Aug 27, 2007 11:48 am US/Eastern
Casino Opponents Rally At Statehouse
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
-
-
Casino opponents rally at the Statehouse and deliver letters to Gov. Patrick, urging him to consider the negative effects of gambling.
CBS
Groups that oppose the expansion of gambling in Massachusetts are calling on Governor Deval Patrick to visit Middleboro.
The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe wants to build a $1 billion casino on 128 acres of land it recently bought in Middleboro. The casino would come with 4,000 slot machines and over 150 gaming tables.
Richard Young is head of an opposition group called casinofacts.org.
He said the Democratic governor has met with elected officials and representatives of the casino industry, but hasn't met with "real people."
Young and others rallied at the Statehouse Monday, and delivered a letter to the governor's office asking for a visit. The League of Women Voters also delivered a letter asking Patrick to consider the negative effects of gambling.
Patrick, who is on vacation, is expected to announce his position on allowing a casino to open in the state around Labor Day.
The protest comes as members of a task force of elected officials from southeastern Massachusetts meet with top officials from Patrick's administration.
"There is a higher instance of bankruptcy, so people lose their homes," said gambling opponent Paul Galvin. "There is also an increase in suicide rates."
Opponents said they are also upset that Wampanoag tribe leader Glenn Marshall has led the tribe's effort to allow casinos in Massachusetts despite a 1981 conviction of rape.
Marshall has taken a leave of absence following last week's revelations of his rape conviction. On Monday night, 11 tribal leaders will meet to decide his fate.
"It's truly about truth and trust," Young said. "Right now this has neither based on what's happened this past week."
Proponents have argued that allowing will boost the state's economy.
"When you look at the casino issue, the money is going to Connecticut," said casino supporter Michael Quish. "Keep it here in Massachusetts."
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments