Democratic mayoral candidate Michael Nutter apparently removed former Gaming Control Board chairman and current Cozen O’Connor President Tad Decker from co-hosting a fundraising event scheduled for today.
According to a press release sent out by a representative of Casino Free Philadelphia, when anti-casino activists heard that Decker’s name was listed as a co-host for an event at the Philadelphia Country Club they immediately questioned Nutter’s campaign on what they said was an about-face.Nutter had been in support of a ballot referendum in the city that would have likely kept casinos from being built within 1,500 feet of residential and educational grounds, the release said.
Two women who belong to Mothers Against SugarHouse (MASH) wrote letters to Nutter seeking an explanation of his support of Decker and asked that he not accept any contributions from him.
"Mr. Tad Decker is not a member of any host committee for any Nutter for Mayor fundraisers," Nutter’s campaign responded in a statement. "When we learned that his name had been added to a host committee by a few supporters, Michael asked that he be removed, and he was."
Nutter’s campaign confirmed that the statement was accurate.
The event, which allows for a $500 friend donation or a $1,000 benefactor donation, was co-chaired by Tony Hayden Sr., Bernie Halfpenny, Jim Maguire and Cozen O’Connor vice chairman Patrick O’Connor, according to the flyer. Decker’s name was also listed as a co-chairman.
-- Gina Passarella, Staff Reporter
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