Gaming Board, McCord will go to court over closed-door sessions
State Gaming Control Board will fight Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord’s legal move to sit in on closed meetings.
The Gaming Control Board is pushing back against Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord’s legal demand, from earlier this year, to be included in closed-door executive sessions.
As Treasurer, McCord is considered a non-voting member of the oversight panel. But board attorneys filed a response in Commonwealth Court this week, arguing the Treasurer has a limited role in gaming matters, and his exclusion from executive sessions is “consistent” with that.
Treasury lawyer Christopher Craig thinks that’s wrong.
“The Gaming Act says that he is a member of the Board,” he says. “The only restriction the Gaming Act places is he cannot vote. But that means he can voice objections. He can make statements in support. He can make suggestions. He can initiate motions, file resolutions, etcetera.”
A Gaming Control Board spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Craig says he anticipates Commonwealth Court will hear oral arguments on the matter later this year. Meantime, table games begin operating at Pennsylvania casinos this week.
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