Casino Gambling Approval could be in Jeopardy

March 13, 2008 5:40 p.m. SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS It's looking less likely that Governor Deval Patrick's proposed legislation to bring casino gambling to the state will be approved.

[Debbie from Belchertown]

The way I understand it - the casino will bring in subcontractors to employ people for security, hotel services, dealers and game management. Not hire locally. Many of these people will be relocated to this area from the South West. For many, English is not their primary language. Many also have children. This will put a huge strain on area schools and infrastructure which will need to adopted multi-lingual resources. We already have a huge child-teacher ratio in many area towns, this will only exasperate that. Also, if you've ever taken a drive on some of the back roads around the casinos in CT, you will notice that all the local Mom & Pop stores, drive-in diners, ice cream shops etc. are boarded up. They could not compete with the casinos. I agree Palmer needs help, but I don't think it needs a casino.

[Ron Getty]

I am sick and tired of the politicians making decisions about important issues that should be decided by the citizens of Massachusetts. Sal Dimasi is using his position as House Speaker and has determined that gambling is no good for the state. This issue needs to be decided by the citizens of Massachusetts and not the politicians. The state has been going down the tubes with people losing their jobs and very few new jobs are being created in the state. If we had casino gambling here it would bring in new temporary construction jobs and who knows how many permanent jobs for the state. As a matter of fact with the casino's becoming more profitable it is very likely there would be expansion leading to more construction jobs. And lets not forget the money that would benefit the state and help keep down the taxes.

[Mojo44]

I mostly agree with you Ron. Politicians need to let the people they represent decide, then work for the peoples decision. Casinos will keep money here, add jobs, and bring a much needed attraction to this area. Anytime new businesses enter an area, some old businesses will be affected, neighborhoods affected, etc. It is unfortunate but can't be avoided. It's part of the growth process. I would just look for a guarantee that the new revenue would not end up invested in Eastern Mass.