Cost - Benefit Analysis

Cape Cod Times --


In response to your Sept. 28 editorial, "A risky gamble?" the casinos currently proposed in Palmer by Mohegan Sun and in Middleboro by the Mashpee Wampanoag have been significantly downsized from their original proposals.

Palmer lacks water, and the estimated cost is $40 million. Who will pay that?

Middleboro lacks roads. Estimated cost: $400 million. Who will pay that? The bankrupt investors?

Will Massachusetts taxpayers be expected to absorb those costs? Big Dig, anyone?

And what of the concerns raised by the Western Massachusetts Casino Task Force that have been forwarded to legislators?

Before we allow ourselves to be blinded by casino gold, a cost-benefit analysis is needed, much as New Hampshire is doing.

Jessie Powell

Middleboro