Detroiters, Shinnecock Planning Gambling/Entertainment Mecca on Governor's Island, NY?

Are Detroit casino syndicators Marian Ilitch (Mrs. Mike Ilitch) and Michael J. Malik, Sr., planning to turn New York's Governor's Island into a gambling and entertainment mecca?  Do they plan to use the Shinnecock Indian Nation to help them do it?

By the looks of these artists renderings that they circulated among certain individuals in New York, it would certainly look that way.

In the shadow of Lady Liberty: Detroiters plan a gambling/entertainment

mecca on Governor's Island, NY

Off the tip of Manhattan: Detroiters plan a gambling/entertainment 

mecca on Governor's Island, NY  

Requests for a copy of the update/background packet that included these renderings can be made by email: allverifiable@gmail.com OR check out the last page of this document at scribd.com.

Maui Rep. Joe Souki Plans to Introduce Pro-Gambling Constitutional Amendment in 2012

Rep. Souki Recaps Session, Forecasts Election
12.12.2011

By Susan Halas

...Souki said that the 2012 legislative session which begins in January will again be about money, but the tone might be “even more conservative” because it’s an election year where every seat in the 51 member State House and 25 seat State Senate up for a vote. “It’s unlikely you’ll see anything controversial,” he said.

Then, in the next breath he added that he plans to offer a state constitutional amendment asking voters if they want to legalize gambling (Hawaii and Utah are the only two states that do not currently allow any form of gaming). Also he said, “There will definitely be measures introduced to liberalize the marijuana laws.”

“I would support both,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean they will pass”... (Complete Story)

State Rep. Joe Souki (D-Maui)

Joseph M. "Joe" Souki (D-Maui) is a 15 term veteran of the Hawaii State House representing the 8th House district which includes Kahakuloa, Waihee, portions of Wailuku and Waikapu. The St. Anthony High School graduate began his career as an administrator for Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) in 1966 where he was known as an advocate for seniors and low income Mauians.

A lifelong Democrat he entered politics in 1978 when he won a seat as Maui delegate to the Hawaii Constitutional Convention. In 1982 he was elected State House and rose to become Speaker of the House. Almost 30 years later he is Speaker Emeritus, member of the House Democratic Leadership Caucus and chairs the House Transportation Committee.

Souki, now 78 years of age, has served Maui under five governors (Ariyoshi, Waihee, Cayetano, Lingle, Abercrombie) and has had a front row seat in state government and politics for almost 30 years. He plans to seek reelection in 2012.

Blogger's Note: Hawaii and Utah are the only two states in the U.S. with no legalized gambling.

Although Honolulu PD Actively Opposes Legalization of Gambling; Officer’s Wife is Fronting Group Pushing Mainlanders’ Waikiki Casino Schemes

Click for: Honolulu PD Gambling FAQ

Last Spring, Elizabeth Hata Watanabe, the wife of a Honolulu Police officer, emerged out of nowhere as the head of the so-called Citizens for a Better Way. Despite denials by Watanabe and lobbyist John Radcliffe, the group is apparently a front for a mainland casino syndicate hoping to get approvals to develop and operate a stand-alone Las Vegas-style casino in Waikiki.

The Honolulu Police Department has historically opposed the legalization of gambling in Hawaii. In fact, during Hawaii’s 2011 Legislative Session, HPD Officers endorsed by Police Chief Louis Kealoha testified against bills to allow: on-board gambling on cruise ships docked in Hawaiian waters, bingo, gambling on Hawaiian Homelands and development of a stand-alone casino in Waikiki. The later being the objective of Mrs. Watanabe’s lobbying efforts and a mainland casino syndicate (see links to testimony in Scribd box below).

In nearly every instance where HPD officials provided testimony in opposition to a gambling measure,  lobbyist John Radcliffe provided testimony in favor of gambling.  Radcliffe is believed to be the driving force behind the lobbying group for which Mrs. Watanabe fronts.

Honolulu Police Department's Position on Gambling.
Honolulu Police Department's Gambling FAQ
Honolulu Police Deparment's Ant-Gambling Links

During Fall 2010, Watanabe identified herself as the executive producer of “Hawaii’s Big Deal Poker Tournament,” a reality TV show airing Saturdays on Honolulu’s KHON. Despite promises for a second season of Hawaii’s Big Deal, nothing has materialized. And it’s unclear who bankrolled Season One. Watanabe claimed it was to bring attention to her newly formed tax exempt charitable organization, the Hata Foundation.

For several years prior, Watanabe was owner of failed nightclub and restaurant operations. Her establishments were under increasing scrutiny by the Honolulu Liquor Control Commission (HLCC). Namely she had repeated violations serving liquor to minors and it was alleged that she hid her books from HLCC investigators for four years – nearly the entire time she operated the nightclub. In 2009-10, she had one temporary license revoked and the nightclub’s liquor license was suspended. In the wake of HLCC actions, she chose to shutter the establishments.

