US Gambling Tycoon Woos Toronto Mayor Ford
Rob Ford has said that Toronto is open to suggestions for the construction of a gambling complex although no decisions have yet been made.
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Toronto Mayor Meets Adelson
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Ford meets Sands boss Sheldon Adelson this week.
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US Gambling Tycoon Woos Toronto Mayor Ford
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August 27 - The mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford met with the Las Vegas gambling tycoon, Sheldon Adelson in a private, 45 minute meeting this week.
The two met in the mayor's office to discuss the possibility of Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Corp building a casino in Toronto.
Adelson represents one of several companies who are keen on partnering with Toronto in the construction of a casino.
At least three other Nevada based companies have expressed an interest in such a venture, including MGM Resorts International, Woodbine Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment.
The Ontario government recently announced plans to construct a casino in the Greater Toronto Area, which instantly triggered interest by gambling moguls from the United States.
Open Mind About Toronto Casino
While Toronto's city councilors have not made a final agreement about whether or not they are interested in the construction of a casino in the GTA, the mayor has made it clear that the city would keep an open mind about any suggestions or proposals.
Mayor Ford's press secretary, George Christopoulos said that Adelson had requested the meeting with the mayor.
"The mayor has said he would always be open minded to casinos but it had to be a good deal for taxpayers and in the best interest of the city," said the press secretary.
Adelson's wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson also attended the meeting, as did Ford's chief of staff, Mark Towhey and director of stakeholder relations, Earl Provost.
Councilor Doug Ford, the mayor's brother, also attended the meeting for a short period of time.
After the meeting, Adelson told reporters waiting outside that "there are lot of its", although he would not elaborate.
Shared Political Outlook
It remains to be seen whether Sheldon Adelson managed to sway Mayor Ford in making a concrete decision about a casino in Toronto, and whether their shared political outlook give Adelson an advantage over other US gambling casino tycoons who wooed the Toronto mayor and who are also keen to build in the city.
Both Adelson and Ford share a conservative political outlook, and the Vegas tycoon is a staunch supporter of the US Republican party whose millions were used to back former presidential nominee Newt Gingrich.
He has now turned his attentions - and cash - to back Mitt Romney and has committed to a $100 million donation.
