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Ribiero: Neighbors of Suffolk
Downs Express Support for Gambling Study
The following is from John Ribiero of
Neighbors of Suffolk Downs:
"There is a bill pending that would
require an Independent Cost Benefit Analysis before any expansion of
gambling in the state. The State of New Hampshire conducted such a
study. They study found that a single casino similar to the one
proposed for Suffolk Downs would cost the State, after all revenue
is realized, more than $60 million.
As you know East Boston suffers many of the ills associated with the
airport, the oil terminals and the natural gas tankers. This is yet
another example where the State is expecting to realize a benefit
while a majority of the negative impact will be visited upon our
neighborhood.
If our legislators are to allow gambling at Suffolk Downs, we should
know what the impact will be, so that we are prepared to protect our
community when the revenue is being allocated.
The following is from The Norwich Bulletin, which is a host
community for Mohegan Sun:
"'Towns need to negotiate “air-tight” compacts in order not to let
state governments use casino money promised to local communities for
other expenses,'" Norwich Board of Education Chairman Charles
Jaskiewicz said. He complained about the percentage of slot machine
revenue from Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino that state
government sends to cities and town falling from 78 percent, or $88
million, in 1994 to 17 percent, or $62 million, this year.
“Our Connecticut lawmakers have failed us,” Jaskiewicz said,
speaking as a member of the impacts panel. “It is grossly unfair and
unjust. This money was meant to serve the cities and towns.”
State Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, said communities near the
casinos, such as Ledyard and Montville, have “'greater burdens, but
the recession has forced the state’s hand.'"
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