After closing the failed nightclub and restaurant, producing one season of “Hawaii’s Big Deal Poker Tournament”, and spending nearly $40,000 on a sophisticated advertising campaign which failed to push legislators to support the mainlanders’ proposal for a stand-alone casino in Waikiki, Watanabe filed a $387,000 bankruptcy.

In other related developments...

HPD Major Arrested on Extortion
Reports from the Associated Press during the last month indicate a Honolulu police Major Carlton Nishimura who is facing federal extortion charges received $6,000 a month to protect an illegal gambling room.

According to the court documents and the FBI, while a captain assigned to a Honolulu patrol district, Nishimura directed subordinate officers to inspect and harass other illegal gambling operations considered by his patron to be direct competition.

Nishimura, 55, has remained in custody since a raid on Nov. 14, when agents said they found about a half-pound of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also reported the discovery of $2,400 in cash in a safe, jewelry, gift cards, casino player club cards and a college basketball betting odds sheet.

Gambling Scandal Plagues University of Hawaii Football
Although Honolulu Police say they don’t have enough information to launch an official investigation, allegations surfaced in November to suggest that University of Hawaii football players were involved in a points shaving gambling scheme.

University President M. R. C. Greenwood said she and board of regents Chairman Eric Martinson met with Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to offer the university's full cooperation.

However, the NCAA said, "We are extremely concerned by the point-shaving allegations involving University of Hawaii football student-athletes and have been in contact with the school since early November."

"We take any allegation of point shaving very seriously as it is a crime that threatens two core NCAA principles -- the well-being of student-athletes and the very integrity of intercollegiate sport."

Subsequently University of Hawaii Warriors Football Coach Greg McMackin resigned under pressure.

Casino Syndicator Couldn't get a Michigan Gambling License; Yet he's Worthy of a Stanley Cup Championship Ring?

Is Michael Malik sporting a Stanley
Cup Championship ring?

If controversial character Michael J. Malik, Sr. isn't affiliated with Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, the NHL Red Wings or any of the other Ilitch companies, why is it he apparently sports a 2008 Stanley Cup Championship ring?  His reputation suggests he's a rather dishonorable character but apparently someone thinks he's worthy of an NHL Stanley Cup Championship ring.

Malik, who holds himself up to have been, along with Mrs. Marian Ilitch, one of MotorCity Casino's founders, failed to receive a Michigan gambling license in 1999, reportedly due to character and tax issues; and it was reported Marian Ilitch arranged a buyout of Malik's interest in the casino necessary before the Gambling Commission would allow the gambling hall to open its doors. Not licenseable as a proprietor of a gambling hall but worthy of a Stanley Cup ring?

The terms of his "buyout" with Ilitch have never been revealed publicly. Clearly there's something controversial involved.  However, since being formally pushed out of MotorCity Casino, Malik has made his offices in the executive suites at Ilitch Holdings, Inc.'s Fox Theater headquarters. Some consider him to be Mrs. Marian Ilitch's political bag man and others even say he's her Consigliere.  Certainly he plays "bad cop" to her "good cop."

Despite more than a decade of legal and personal problems that pile upon the reasons he failed to get a Michigan gambling license, it has been reported that Malik is partners with Ilitch in various unfulfilled schemes to build an Ilitch gambling empire expanded to New York, California and Hawaii.

However, because of the often controversial, even illegal, nature of Malik's activities, it's always denied that he's directly affiliated with Ilitch Holdings or any of its venerable subsidiary brands.  Yet he's worthy of wearing a Stanley Cup ring?

No wonder some people he attempts to influence, intimidate or even bully walk away from meetings with Malik thinking he's part owner of the Detroit Red Wings. Or is he? And is that why he's sporting a championship ring?  Was Red Wings ownership a part of the buyout of his MotorCity Casino interests?

Hawaii Attorney General Alleges Former Governor John D. Waihee Looted $39 Million from Funeral Funds

State Sues to Get Back $39M Looted from Graves by John Waihee
12.08.2011

by Purna Nemani, Court House News

Hawaii claims that a law firm that DLA Piper acquired through merger drained $39 million from state-regulated prepaid funeral and cemetery contracts.

The State of Hawaii and The Huntington National Bank, as trustees for 18 Hawaii funeral and cemetery trust funds, sued DLA Piper, "successor in liability through merger to the now-dissolved law firm of Verner Li pfert Bernhard MacPherson and Hand." (REMEMBER THEM FROM BROKEN TRUST???)

The complaint is related to an intervenor complaint filed in February, by former successor trustee Comerica Bank and Trust, consolidated as In re RightStar Related Cases.

