St. Louis County Councilman Steve Stenger says the CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment, Daniel Lee, tried to influence his vote on a county issue on Tuesday. Stenger tells me that Lee walked into his office on Tuesday and told him it would be in his favor to vote against a rezoning proposal in North County that would allow for the development of a new casino in the area. Lee flew in from Las Vegas that day to be in Clayton in time for the vote. Later that evening, the council voted 4-2 in favor of the rezoning and Lee reportedly was upset. Stenger says Lee tried to walk to the front of the council chambers, but was waved off because the meeting was still going on. So, instead he walked over to Stenger's assistant and said something to the affect of "that was the worst political decision he's ever made; and I don't forget things like that."

On Wednesday, Lee sent out a statement apologizing for his actions.

"I apologize for making anyone uncomfortable, which was certainly not my intent," Mr. Lee said. "I was passionate in my discussion of the issue, which is important to our neighborhood and to the investment and jobs at River City. However, I did not mean to cause offense to anyone, including Councilman Stenger and his staff."

Stenger says he accepts Lee apology and looks forward to speaking with him in future.

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