Maine to stop a casino project

Legislators of Maine have repeatedly expressed their concerns over a casino project.

US.- Maine legislators are planning to implement unprecedented and legal measures to stop the casino proposal introduced by controversial businessman Shawn Scott. Officials from the state of Maine have been expressing their concerns over the project, as Scott has a questionable career in the business.

“Given what we know so far, it certainly seems as though they are trying to take advantage of Mainers,” said Sen. Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon Falls, co-chairman of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. “We’re going to look at all of our options to prevent that from happening and protect Maine people.”

The Press Herald quoted lawmakers expressing their firm opposition to any of Shawn Scott’s business attempts in the state. Scott’s project was to get the approval by the government after November’s ballot, where Maine residents are going to vote for several reforms, including gaming expansion. However, State’s officials expressed their opposition due to apparent irregularities in the project. For instance, a Portland lobbyist, Dan Riley, hired by Scott’s offshore firm, Bridge Capital. The company’s headquarter is run by the U.S. Virgin Islands’ businessman.

Scott name is controversial in the market, as he has faced several lawsuits throughout his entire investments. “One of the difficulties is these people involved have hundreds of shell corporations. It’s hard to tell who is really behind it and I think that veil of secrecy exists to protect themselves,” Rep. Louis Luchini, D-Ellsworth, the other co-chair of the Veterans and Legal Services Committee, told the Press Herald.

Local legislators have committed to stop the casino development by Scott’s companies.