New York has spoken on Las Vegas businessman Shawn Scott. We’re awaiting word from Maine.

Scott and his partners have been trying to qualify to run a harness track in both states. On Dec. 12, New York denied their licenses.

“Your experience, character and general fitness is such that your participation in racing or related activities would be inconsistent with the public interest … or the best interest of racing generally,” wrote that state’s Racing and Wagering Board in a letter reported by the Associated Press.

In addition, that racing board said Scott made false statements on his application.

Mainers might recognize the Scott name. He owns Bangor Historic Raceway and is seeking a license from this state’s Harness Racing Commission. If granted, the door would be open for Scott to install an untold number of slot machines at the track and develop a racino.

In its own investigation of Scott and his Capital Seven LLC company, Maine’s Racing Commission compiled a report on Scott. Used to judge Scott’s “good moral character” and determine if he’s “financially responsible,” the research has revealed many unflattering details about his business dealings. He hasn’t cooperated with the commission’s investigation, has provided misleading information and his business practices are “sloppy, if not irresponsible,” the report concludes.

Character witnesses, however, characterized Scott as responsible, respectful and charming. Scott’s accountant defended his client’s business practices and offered testimony to counter a state financial expert.

With the announcement on Thursday that another 300 jobs are leaving Maine, it could be difficult for the state to oppose a businessman who wants to invest here. But that’s exactly what needs to happen in this case.

Last week, we asked the commission not to rush its decision. Now that we’ve heard the evidence, there’s no need to wait any longer. The Harness Racing Commission should reject Scott’s application for a license.


Armor outrage


Enough time has passed, no more excuses are acceptable.

The Pentagon must do whatever is necessary to make sure the members of the U.S. military serving in combat zones have the appropriate body armor.

According to Rep. Tom Allen, members of the Army Reserve’s 94th Military Police Company and the Maine National Guard’s 1136th Transportation Company do not have the armor that could save their lives. The best vests have ceramic plates in the front and back that can stop high-velocity rounds and offer added protection against shrapnel.

In a letter sent to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Allen and Rep. Mike Michaud describe a situation in which some Mainers have been given one plate and told to choose between placing it in front or back. That’s really no choice at all.

Planning for the occupation of Iraq has fallen woefully short. Our troops don’t have the armor or the armored vehicles they need to do a very dangerous job.

The United States spent more than $380 billion on the military in fiscal year 2003 and has budgeted almost $400 billion for 2004, not counting the emergency appropriation of $87 billion for ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How is it that our soldiers don’t have the armor they need? It’s outrageous.
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