Hawaii and the bank "seek damages from Piper arising out of the wrongful acts of a former Verner Li pfert partner and employee, former Governor John D. Waihee III, as alleged in the intervenor complaint and set forth below."

The intervenor complaint is against four former trustees, including Waihee, of 14 preneed trusts and four perpetual care trusts. It seeks an accounting and damages for "inter alia, the trustees' breaches of fiduciary duty by permitting improper withdrawals from, and imprudent investments by, the trusts, and other wrongful conduct"... (Complete Story)

Original Court Document

Also see:

• Rogues Gallery: Hawaii Lobbyists G. A. "Red" Morris, John Radcliffe and company they keep...
• Hawaii's Former Governor John D. Waihee III Opposed Legalized Gambling in Hawaii
• Detroiter Malik Says He's Been Planning Belmont Race Track Casino for 6+ Years; But He Has Yet to Meet with NYRA Officials
• Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?
• Why is Detroiter Mike Malik Dragging former Hawaii Governor Waihee around Long Island, NY?
• Disclosure? And their tangled web: Detroiter Michael Malik, the Jack Utsick Ponzi Scheme, Shinnecock & Bay Mills Indians, and Akerman Senterfitt
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Controversy seems to always follow Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik
• Ilitch casino development partner Michael Malik defaults on $1 million bank loan

Nassau County Democrats Blindly Back Detroiters' Belmont Casino Schemes

According to the Elmont Chamber of Commerce website, elmont.org:

Nassau County Democrats Unite to Support Shinnecock Casino at Belmont

11.21.2011

Long Island Democrats
Blindly Endorse Casino

NASSAU COUNTY, NY – Nassau County’s four Democratic members of the New York State Assembly today announced their support for a Shinnecock Indian Nation casino at Belmont Racetrack. Assembly Members Earlene Hooper, Harvey Weisenberg, Charles Lavine and Michelle Schimel cited jobs and economic opportunity as the driving factors and urged their colleagues in both the Senate and Assembly to join in support.

“This project will create thousands of jobs for Long Islanders and provide a huge boost to the local and state economies,” said Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper (D-Hempstead). “We need these revenues to stay here in New York, for both the state and Nassau County, so we can keep people working and create more jobs.”

Shinnecock Tribal Trustee Chairman Randy King said, “We appreciate the strong and growing support from all parts of Nassau County. A Shinnecock Nation entertainment complex will provide much needed jobs to help boost the Long Island economy, as well as created revenues for the County, the State and the Shinnecock Indian Nation, and we certainly thank Assembly Members Hooper, Weisenberg, Lavine and Schimel for their support”...

The four Assembly members announced their support on the heels of Representatives Carolyn McCarthy and Peter King joining the list of backers for the Shinnecock project. (Original Post)

It should be noted that Rep. Carolyn McCarthy only pledged support for the Detroiters' Shinnecock Casino Scheme after she'd received political campaign contributions from the casino syndicate's bag-man Michael J. Malik, Sr. It's likely they've funded the campaign coffers of the others through Democratic committee war-chests or other third-parties.

Ironically, while these Democrats are accepting campaign checks from the controversial Malik; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rejected a $10,000 contribution from Malik as have others weary of being associated with a known criminal and lawbreaker (Malik's been arrested for child-abuse, found guilty of illegal discharge of a weapon, guilty of violating political campaign finance laws and charged with fraud & settled in an international Ponzi scheme involving fugitive Jack Utsick, a one-time entertainment promoter whom Malik is partners with.

See also:

• Growing List of NY Politicians Rejecting $$$ from Ilitch Partner Michael Malik
• Reps McCarthy & Bishop: The Company They're Keeping Will Surely Lead to Regret
• NY Governor Cuomo Latest To Reject Campaign Contributions from Ilitch Gambling Partner Michael Malik
• Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) Caught Taking More Money from Notorious Law-Breaking Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Mayor: Detroiters Should Build Their Shinnecock Casino at the Nassau County "Hub" not Belmont Park
• Mayor: Don't approve Shinnecock Casino Scheme at Belmont Park at the Expense of the Surrounding Communities
• Gateway Casinos / Shinnecock Lobbyist tied to Schumer, Rangel, Gillibrand; Campaign Funds Flow Their Direction
• Scandal Continues to Plague Political and Lobbying Activities of Detroiters Bankrolling Shinnecock Casino Plans
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator

Don't be Fooled by Silence: Clan Ilitch likely Supports (Perhaps Funding) New International Trade Crossing (NITC) Effort

That Tom Shields is out front on behalf of, and viciously attacking opponents of, the proposed New International Trade Crossing (NITC) and that Mike Malik, Mike & Marian Ilitch, and the Ilitch brands are conspicuously absent is not insignificant. They are either very involved behind the scenes helping to bankroll the efforts to approve NITC or they're asserting to Matty Moroun and the people at Ambassador Bridge that they're not involved (albeit with fingers crossed behind their backs) while their agent Shields' is an attack dog for the pro-NITC cause.

