Recently, a disclosure was made linking State Sen. Jeff Drozda to the state's top gaming lobbyist, uncovering financial transactions. He later on responded saying that he abstains from polling on gambling legislation matters.
Drozda, a public relation firm employee was hired to work on behalf of Centaur Inc., a company which includes part of Hoosier Park horse track in Anderson. Centaur took part in slots promotional campaigns at Indiana's horse tracks, last year. Drozda said he had not made an estimation of the sum paid by his company to DC Consulting for its services, as the firm was hired to encourage the public's use of the parkway leading to a hotel/casino facility owned by Centaur.
According to Indiana state law, the legislators who are in business-like relations with companies lobbying the legislature, are obliged to submit twice a year two statements: a conflict of interest statements, specifying any potential conflicts and economic interest one, disclosing information about personal business interests.
Though state law only prohibits legislators to poll on bills that may imbue them financially and not if they imbue clients, Drozda announced that he would not vote if any of his clients happen to benefit from it.
|
| Source: gamblingsmart news writer
|
Thursday, 3 March 2005 |