Thursday, May 25, 2017
Earlier today, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno addressed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGG) in favor of reform to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) for potential applicants to MGM Springfield. He presented at the MGC public hearing this afternoon at the MassMutual Center.
Mayor Sarno is a firm believer in empowerment and second chances for those who earn them. He urged the MGC and the legislators in attendance to look for a fair and common sense approach in ensuring that offenders of minor crimes can turn their lives around and develop a renewed sense of self-esteem through gaining meaningful employment.
“The irony here is that I am a law and order Mayor, but where it makes sense, some flexibility should be explored, and where appropriate, allowed. Any urban mayor will tell you three things are needed to knock down the vicious cycle of poverty rates and public safety issues – 1, family – 1a education – 1b jobs,” said Mayor Sarno. “I appreciate MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis and his team for continuing to advocate on these issues (we issued a letter on the subject back in 2014.) When I chose the world renown MGM as the best fit for our city, I knew MGM would deliver thousands of good paying white any blue collar jobs for the people of Springfield and the region – we will continue to work towards opening these doors.”
Currently CORI consists of records and data compiled by a Massachusetts criminal justice agency about an individual or applicant that relates to a criminal charge, arrest, judicial proceedings, sentencing, incarceration, rehabilitation and/or release.
