Despite engaging a lobbying firm, Nassau Community College has no intention of pressuring New York politicians to provide a gambling license to Las Vegas Sands at Nassau Hub.
According to state lobbying records, the junior college renewed its contract with Shenker Russo & Clark, LLP, which it had hired for $5,000 a month last year. According to the original arrangement, the Albany-based legal practice would represent the college in lobbying on matters pertaining to funding, education, and casino gaming.
"Shenker Russo & Clark, LLP should) focus its efforts on the State budget and any other general legislation as it affects the College for the purpose of improving the educational experience for the students and the College Community,” according to the terms of the original contract.
At the location of the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Las Vegas Sands, the biggest gaming company by market value, plans to erect a $6 billion casino hotel. Although there was some criticism around that endeavor, the LVS offer is generally considered to be among the most legitimate in the race for downstate casinos.
Hofstra and Nassau Community College Use Differing Approaches
A representative for the college, Jerry Kornbluth, told Newsday that Sands is probably conducting its own lobbying and that the college has not requested Shenker Russo & Clark to represent it in the casino project.
The community college has a different stance on the Sands casino development than Hofstra University, even in the absence of direct lobbying efforts. Strongly opposed to the casino plan, Hofstra has filed a lawsuit against Nassau government, claiming that the government broke regulations pertaining to environmental reviews and opening meetings when it transferred its lease to Sands.
The relationship has become so strained that in February, former governor David Paterson (D-NY), who is currently a lobbyist for Sands, said Hofstra forbade him from giving a speech at the law school where he received his degree.
The following month, Hard Rock International and Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, were the bidders for a Queens casino license, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) accused representatives of Hofstra of engaging in collusive behavior.
Although the university has stated that it is not against casinos in the New York City region, Hofstra has refuted those allegations. It merely opposes one that is close to campus. In response, Nassau Community College says that it is not making these kinds of noises and that, given the school's significant budget shortfall, its support for the LVS plan makes sense.
The Casino Could Help Nassau Community College
Although Nassau Community College isn't actively advocating for the Long Island casino plan, the institution stands to benefit or lose if Sands is granted a gaming license.
The gaming corporation announced in January 2023 that it would use the school as a training center. The public-private partnership might help the school generate income and jobs.
The community college and casino operator's relationship may lead to the development of relevant course offerings, such as courses on security, meetings and banquets, culinary arts, and casino and hotel management.
