To Steve Grossman

Dear Steve:

Allow me to weigh in as "just your average voter."

When Middleboro was confronted with a Mega Slot Parlor in its
midst, questions and opposition were silenced, impacts never
considered and it was "inevitable" we were told.

Increased crime, public safety and school costs were NEVER
factored into the whopping $7 million offered, while supporters
raved "Wow!"

Some of us just knew intuitively it was wrong - not solely from
a moral perspective.

From examining other states that have allowed themselves to be
blinded by the Fool's Gold of Gambling, it becomes clear that,
since Predatory Gambling fails to cover its costs, continued
expansion is needed to cover revenue shortfalls in the false belief
that more gambling will somehow pay for the current mess.

Grandiose promises of job creation, economic development and
revenues are promised that never come to fruition because
they were flawed from the beginning, but no one questioned.

To meet those false promises, it is then argued that taxes are
too high, hours not long enough, additional slots must be
added, restrictions must be lifted.

Indiana is confronting tax bailouts.

Twin River is proposing in bankruptcy court 24 hours gaming
even though Lincoln, RI voters opposed it. Local control will
be disregarded. Greyhound racing will be eliminated even
though preservation of racing was the purpose of creating
a slot parlor.

Casinos around the country are filing bankruptcy or in the
case of the CT casinos, "restructuring their debt." And
this is the partner we propose getting in bed with?
Tribes have defaulted on their loan payments.
What type of fiscal review is being considered?

The Bay State will move from being a regulator to being a
stakeholder and promoter in the success of slots venues
because you too have become addicted to gambling and
fail to recognize the folly that it simply doesn't pay its
way and the costs are too high.

That anyone in a position of authority allows the conversation
to be monopolized with false promises is disappointing.

I would hope our legislative leaders would have the wisdom
to follow New Hampshire's lead and insist on an impartial
cost benefit analysis.

We simply can't afford the costs of predatory gambling.

Respectfully,

Jessie Powell
Middleboro, MA
No longer home to the Mashpee
Wampanoag Mega Monster thanks to
Hawaii