Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) may very well be fostering criticism for nepotism together with her newest appointment to the New York Gaming Fee (NYGC).
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters on June 7, 2023. She might come below hearth for a current appointment to the New York Gaming Fee (NYGC).(Picture: AP)
The Democrat appointed Marissa Shorenstein to the fee. Shorenstein is the daughter of Stuart Shorenstein, a long-time gaming lobbyist in New York. He presently lobbies for Evolution Malta, which is among the many gaming firms pursuing web on line casino laws and legalization within the fourth-largest state.
The elder Shorenstein co-founded Cozen O’Connor, a public technique group that lists HBC-Saks Fifth Avenue as one in every of its shoppers, in response to the New York Put up. A yr in the past, the venerable division retailer entered the New York Metropolis on line casino competitors, saying it needs to convey a gaming venue to its flagship location on Fifth Avenue.
Saks’ father or mother firm, Hudson’s Bay Co., is hoping to show the ninth via eleventh flooring of the Manhattan division retailer right into a gaming venue impressed by the James Bond film “On line casino Royale” starring Daniel Craig. The Saks retailer is situated subsequent to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, making it one thing of an fascinating spot for a on line casino.
Marissa Shorenstein’s NY Political Connections Run Deep
Marissa Shorenstein is well-connected in New York political circles and has had roles with three current governors, all Democrats, together with Hochul.
Previous to becoming a member of AT&T, Shorenstein ran Marissa Shorenstein LLC, the place she supplied strategic communications consulting companies. Shorenstein additionally served as Director of Communications for Andrew M. Cuomo’s 2010 gubernatorial marketing campaign and Press Secretary and Deputy Communications Director in Governor David A. Paterson’s administration,” in response to the NYGC web site. “She additionally served as a member of the Nationwide Press Advance workers for the 2000 Gore Presidential marketing campaign. Extra just lately, Shorenstein served as Director of Govt Transition for New York governor Kathy Hochul.”
Curiously, Paterson now lobbies for Las Vegas Sands and is seen because the architect of that operator’s resolution to pursue a on line casino lodge in Nassau County.
It’s believed Hochul appointed Shorenstein to the NYGC final June with little fanfare, stories the Put up.
Shorenstein Appointment May Stoke Controversy
The NYGC gained’t be tasked with figuring out the three winners of downstate on line casino permits. Slightly, those victors will be chosen by the impartial Gaming Facility Location Board.
Moreover, the current funds despatched to Hochul didn’t embrace iGaming laws. Nonetheless, the governor appointing Shorenstein to the NYGC is considered by some as probably controversial as a result of she may very well be straight concerned in points for which her father lobbies. Plus, some New York policymakers are eager on holding web on line casino laws alive as a result of the state wants new income sources.
Whereas NYGC Govt Director Lee Park advised the Put up Shorenstein is certified to be an NYGC commissioner and allegations of nepotism are “sensational,” there are considerations about her appointment.
John Kaehny, government director of presidency accountability group Reinvent Albany, advised the media outlet that Hochul inserting the youthful Shorenstein on the NYGC board raises purple flags and is “absurd.”
