Tears shed for progress!
What event could have possibly been so important to interrupt an hour of regularly scheduled programming on Pittsburgh’s local news stations this morning? Strangely enough, it was not Mario Lemieux-related, as per protocol. Indeed, this news was so overwhelming that the entire city was in tears, reports The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Mr. Barden held hands with his wife Bella as the vote was taken and shed tears when he knew he had won. “My heart skipped several beats. It was an exhilarating, incredible feeling.”
Barden’s tears were those of a proud new father. As the head of PITG Gaming Majestic Star, Barden won the bid to open a casino, or a “slot machine parlor,” on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Barden and the city hope the new casino generates jobs and income for the city. And while economic revitalization is always a hot issue in Pittsburgh, Barden was probably thinking, “How do I make this casino issue appeal to the locals?” Just look to the Steelers, my good sir.
Mr. Barden also became teary eyed when he talked about Johnnie Bettis, father of former Steelers star Jerome Bettis. Mr. Barden knew the Bettis family from Detroit and brought them into his investment group.
More tears of joy after the jump.
Investment group or family? Ah, Barden is truly a philanthropist, sharing his wealth with men from all walks of life. Not only that, but this “visionary” is also loved by people who profit from his successes.
Michelle Sherman, chief financial officer for Barden Cos., also burst into tears of joy when the vote was taken. “Oh my God, I’m crying, oh my God. I’m overwhelmed. Mr. Barden is the consummate visionary and entrepreneur. This is something he deserved.”
But seriously, tears can only get you so far. What’s a casino without a big name? Maybe a singer? Maybe a singer who seemingly has nothing to do with casino development? Barden’s got that covered, too:
Smokey Robinson, a partner in PITG Gaming, called today’s vote “one of the most gratifying things that’s ever happened to me,” although he didn’t call it a miracle.
Ha. Miracle. Someone at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was probably pretty pleased with themselves for that one.
20061220 6:21 pm
babies. hahahaha.
smokey robinson and the miracles. HJAHAHAHAHHA.
20061221 7:50 am
Strangely enough, it was not Mario Lemieux-related, as per protocol.
Actually, protocol was observed in this case. As the article notes further down, the decision to go with PITG instead the Isle of Capri group leaves the Pittsburgh Penguins’ future with the city uncertain: “Isle of Capri had an agreement with the Penguins to provide $290 million for an arena, which the team has been seeking to replace Mellon Arena.”
Mario Lemieux heads the Penguins’ ownership group.