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Memphis Official Paid for Pro-Casino Effort

TENNESSEE – As reported by the Memphis Commercial-Appeal: "A top aide to Mayor Willie Herenton received $700 from a consultant working to legalize and open a Native American casino here.

"Gale Jones Carson, Herenton's executive assistant and spokeswoman, was paid in connection with a petition drive bankrolled by the Cherokee Nation to place a referendum on the November ballot.

"The countywide referendum would amend the Shelby County Charter to create a five-member commission 'to explore and to advocate all measures necessary' to develop Indian casinos.

"Heading the drive is former local Democratic Party chairman Sidney Chism, who said Tuesday he has a consulting contract with the Oklahoma-based tribe.

"… 'It's not unethical,'' Carson said, emphasizing that her work for the petition drive was done off the city clock and didn't involve influence peddling.

"California ethics expert Judy Nadler said $700 appears to be a small amount and Carson is simply a city employee with no policy-making power. Still, appearances do count, particularly on volatile issues like legalized gambling, she said…"

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