Tim Cahill: What Should Steve Crosby Do?

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Tim Cahill, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™

Tim Cahill, GoLocalWorcesterMINDSETTER™

Much has been written lately about the comings and goings of the state's newest casino czar, Steve Crosby. He spoke at a conference where casino operators were present. He attended a reception at a law firm that was just awarded a contract by the Patrick administration to negotiate a casino agreement with the Wampanoag tribe. Next thing you know he will be spotted at Patriot Place doing some shopping!

I know that appearances matter in this state(do I ever)but if things keep going this way poor Steve will be ordered to home confinement until the casino licenses are awarded. It is likely that he will be criticized no matter where he goes and what he says until and probably after the casino licenses are issued. So my advice to him is go everywhere, listen to everyone, do as much personal due diligence as you can, learn as much as you can about the industry; and then make the best, damn decision you can for the best long term interests of the citizens of the commonwealth.

I know it is easier said than done, but done it must be, if he and his newly created board are to get this right. I spent eight years overseeing the states largest gaming operation, the state lottery. I was also the first state-wide elected official to come out in support of destination, resort casinos. The only way I could figure out this very unique business was to immerse myself in it. I met with those interested in selling lottery products and building casinos. I read the research reports both generated internally and externally. And I got out of the office to meet with those who sold the product as well as those who bought it.

Steve Crosby and his soon to be named board must do the same. They should read a wide variety of research, both pro and con, on the industry and the players involved. They should do on-site due diligence to the best and worst casinos in the world. They should attend conferences and seminars as long as the industry is not paying their way. And they should meet with as many of the sellers and buyers as possible. Yes, that means meeting with gamblers, developers, neighborhood activists, and even the anti-gambling forces.

Most of all they will need to realize that criticism will come with everything they say or do, regardless of how they say it and why they do it. Their charge is simply to do it right. The legislature has delivered to them an imperfect bill. If things need to be changed to make the final outcome better than they cannot be afraid to publicly call for the legislature to make changes to the bill. The process will be political no matter how hard they try to take the politics out. They must deal with it. Last time I checked we still live in a democracy and people's voices and votes count.

Steve Crosby has two choices. He can either tip-toe through the minefields that lie ahead and fret over the beating he will take daily from concerned citizens, those with vested interests, and the press, by covering his ears and taping his mouth shut. Or, he can boldly learn, listen, investigate and speak to the inherent possibilities as well as the dangers of this challenge. The key is to get the major decisions right for the best long-term benefit of the state. If he does, then the criticism will be short-lived, but the benefits will be long-lasting.