Foxwoods CEO visits Naugatuck seniors

NAUGATUCK, Conn. (WTNH) -- Foxwoods Casino's top executive met with senior citizens in Naugatuck, who wouldn't have welcomed him a few months ago.

Back in May, the Boston Globe quoted Scott Butera, referring to busloads of seniors coming to the casino with their wheelchairs and oxygen tanks.

Some senior citizens have been staying away from Foxwoods after the comment was reportedly made, but Butera said he was misquoted. Some seniors in neighboring Derby were so upset, they boycotted Foxwoods.

"I was very unhappy to read about it," Phyllis Belanger, of Naugatuck, said.

"I thought a lot of the seniors are the ones who go to either casino and pay quite a bit of money," said Carol Stachowiak, of Naugatuck.

Butera went to the senior center in Naugatuck on Friday and said the visit was a way for him to engage with all age-groups and charities in the community.

"There are some misrepresentations that happened a long time ago, that don't represent us or Foxwoods and those are behind us," Butera said.

When asked by News 8 what he would do if it was brought up in Naugatuck, Butera said, "Like I said, that's not part of this. That's not what this is about."

"It's also important to spend time together and get to know one another," Butera said.

"I think there were a few that were very resentful, but time heals all wounds." Belanger said.

When News 8 asked if they'll give him a chance, Stachowiak said, "Yes. Maybe he'll be very nice."

Despite the controversial comments that were made, Butera was greeted with handshakes and smiles. He introduced himself and called the bingo numbers for the group. They even made him an honorary member.

Now there is talk Butera will visit the senior citizens in Derby sometime soon to "clear the air."

The Senior Center's Executive Director Sarah Muoio told News 8 Butera was there Wednesday talking to her and the members' president about how to clear the air with the seniors.

The Derby visit is expected soon.