The leadership of the state Senate today announced their plan to legalize casino gambling in Massachusetts, and the proposal differs in one key way from the plan approved by the House: no slot parlors at the state's four racetracks.
Speaker Bob DeLeo has been the biggest proponent of bringing the flashing, ringing gambling machines to Suffolk Downs, Wonderland, Raynham and Plainridge, but Senate President Therese Murray and Gov. Deval Patrick have been vocal in their distaste for slots.
Unlike DeLeo's blatant disregard for the citizenry, the Senate will hold a public hearing on its proposal on Tuesday. Of course, one hearing announced six days prior is not a very open process, but big money has co-opted this issue and it appears to many a foregone conclusion.
The anti-casino battle is led by Kathleen Conley Norbut, the leader of United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts.
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Press Release:
Neighbors of Suffolk Downs - neighborsofsuffolkdowns.org
June 18th, 2010
East Boston, MA
The East Boston Times is sponsoring and Editor Joshua Resnek will be moderating a forum on the benefits and disadvantages of building a resort-style casino at Suffolk Downs.
The event will be held on June 30th at 6:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church Hall. Both sides of the casino debate will be represented. The proponents will be represented by Frank Callahan, President of the Building and Trades Council and Jay Ash, Chelsea City Manager. The opposition will be represented by Tom Larkin, a licensed psychologist and a member of the Board of Directors of United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts and John Ribeiro, a concerned, lifelong East Boston and Winthrop resident and member of the newly founded, Neighbors of Suffolk Downs.
Each side will present their point of view on the subject. Local politicians will be provided an opportunity to present their views. And the public will be invited to ask questions of the panel.
The State’s House of Representatives has already passed their version of legislation allowing casino gambling in Massachusetts and the Senate is formulating their version. One public hearing was held and there are no plans to hold any others before the end of this legislative session.
One side promises jobs and a much needed boost to the sagging Massachusetts economy. The other is concerned about the social cost to families, the negative impact on businesses and the expected increase in traffic. This promises to be a lively and spirited debate on an issue that will shape the Massachusetts economy for generations.
Regards,
John Ribeiro
www.neighborsofsuffolkdowns.org
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