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The editorial published by the Boston Globe urges an immediate cessation of delays surrounding the Encore Boston Harbor casino project.
Despite ongoing scrutiny from local gaming authorities, Wynn Resorts remains committed to its $2.6 billion project in Everett, Mass., and is determined to open the casino in June as planned.
Founder and CEO Steve Wynn was accused of sexual harassment in a series of allegations reported by the Wall Street Journal in January. As a result, he has subsequently resigned from his position.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts has made efforts to separate the Everett project from the controversy by replacing long-serving board members and rebranding it as Encore Boston Harbor.
A question of Wynn Resorts’ suitability
Nevertheless, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission took it upon themselves to initiate an inquiry into the accusations, specifically focusing on whether Wynn Resorts withheld any pertinent information during the initial evaluation of their suitability as a casino license holder.
In December, the commission had scheduled to address the final report from its Investigations and Enforcement Bureau. Unfortunately, Steve Wynn filed a lawsuit to prevent the report from being made public, and a Nevada judge granted him a temporary injunction. Next week, the commission’s legal team will present their case before the judge, aiming to have the injunction lifted.
In her New Year’s Day editorial titled “It’s time to end delays on Encore,” Colette A.M. Phillips, an editorial writer for the Boston Globe, strongly implies that the investigation conducted by the commission holds little significance. Phillips believes that regardless of the investigation’s outcome, the project should proceed without any further delay.
The (Commission) is currently investigating the allegations surrounding Wynn Resorts with the aim of establishing the knowledge and timing of individuals involved in the CEO’s actions prior to granting approval for Encore. These inquiries hold significant importance, and individuals associated with enabling such behavior should be completely excluded from any involvement with Wynn Resorts or Encore.
However, it is important to note that all of those individuals mentioned have already departed. The board has been completely overhauled, as well as senior management. Wynn himself not only severed ties with Encore’s parent company but also filed a lawsuit against the business that still carries his name. The only remaining senior figure at Wynn is its current CEO, who has claimed to be unaware of the allegations.
A moot point
Phillips argues that the investigation has no significance as it solely focuses on individuals who are no longer employed by Wynn Resorts. Moreover, she claims that the only ones suffering from this inquiry are the prospective employees of the casino resort. Additionally, Phillips highlights the City of Everett’s urgent requirement for an economic uplift, further burdening its strained situation.
Phillips commends Encore’s Workforce Development Plan, which not only prioritizes the hiring of 50 percent women and 40 percent minorities but also ensures access to fundamental training and education. Additionally, the plan extends preference to former Suffolk Downs employees.
On the other hand, Phillips argues that those who are gaining advantages from this scheme are also being negatively impacted by the delays in project completion.
The future of Encore Boston Harbor
Phillips asserts that, for Massachusetts at least, the present moment signifies the need to embrace progress and stride confidently into the future.
The unsightly behavior supposedly exhibited by the former CEO of Wynn Resorts and the individuals who supported it cannot be reversed. However, instead of turning a blind eye to the events, the company has taken responsibility for what occurred and has presented a fresh and captivating vision for the future. It is in our best interest to welcome and embrace this promising future.
Approving the Encore plan would be a wise move for our communities and a favorable decision for our state, as it has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other major employers in the Commonwealth. Preventing the resort from progressing or allowing it to perish in prolonged legal battles would equate to squandering numerous career prospects for those who are most in need of them. Such opportunities rarely present themselves to communities of color, making it crucial to seize this chance. By supporting Encore, we are making a positive impact on our communities and placing a promising bet on the future of our state.
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