NITC:  Which Way Ilitch?

Bridge Battle Posts at HuffingtonPost.com

Tom Shields is the president of Lansing, Michigan-based Marketing Resource Group.  A large segment of his business is earned representing affiliates/partners of Michael J. Malik, Sr., and/or Mike Ilitch and his wife Marian Ilitch (Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesar's pizza, MotorCity Casino, etc.).

If one sees Shields' name associated with any business coalition, political committee or a client that's not one of the premium brands mentioned above, odds are still pretty good that he's there because Malik and the Ilitches want him to be.  When Shields refuses to reveal to a reporter who it is that's bankrolling a coalition or committee he's pimping for, odds are good Malik & the Ilitches are funding all or part of the effort.  And even if Malik or the Ilitches don't have any direct interest in the coalition, political committee or client Shields claims to be representing, you can bet he has their blessing; otherwise, he wouldn't take the assignment.

So with that in mind, consider that Shields' is the spokesman for a coalition baking the New International Trade Crossing (a proposed second bridge connecting Detroit with Windsor, Canada).  That bridge is at the center of a multi-million dollar, no holds barred, war raging in Michigan and beyond. (Read more at Huffington Post).

Typically, Shields' has refused to disclose who is funding the political, lobbying and advertising battles for the pro-NITC group although he's published a list of more than 100 individuals and organizations that "endorse" NITC. If those funding his coalition are on that list, why wouldn't he just point to that list? Take a look at that list.  Then consider who's not on the list but would have interests in such an international connection.

You'll note that Michael Malik, Mike & Marian Ilitch, Christopher Ilitch, plus any of their venerable brands are conspicuously absent from the list; as are any of Detroit's three commercial gambling halls including the Las Vegas-owned MGM Grand Detroit.  Yet, Shields is the mouthpiece for the "coaltion" backing the proposed government funded bridge.  Hmmmm....

If Ilitch or gambling money isn't backing the pro-NITC group, you can bet that Shields has their blessing.  Otherwise he'd have turned down the role.

If Ilitch and company brands or Las Vegas gambling interests are bankrolling the pro-NITC effort, there are many reasons political, marketing, etc. that they would want to keep that on the down low. That they've "secretly" funded Shields' campaigns and coalitions previously shouldn't surprise anyone that they could likely be bankrolling this pro-NITC effort now.

But perhaps they're not providing funding, or publicly endorsing but simply loaning Shields out to the cause.  Maybe there's a conflict of interest on their part.

Consider that TVT has previously linked Michael Malik (and the Ilitches) with Manuel "Matty" Moroun, owner of Detroit's existing Ambassador International Bridge -- the decades old privately owned toll-bridge. And it's Moroun, along with the Koch brothers and others who are funding the multi-million dollar battle against the proposed NITC which would be built in large part with government funding.

Among other things, Moroun and Michael Malik have been Grosse Pointe neighbors.  Malik owns property across Lake St. Clair on Harsens Island. Malik had dusted off and re-introduced development plans for Harsens Island a year or two ago that included a large man-made lagoon (marina) with access to the North Channel plus several hundred residential units (single family estate lots, attached garden homes and high-rise condominiums) surrounding the lagoon.  The Ilitch's daughter Denise and her ex-husband originally owned the Harsens Island property and coincidentally, or maybe not, Moroun was also talking about a new Harsens Island bridge at the same time.

That Tom Shields would be playing such a high-profile role in such a contentious and expensive battle over the NITC, suggests he's doing it with the Malik/Ilitch blessing or even more so, at their request.

Regardless, someone should be asking these obvious questions.

See also:

• Ilitch Associate is Manager of Bridgeview RE Ventures L.L.C.,
• Border Crossing South L.L.C. is Headquartered at Ilitch Holdings Office
• Marketing Resource Group: the Tom Shields-owned Political/PR Firm is a Slave to Ilitch/Malik Affiliates
• Ilitch casino frontmen doing damage control again
• Team Ilitch packaged Hawaii gambling initiative as "grassroots;" failed to disclose lobbying payments
• Tom Shields was spreading rumors about Sen. Harry Reid; now his team blames Reid
• Grosse Pointe Neighbors have big plans for Harsens Island
• MAP of the Malik Grosse Pointe properties and surrounding neighborhood
• Harsens Island; a half-way-point in a new system of toll-bridges between Canada and the Michigan mainland?
• Yet another set of circumstances linking Ilitch / would-be Harsens Island Developer and Detroit International Bridge Builder
• Developer of proposed Harsens Island Crossing toll-bridge purchasing land?

