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Exclusively Found in the Insider
Viewpoint of Las Vegas
State Gamers
Petition Supreme Court
By: Frank Rosenthal
The state gaming
authorities failed to "stay the order" written by the district court that
had reversed my dismissal from the industry. They were how-ever relentless
with their spin machine. "Frank Rosenthal's reinstatement threatens the very
integrity of the entire gaming industry."
Meanwhile, I was settling in assuming my prior responsibilities and hoping
that the high court would sustain the lower courts ruling. Nevada politics
can be rough, dirty and unpredictable. I was not one of the "good old boys"
nor did I attempt to become one of those %#@&%#.
After sorting out and dismissing a handful of rebels within the corporation,
I began to proceed with the daily operations of four major Hotel/Casino
properties that employed more then 4,000 people. Responsibility and
authority can become a double-edged sword. I was not concerned about
popularity, nor can an effective top- ranking executive attempt to achieve
reverence! It just does not work that way. Firm and fair was our trademark,
naturally many would dispute or argue to the contrary. They did not last
very long. The Chairman and I held to the theory that there was three ways
to operate a public corporation. The right way, the wrong way, or our way.
When the Nevada Supreme Court reviewed the lower courts ruling, they
determined the state gamers could not deny my right to work. However, they
did reverse my right to function and hold title as a key employee. I was
disappointed, so was the state gamers. They wanted blood, and I was looking
for survival. I was forced to step down the ladder for reassignment.
Entertainment Director for the Stardust Hotel was now my only
responsibility. My salary sank, and my authority became limited. Loads of
great looking show girls, the world famous Lido De Paris, and the great team
of Siegfried & Roy. All of us seemed to blend in well, notably the girls.
The reviews were "greatest production show on earth."
Little did I suspect that the same gang of gaming authorities was preparing
for another battle on my right to work in any capacity! They notified me
that a hearing date was scheduled to decide whether I was secretly
performing in other areas of the casino. One afternoon the President &
Chairman of our board called me to his office. They introduced me to a
gentleman from Detroit who was the president of a very highly respected
investigative firm. Their employees were all former Special FBI agents. The
Chairman asked if I would be willing to allow the investigative company to
interview any and all personnel within our corporation and beyond.
They further advised me that if the results of their investigation proved or
supported the gaming boards charge that I was in fact functioning and
exercising authority beyond my limits as the Stardust Entertainment Director
they would compel them to disclose their findings. They were asking for a
$100,000.00 retainer. The Chairman agreed to the terms, and turned to me for
my consent regarding the integrity and conditions of the investigators. The
estimated time for a thorough investigation was 2 to 3 months, possibly
more. I said okay, I accept!
When the time finally came around and we were twenty-four hours away from
the hearing, to be held in the Las Vegas Convention Center, I visited with
my attorney to review our presentation before the butchers. We needed two
factory mobile platforms for transporting all of the necessary documentation
that we had gathered over the ensuing months.
The hearing room was packed, standing room only. The gamers sat behind a
long desk and the hearing began. My attorney was Oscar Goodman. He rose to
address the &@#%$&# that were leaning comfortably back in their chairs. I
wasn't comfortable or confident in spite of the fact that I had met with a
dime store attorney named Jay Brown, who was considered to be politically
well connected and an associate of my attorney Oscar Goodman. Jay Brown
assured me that above all, I would receive a fair and impartial hearing in
the unlikely event that one would be ordered.
That promise was one of my main considerations before accepting the
conditions and expenses associated with the Detroit team of investigators.
"Fair and Square Frank, you have my word on that." That was Jay Brown back
then.
Within moments, one of the commissioners on the board made a motion, guilty
as charged. "Do I have a second for the motion?" He did! They took the vote.
They were unanimous, GUILTY, hearing concluded. We were never given an
opportunity to call any witnesses or introduce sworn testimony that would
have supported our position. The "Good Old Boys" hung one more on me, and
taught me a few lessons. Oh yes, I cursed the &@#%$&#, one by one, however
the ball game was over. Home cooking wins again.
One lesson, if I need a friend, I will buy a dog! As for Jay Brown he never
returned my calls, and continues to practice his style of &@#%$&#. If I
sound bitter, I apologize, I'm really not. Time heals most wounds.
Stay tuned. . . |
Frank Rosenthal
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