Media oppose bill to exclude records of racino applicants

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005 | 8:57 a.m.

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The public would lose some of the access it is now guaranteed to information collected by the government if a bill backed by racino applicant Penn National Gaming Inc. and the Baldacci administration becomes law, opponents say.

Media and anti-gambling groups are challenging provisions of the bill, which would allow Penn National to keep the wraps on personal, criminal and other material on its application for a state license. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing today before a legislative committee.

Penn National says much of the opposition to the bill comes from anti-gaming activists who are just trying to keep slots out of Maine. It says that disclosing criminal and civil litigation histories would discourage potential employees at the company's proposed casino at Bangor's harness racing track from seeking jobs.

But a lawyer for the Maine Press Association said Mainers who enjoy access to public records have a lot to lose.

"Any legislation that seeks to restrict public access to government documents and proceedings should be of real concern to people," said Michael Mahoney