Hawaii's Gambling Industry Lobbyists

Hawaii's known gambling lobbyists have numerous affiliations in common, plus intermingled business/financial interests and clients with likely conflicts of interest: (A) Boyd Gaming Company transports patrons from the Hawaiian Islands to its California casinos; (B) Casino Syndicate organized by MotorCity Casino interests wants to develop and operate a Las Vegas-style casino in Waikiki. While attempting to suggest their efforts aren't coordinated or known to one another, these amateurs have been sloppy with their fingerprints.

George A. Morris (aka G. A. Morris, G. A. Red Morris, George A. "Red" Morris, Red Morris), affiliated with Capitol Consultants of Hawaii (president) and G. A. Morris, Inc. (a partner in Capitol Consultants of Hawaii). Clients: Marketing Resource Group (MRG) for a Detroit casino syndicate organized by Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Mrs. Marian Ilitch (CCM Merger/Detroit Entertainment dba MotorCity Casino); and Boyd Gaming Company (NYSE: BYD).

John H. Radcliffe, affiliated with Capitol Consultants of Hawaii (vice president and partner) and Radcliffe & Associates. Clients: Marketing Resource Group (MRG) for a Detroit casino syndicate organized by Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Mrs. Marian Ilitch (CCM Merger/Detroit Entertainment dba MotorCity Casino). It's believed he conceived and controls Citizens for a Better Way, LLC.

Elizabeth Hata Watanabe (aka Liz Watanabe, Liz Hata Watanabe, Elizabeth C. Watanabe, Elizabeth C. Jimenez) affiliated with Citizens for a Better Way, LLC as its only member and its manage; and Hata Foundation. Previous affiliations EHW LLC, EHW-II LLC, Hawaii's Big Deal Poker Tournament. Clients: Radcliffe & Associates which represents and receives payments from MRG's Detroit casino syndicate.

Locals' Perception Local
The Detroiters know that generally, locals in most communities are likley to resist the legalization of gambling or the expansion of gambling opportunities if such proposals are championed by outsiders (Las Vegas Casino Lords, Detroit Casino Syndicates, etc.). Trust is a key factor in approving proposals and locals are less likely to trust Las Vegas or Detroit casino operators whose interests might conflict with Hawaii interests. Not to mention, Las Vegas and Detroit have reputations tied to organized crime, higher crime rates, illegal activities, corruption, etc.

Truth is Detroit and Las Vegas Gambling Interests Behind Hawaii Schemes
That MRG (a PR firm) has retained the lobbyists on behalf of its Detroit Casino Syndicate client (MotorCity Casino) is intended to bury the truth that Detroit gambling interests are bankrolling and pushing Waikiki casino development schemes -- not Hawaiians!  Further, the last time the Detroiters were successful pushing plans for casino development, they were fronting for Las Vegas Gambling Lords.  Of the many yet unanswered questions: are the Detroiters via their PR firm actually bankrolling the Waikiki casino schemes on behalf of Las Vegas partners like Boyd Gaming for instance?  You're not likely to get a straight answer from the lobbyists or the Detroiter's PR firm.

See for yourself, the lobbyists hired to push the legalization of gambling in Hawaii were engaged by and are being paid by Detroit gambling interests with ties to Las Vegas Casino Lords -- not locals!

Search lobbyist registrations via the Hawaii Ethics Commission or click on the links in the Scribd.com box below.

See also,

• Marketing Resource Group: the Tom Shields-owned Political/PR Firm is a Slave to Ilitch/Malik Affiliates
• Hawaii's newest lobbyist spent big, catapulting her into the company of 'Big Boys;' Won't reveal identities of those who bankrolled schemes
• Lobbyist John Radcliffe was the First Person to Contribute to Neil Abercrombie's Campaign for Governor of Hawaii
• Hawaii Governor's New Communications Director was Paid Lobbyist for Int'l Gambling Magnate Sol Kerzner
• Capitol Consulants of Hawaii: Double Dipping Gambling Conflicts, Resume Padding Lies or Harboring Secret Partners?
• Detroiters' Lobbyist Laying Groundwork for Waikiki Gambling
• Boyd Gaming establishing first-hand knowledge of and developing customer base in Hawaii, could prove valuable to Waikiki Gambling Hall Operator

Obama repeats support for 'Carcieri fix' on Indian land rights | The Providence Journal

Obama repeats support for 'Carcieri fix' on Indian land rights |The Providence Journal

12.02.2011

By John E. Mulligan, Washington bureau

WASHINGTON -- President Obama on Friday reiterated his support for legislation to undo a 2009 Supreme Court decision that deemed the Narragansett Indians ineligible to place a parcel of their land into a trust status that would exempt it from state and local laws and taxes.

