“He should be more involved to ensure that the revenues he promised that gaming would produce for Pennsylvania are coming in. As it is, licenses are not being awarded, casinos are not operating and no money is coming in.”

STILL INTERESTED

Centaur also continues to work toward a positive solution.

Responding to questions via e-mail, Susan Kilkenny, director of marketing and vice president of public relations for Centaur, said the corporation’s team continues to work diligently to renegotiate a financing package.

“At this time, (the rating) has no bearing on our ability to renegotiate our financing package,” her response said. “Placing Centaur on a CreditWatch list is not the equivalent to a downgrade in rating.”

Although details regarding the status of discussions are not available, Kilkenny indicated Centaur officials, “are in constant contact with our lending group to resolve this situation.”

“We deeply appreciate the strong local support shown to the project during the public impact hearing in May,” Kilkenny said, adding, “We remain fully committed to bringing the significant economic benefits of the project to western Pennsylvania.”

TAKING TIME

State Rep. Chris Sainato believes the gaming board will complete its investigation and award the slots license in September.

Sainato said he believes the investigators are under pressure from the gaming board to complete the investigation.

“That’s my gut reaction,” Sainato said. “By the September meeting they will be ready. The investigation will be complete.”

In the meanwhile, Sainato said, “Centaur tells me there is no problem with the application, it is just that the process is taking time. I am assured there is nothing on the part of Centaur that is standing in the way.”

He said he also believes that unless Centaur withdraws its application for the slots license, it is theirs for the taking.