[hockeychump]

First a couple things.

Vinnie: The 1,200 jobs listed in the Globe comes from Butler's proposal. After the casino is first completed, they estimated 600 jobs would be created. However, Butler wants to work on the casino in multiple stages, eventually expanding it out to fit the 400 acres they have an option on. According to their proposal, by the time all their pie-in-the-sky plans are finished, that number of jobs will double to roughly 1,200.

Mike: There's no real set criteria for endorsement other than the respective commissions feeling the proposal will do a good job benefiting their community. However, there are certain things the developer hopefuls have to present. For example: They must show where their money is coming from. (Butler said their proposal relies heavily on private grants, as the state cannot donate money for development.)

They also have to give estimates on how much money it will bring in, how many jobs will be provided and how much revenue is will generate in non-casino related ventures.

And Mike, as for what I think about the "friendly lawsuit" getting kicked down to the district court... I understand Morrisons theory. However, I do think he has a bit of egg on his face for attempting to skip the mandatory steps for quickness sake. From what I've picked up through newspapers and the laws, he should have gone to district court in the first place.