"In the wake of the Carcieri decision, we've asked Congress to restore the secretary of Interior's authority to take land into trust for federally-recognized Indian tribes," Mr. Obama told the third annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. Indian rights advocates consider the decision a threat to the sovereignty of all tribes.

The so-called "Carcieri fix," broadly supported across Indian Country, is pending in Congress. Officials of a number of states oppose the measure.

Reps McCarthy & Bishop: The Company They're Keeping Will Surely Lead to Regret

Reps. McCarthy & Bishop

While New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo rejected a $10k contribution from crooked Casino Syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr.; Long Island Reps. Carolyn McCarthy & Tim Bishop banked $$$ from the shady character.

Then after cashing the checks, both elected leaders announced their support for the Detroiter's Long Island Casino schemes.

If they’d only done a little due diligence. Or perhaps they too are persons of questionable character?

But as the saying goes, "You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep."

Highlight’s of Casino Syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr.'s Criminal Past:

In Michigan, arrested & served probation for child abuse following the public street beating of his girlfriend's 12-year-old son. Reportedly this is one of the reasons Malik won’t get a gaming license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. (Detroit News)

In Arizona, found guilty of illegally discharging a fire arm and serving out terms of probation which included nearly $15,000 fine and a suspended license. (Minutes of AZ Hearing)

In California, fined multiple times for repeated violations of political reform laws, failing to report dozens of contributions totaling more than $53,000 and fined $10,000 for those offenses. (Matter 2006: FPPC Press Release. Matter 2009: FPPC Press Release and Exhibit 1.)

In Florida, charged with fraud in federal Ponzi scheme related case and forced to repay $170,000. (Goldberg v. Malik: Settlement Agreement). Despite those circumstances, Malik continues an “active” business partnership with Jack Utsick, the international fugitive at the center of the $300 million Ponzi scheme. (AB Funding, LLC: Organization Statement. Complete Michigan DL&EG File.)

See also:

• Growing List of NY Politicians Rejecting $$$ from Ilitch Partner Michael Malik
• NY Governor Cuomo Latest To Reject Campaign Contributions from Ilitch Gambling Partner Michael Malik
• Proof that Ilitch Casinos Partner was in bed with Ponzi Scheme Fugitive Jack Utsick
• Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) Caught Taking More Money from Notorious Law-Breaking Detroit Casino Syndicator

On Twitter:

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy: @RepMcCarthyNY

Rep. Tim Bishop: @TimBishopNY

Mayor Proposes Alternatives for Nassau Coliseum and Detroiters' Shinnecock Gambling Hall

Mayor Thomas J. Tweedy

MAYOR'S MESSAGE
11.17.2011

Mayor’s Message Village of Floral Park: November 17, 2011

“While stands the Colosseum, Rome shall stand; when falls the Colosseum, Rome shall fall; and when Rome falls – the world.” Those famous words describing ancient Rome were written on the office wall of the executive director of Mitchel Field when the Nassau Coliseum was being constructed in 1971 (New York Times 12/5/1971 “A Colossus Rises on Hempstead Plains”). When the Nassau Coliseum opened in 1972, built for under $32 million, that Nassau County leader understood the enormous impact the new arena at Mitchel Field would have on its Long Island community.

Today, Long Island is at a tipping point and the Nassau Coliseum is the nexus of the fiscal and emotional morass many Nassau County residents feel. The rebuilding of a new and improved entertainment center at Nassau County’s 77-acre Hub site would be a sure sign to all that Long Island will continue to be a major league community in this new century. In many ways, if the Nassau Coliseum falls, Long Island as we know it shall fall, and when Long Island falls, the American Dream that created Long Island in the first place, is in danger of being lost. It is therefore imperative that Nassau County’s leaders act decisively and boldly to make sure that the Colossus which rose on the Hempstead Plains forty years ago, does not fall and becomes a place of abandonment and lost glory.

It is obvious that creative ideas and innovative thinking are in order to make the Hub a beacon drawing people from all over to visit our region. The proposal last year by the Shinnecock Indian Nation that was initially so positively embraced by Nassau County’s leaders, to have a portion of the Hub set aside for a casino, now needs to be fully explored. Given Nassau County’s taxpayers strong resistance to any additional tax burden relating to rebuilding the Nassau Coliseum, as the referendum this past summer surely demonstrated, other ways to get this accomplished must be explored.

