

Employees voted 1,481 to 292 against the contract, according to the Facebook page of UAW Local 7777, one of five unions that make up the Detroit Casino Council coalition of unions.

Also in the council: Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local 24, Teamsters Local 372, Operating Engineers Local 547 and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

The unions are reportedly planning to picket in front of the casino this weekend, but employees will be reporting to work.

The action follows a tense stare-down last week that nearly resulted in a strike.

The Detroit Casino Council authorized a strike two weeks ago, then filed two extensions before reaching an agreement in principal last Wednesday.

The deal reportedly includes a $2,500 signing bonus for employees but also a deductable for health insurance coverage.

MotorCity Casino has struggled somewhat financially because, among other things, it hasn't produced what had been anticipated and Mrs. Ilitch has leveraged its assets more highly than had been projected. But even more significant, Marian Ilitch and her unlicensed gambling partner Michael Malik are draining millions from MotorCity Casino out of Detroit to finance their failed quests to open additional gambling halls in New York, California and Hawaii. It's a shame that they're draining profits at the same time they're telling MotorCity Casino workers they'll have to start paying for health care or be faced with job loses. Ilitch and her husband Mike are now worth $2 billion -- that's $300,000 more than a year ago.

See also:

Champerty: the White Man's Latest Way to Access the Benefits of Native Gaming

Detroiter's Michael Malik and Marian Ilitch organized a gaming syndication, Gateway Casino Resorts, and other affiliates, to bankroll the legal process and other expenses associated with expediting the Federal Recognition process for the Shinnecock Indian Nation. In exchange for bankrolling Recognition, the Detroiters bargained for exclusive rights to develop, manage and operate any gambling hall that the Shinnecock might have the right to pursue once they had won Recognition. Some suggest such is "Champerty."

In addition to bankrolling the Shinnecock legal expenses, the Detroiters reportedly paid now-disgraced businessman and convicted felon Ivy Ong $25 million for the assignment of an earlier such agreement he had with the Shinnecock.

In essence, the Detroiters bargained with the Shinnecock and agreed to bankroll their legal matter in trade for any casino development rights the Shinnecock might be eligible for as a result of Federal Recognition.

cham·per·ty

noun - \ˈcham-pər-tē\

Definition of CHAMPERTY

: a proceeding by which a person not a party in a suit bargains to aid in or carry on its prosecution or defense in consideration of a share of the matter in suit

[From Middle English champartie, from Middle French champart (part of the field: a feudal lord's share of his tenant's crop), from champ (field), from Latin campus (field) + part.]

"Champerty, which is illegal in many, but not all, states, occurs when someone helps pay the costs of someone else's lawsuit in exchange for a share of any proceeds." Wade Lambert and Arthur S Hayes; Investing in Patents to File Suits is Curbed; The Wall Street Journal (New York); May 30, 1990.

Shinnecock Casino Part of Nassau County Executive's Plan

Blogger’s NOTE: As you read this post, let’s not forget that Detroiters Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik (Gateway Casino Resorts) hired the lobbying firm of former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato this past summer and that among that firm's stable of lobbyists is Anthony Cancellieri, the former Chief Deputy County Executive of Nassau County. That the Ilitch Family manages Detroit's Comerica Park and Joe Louis; owns the Detroit Tigers (MLB) and Detroit Red Wings (NHL). That Michael Malik has attempted to launch various "homeland security" business ventures. That Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik bankrolled the Shinnecock Indian Nation's fight for Federal Recognition in order to secure the exclusive rights to develop and manage any future Shinnecock casinos on Long Island, nearest New York City (Island of Manhattan).

Coliseum, research lab in new county plan

10.14.2011

By Randi F. Marshall and Robert Brodsky

Nassau County officials submitted an extensive economic development plan to the state Friday that envisions creating a bioscience research and development park and a new Nassau Coliseum in the Hub.

The proposal also focuses on Belmont Park as a site of new sports and entertainment options, including a potential soccer stadium, as well as expanding homeland security research facilities and film and television studios at the Grumman property in Bethpage.

The plan suggests that Belmont could be an alternative site for the Coliseum if the bioscience park would take up the entire 77-acre Hub site. It also reiterates County Executive Edward Mangano's earlier proposal for a Shinnecock Indian Nation casino at Belmont.

"It ties in with the colleges, it ties in to the job development plan, it ties into the skilled labor force here," Mangano said. "There's just a synergy for it in our region."

The proposal suggests 6,000 permanent jobs would be created at the Coliseum site alone.

The county is primarily asking for $253 million in state money for infrastructure and roadway improvements. It would still have to seek private developers for the rest of the proposals.

Nassau sent its application to the state's Empire State Development Corp. Friday as a "transformative project." The submission will first compete with other economic development projects across Long Island. Then the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council will choose top projects to compete with nine other regions for $200 million in state funds. The state's decision is expected in December.

Going forward, there will be an additional $800 million in state dollars available through various grants, tax credits and other funding streams.

The Ronkonkoma Hub, the Mall at Oyster Bay at the former Cerro Wire site and Heartland Town Square in Brentwood, among others, are also competing for funds.

