Coast attorney appointed by Musgrove to state Gaming Commission

Matt Moore

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2000 | 5:32 a.m.

JACKSON, Miss. - A coast attorney who represented Donald Trump in his quest to open a casino in Mississippi has been named to the state Gaming Commission.

Gov. Ronnie Musgrove appointed attorney Leonard Adam "Len" Blackwell to the commission Thursday. He replaces Robert Engram of Gulfport.

The three-member commission regulates 30 casinos located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and along the Mississippi River.

"Len Blackwell will be a good addition to the Mississippi Gaming Commission," Musgrove said. "He will work well with the current commissioners to make sure that gaming in our state is run in the best interest of the people of Mississippi."

Blackwell, a Brookhaven native, is a partner in the law firm Blackwell & White in Gulfport and part-time timber farmer. His appointment must be confirmed by the state Senate.

He said he hoped to examine issues impacting the gaming industry in the state which employs 39,000 workers.

"I consider ... the gaming industry in Mississippi, which I've seen grow up and become successful, to be one of Mississippi's most vital industries," Blackwell said. "I believe we have a very good regulatory system that the Legislature has established. "

Musgrove, who has drawn criticism for a lack of minorities in the Gaming Commission, said he chose Blackwell, who is white, because of his abilities.

"What I believe the Gaming Commission should be is a fair regulatory body to the gaming industry," he said. "That's what I was looking for and that's what we have."

Previous commission appointments have drawn some criticism, most notably from U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., for not reflecting the state's diversity.

Engram and Commissioners Bill Gresham and Victor Smith are white.

Commissioners are chosen from three districts: northern, southern and central. The commissioners serve staggered, four- year terms, with no commissioner serving more than 10 years.

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On the Net:

Mississippi Gaming Commission: http://www.msgaming.com