So the following is offered for consideration to the ongoing public debate by this public servant.
Like Yankee Stadium and CitiField, the new Nassau Coliseum should be built adjacent to the old at its current 77-acre Hub site. There is also a need to have a steady stream of revenue to finance the construction of a new arena, other than new taxes from homeowners. One way to accomplish the goal of creating a new Coliseum for Nassau County and a new casino for the Shinnecock Indian Nation is to build a new Coliseum in the parking lot of the old Coliseum, and then turn the keys to the old Coliseum over to the Shinnecock Indian Nation to use as the location for its new casino. In addition to the $14 million that the New York Islanders promised to annually provide Nassau County for a new arena, the Shinnecock Indian Nation would provide a portion of their gaming receipts to reimburse the financial costs to build a new Coliseum with the understanding that the hosting community surrounding the Coliseum are first made whole for accepting the additional burden of a casino in their midst. While the new Coliseum is being built, the New York Islanders would agree to stay in the current building and the Shinnecock Indian Nation could use that time to get their casino plans in order.

Belmont Park should be updated as a world-class thoroughbred racing facility. That can be accomplished through the use of the revenue stream for capital improvements already set aside for NYRA from its Aqueduct VLT operation. As for jobs, building a new Coliseum and casino consecutively at the Hub will certainly create more jobs than just a casino at Belmont Park alone.

The State of New York, which owns and controls Belmont Park, should support the creation of additional recreational opportunities for the communities surrounding Belmont Park. Using some portion of the 28 acre parking field south of Hempstead Turnpike for use by local residents for soccer should be explored. Likewise, the parking field behind the Floral Park-Bellerose Elementary School, which presently is being used as a make-shift tractor trailer animal feed distribution/storage facility, a trash dumpster transfer yard and a new car storage lot, should be converted to create additional sporting fields for our local residents in keeping with our vision of improving Belmont Park.

The possibility of reutilizing the old Coliseum and creating a new world class entertainment arena allowing the Islanders to stay home on Long Island, while providing a reliable funding source dedicated to debt satisfaction as well as a continuing source of revenue for Nassau County taxpayers is a win-win for everyone.

This is a proposal that should be discussed by all the stakeholders and not immediately shot down by special interest lobbyists who have their own plans for the Hub plans, which do not provide a realistic chance for either the Coliseum for the New York Islanders or a new casino for the Shinnecock Indian Nation.

Marketing Resource Group: the Tom Shields-owned Political/PR Firm is a Slave to Ilitch/Malik Affiliates

Tom Shields founded Marketing Resource Group (MRG), a Lansing, Michigan-based political marketing and public relations firm, in 1979. The firm is closely identified with Republican interests but overriding that are the interests of Detroit’s Ilitch Family and their associate Michael J. Malik, Sr.

Mike & Marian Ilitch appear annually on Forbe’s list of 400 Richest Americans. Currently Forbes estimate’s their net worth at $2 billion. The Ilitches are co-founders of Little Caesars pizza. He owns the Detroit Tigers MLB franchise and she owns MotorCity Casino. Together they own the Detroit Red Wings NHL franchise and numerous other affiliates under the Ilitch Holdings, Inc., umbrella. With Malik, they’ve pursued gaming opportunities in Michigan as well as New York, California & Hawaii.

Shields/MRG were among a stable of consultants who planned and executed a secretly funded last minute advertising blitz in 1996 credited with winning voter approvals for Detroit's three Las Vegas-style gambling halls.  Currently Shields is spokesperson and attack dog for a so-called "coalition" of undisclosed interests bankrolling plans for the proposed New International Trade Crossing (NITC), a second international bridge that would link Detroit with Windsor, Canada. Ilitch,. Malik and the portfolio of Ilitch brands are conspicuously absent from that battle; nevertheless, Shields is front and center.

The following is a list of clients posted on Marketing Resource Groups website. Those in bold are believed to be Ilitch/Malik affiliates and related. For at least a decade, Malik/Ilitch affiliates likely represent the overwhelming majority of MRG’s revenues. Shields is certainly obligated to get their blessing for any client that is not affiliated.

MARKETING RESOURCE GROUP CLIENT LIST

Clients	Website links
BarWest Gaming, L.L.C.
Bay Mills Community College	www.bmcc.edu
Bay Mills Indian Community	www.4baymills.com/index.html
Border Crossing Labs	bordercrossinglabs.com
Coca- Cola Operations North America	Coca-Cola Website
Continental Aluminum	www.continentalaluminum.com
Detroit Red Wings	www.hockeytown.com
Detroit Tigers	http://tigers.mlb.com
Gateway Casino Resorts, L.L.C.
Hawaii Entertainment L.L.C.
Ilitch Holdings	www.ilitchholdings.com
Insurance Institute of Michigan	www.iiminfo.org
John Moolenaar for State Senate
Kennecott Minerals Company	www.kennecottminerals.com
Lauren Hager for State Senate
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Michigan Association of Public School Academies	www.charterschools.org
Michigan Deer and Elk Farmers Association
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Michigan Township Association
Minerals Processing Corporation	www.backfortympc.com
MotorCity Casino	www.motorcitycasino.com
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians	http://www.nhbpi.com/
Nestle Waters North America	www.perriergroup.com
Packaging Corporation of America	www.packagingcorp.com
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians	www.pokagon.com
Renegade Charters L.L.C.	www.renegadechartersmanistee.com
Republic Services
Safe-Travel L.L.C.	www.safe-travel.com
Shinnecock Indian Nation	www.shinnecocknation.com
Thomas More Law Center	www.thomasmore.org
Wolverine Pipe Line Company -	www.wolverinepipeline.net

