BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Saying it was just "politics," Governor Deval Patrick dismissed questions about whether or not Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby should step down from his post.
During a stop in New Bedford, Patrick told Fox 25's Political Reporter Sharman Sacchetti, "I'm not concerned about that. It's politics and people say things in politics."
Last week Crosby recused himself from decisions involving Wynn Resorts' proposal in Everett and the Mohegan Sun proposal at Suffolk Downs. Crosby bowed out only after he was spotted attending a private party at Suffolk Downs during Opening Day. Crosby also raised eyebrows when he waited a year before disclosing his past relationship with the owner of the Everett site.
Patrick appointed Crosby as Chairman of the Commission in 2011. When asked if people should trust his judgement, Patrick said he answered the question, adding, " I think it was the right thing for him to do to recuse himself, not because he had violated the rules but because of the concerns about appearance."
Patrick said he believes the "biggest concern" is what would happen in the event of a tie since there are only four gaming commissioners left to determine the license for the Greater Boston area. He told us, "I think that is a valid concern. I understand the commission is working out what their answer to that will be and I'll look forward to see what that is."