"I think ours is a very practical plan that creates jobs in 2012 and that will give it the appeal the state is looking for," Mangano said.

Titled "Accelerate Nassau Now," the plan proposes 5.4 million square feet of development at the 77-acre Coliseum site. The centerpiece of the effort is a bioscience innovation facility -- a 50-acre research and development park that could be home to out-of-state companies hoping to expand.

A new Coliseum would be built at the northern edge of the property, although the county is also entertaining proposals for a renovated arena. A 6,000-car, $150 million parking garage would be shared between bioscience offices and the Coliseum.

The site would have room for housing and the existing Long Island Marriott.Beyond the site itself, the county proposes a $7 million state-funded research and development exposition center on other county land at Mitchell Field, where bioscience conferences could be held. The county also hopes to include a minor league ballpark and track and field facility there.

Labor unions said they support efforts to redevelop the Hub, which the county projects would create 7,500 new construction jobs.

Officials expect the parking garage and roadway improvements could be completed over the next two years. A request for proposals would be issued once state funding decisions are made in December.

What's in the new plan
Among the proposals in the "Accelerate Nassau Now" plan released Friday are:
A 50-acre Bioscience Innovation Facility -- a research and development park.

A new Nassau Coliseum at the northern edge of the Hub site.

A 6,000-car, $150 million parking garage at the site.

New sports and entertainment options at Belmont Park, including a potential soccer stadium.

Expanding homeland security research facilities and film and television studios at the Grumman property in Bethpage.

A $7 million state-funded research and development exposition center at Mitchell Field.

A minor league baseball park and track and field facility at Mitchell Field.

MULTIMEDIA: Video: Wang speaks | Photos: New plan unveiled

MORE: Referendum results | More coverage

UPDATES: Follow @RandiMarshall on Twitter

Concerns Raised that "Investors" like Ivy Ong, Ilitch Family are Dangerous to Tribes' Long Term Interests

The Shinnecock Casino Campaign: Tribal Identity, Local Politics and Tangled Legalities

By John A. Strong

Professor Emeritus , Long Island University

...Ivy Ong, apparently frustrated that Peebles’ initial legal strategy had been rejected by Judge Platt, was reported to be negotiating the sale of his majority interest in the Shinnecock casino with [Michael Malik and ] Michael and Marian Ilitch, who own Little Caesar’s Pizza, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings and MotorCity Casino.

Tribes have had to rely on sources of money and support which have their own agendas. Signed agreements with tribes stipulating a specific percentage of the anticipated casino profits, for example, can be used as collateral to raise money for another enterprise. Investors, such as Ivy Ong and the Ilitch family, are willing to spend huge sums of money in the hopes that there will be a profitable payoff in casino profits.

If there is no immediate pay-off, they move on, often leaving the tribe in disarray. There is a danger that a small tribe will find it difficult to protect its own long term interests when dealing with such wealthy, highly sophisticated groups of investors and their teams of lawyers and public relations consultants...

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The Verifiable Truth

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

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Monday, October 31, 2011

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Similarities Between Strategy to Approve Bay Mills Land Claim and Native Hawaiians' Attempt to Restore Sovereignty

Detroiters have already Seduced Elmont Chamber of Commerce into supporting their Casino Schemes

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Detroiters' Lobbyist Laying Groundwork for Waikiki Gambling

Court Rules Los Coyotes can Toss Eagle Rock from Reservation

Friday, October 28, 2011

A Decade Ago: Detroiters' First Big Push to Legalize Gambling in Hawaii

Disclosure? And their tangled web: Detroiter Michael Malik, the Jack Utsick Ponzi Scheme, Shinnecock & Bay Mills Indians, and Akerman Senterfitt

D'Amato's Online Gambling Group Bankrolled by Foreign Interests; Now he's behind Detroiter's Casino Schemes for Belmont Race Track

Sovereignty for Native Hawaiians Could be a Boom to Native Gaming There

Al D'Amato retained to advance Detroiters Long Island Casino Schemes is also leading fight for online gaming

Thursday, October 27, 2011

MotorCity Casino Workers Told to Pay Health Care Costs or Face Job Lose; MGM Grand Detroit workers say, 'Hell No!" reject contract | Crain's Detroit Business

Champerty: the White Man's Latest Way to Access the Benefits of Native Gaming

Shinnecock Casino Part of Nassau County Executive's Plan

Concerns Raised that "Investors" like Ivy Ong, Ilitch Family are Dangerous to Tribes' Long Term Interests

TVT has welcomed more than 178,000 unique vistors

Google News: Indian Gaming

NEWS: Bay Mills Indian Community & Casino Proposals

NEWS: Shinnecock Indian Nation (Gateway Casino Resorts) Casino Proposals

NY Times: Shinnecock Indian Nation

NEWS: Los Coyotes Indian Tribe

NEWS: Los Coyotes / Barwest Barstow Casino Proposals

NEWS: Michael J. Malik, Sr.

NEWS: Marian Ilitch

Muckety.com: Mapping Social Networks

certainly must reads!

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