Blogger's Note:  In Hawaii, several lobbyists and lobbying organizations have been retained by Tom Shields' Marketing Resource Group.  It is understood that MRG has retained John Radcliffe, Radcliffe & Associates, Capitol Consultants of Hawaii and George A. "Red" Morris to represent the interests of Shields' client, a Detroit casino syndicate organized by Michael Malik and Marian Ilitch.  That syndicate has pursued various schemes that would allow them to develop and operate a Waikiki casino.  TVT and others believe it's likely that MRG is also the source of funding for a pro-gambling front group that suddenly appeared in Honolulu earlier this year, the so-called "Citizens" for a Better Way, LLC.

Forbes Reports Ilitch-Owned Franchise one of NHL's Most Valuable

Detroit Red Wings Second  Most Profitable US Franchise;
 MotorCity Casino Workers Forced to Pay Own Healthcare Costs

Forbes' 2011 NHL Team Values

Forbes is out with its 2011 NHL Team Values: The Business of Hockey. Despite economic woes among other US sectors, Forbes reports the NHL valuations have hit an all-time high. The Detroit Red Wings, owned by Michael and Marian Ilitch, valued at $336 million, ranks #4 out of 30 NHL teams. That's up 7% over 2010.

Forbes Profile
Billionaire Michael Ilitch, through Olympia Entertainment, has a highly integrated and valuable entertainment empire. In sports, Olympia controls the Red Wings, Little Caesars AAA hockey club and baseball's Detroit Tigers, as well as their stadiums, Joe Louis Arena (hockey) and Comerica Park (baseball). Outside of sports, Olympia runs the Fox Theatre (over 4,800 seats), Cobo Arena and Hockeytown Cafe,voted the number two sports bar in the country week after week by ESPN2’s Cold Pizza. Olympia also owns food distribution businesses that Ilitch leverages at his stadiums and a casino in Detroit.

The Red Wings are a significant part of the annual marketing plan for the Ilitch-owned MotorCity Casino frequently making guest appearances and hosting star-studded poker tournaments. Unfortunately for the Ilitch bank the same isn't true for the Ilitch-owned Detroit Tigers baseball team. Given its history of scandals, Major League Baseball has specific regulations prohibiting the mingling of baseball and gambling interests.

The Ilitches realized a $16.3 million operating income from their NHL franchise this past season ranking it the #2 most profitable US franchise; and players and management continue to draw multi-million dollar paychecks. Ilitch continues to fuel up the Gulfstream Jet for the clan's personal travel and vacation in Boca Raton, FL. Their business partner paid $5.4 million cash for a New York Penthouse. Those aren't the circumstances for the hardworking staff at MotorCity Casino. In a labor negotiation that took place earlier this Fall, the Ilitch gambling hall workers were told to start paying some of their own healthcare costs or face job loses.

#Occupy Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

GAMBLING: Anti-gambling groups outgunned in Capitol debate | PE.com

GAMBLING: Anti-gambling groups outgunned in Capitol debate | PE.com - The Press-Enterprise

11.15.2011

By Jim Miller

jmiller@pe.com

SACRAMENTO — Legalizing some form of Internet gambling in California depends on prominent gaming tribes, the horse-racing industry, key lawmakers and other moneyed interests being able to come to terms.

The outcome does not hinge on what people like the Rev. James Butler have to say.

Butler, executive director of the California Coalition Against Gambling Expansion [CCAGE], is a leading critic of the idea of opening cyberspace to legal gambling. Compulsive gambling already ruins the lives of thousands, he and others contend, and letting people bet without ever leaving the house would make the problem worse.

But as lawmakers weigh the largest expansion of legalized gambling in state history, a once-influential coalition of gambling critics is overshadowed by competing gambling interests or otherwise missing in action.

The focus seems to be on how — not if — government should allow online gambling and derive revenue from it. (Complete Story)

Legal forms of gambling in California

WampaLeaks: Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts shows troubl...

WampaLeaks: Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts shows troubl...: Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts released several documents containing detailed analysis of the proposed gambling bill. These documents...

Follow the Money (if you can)
Gambling Revenue Distributions
Gambling Timeline
Expanded Gambling & Local Aid
Future Local Aid Scenario