Kogut Pushes for Casino Crime Funding!

KOGUT CONTINUES TO PUSH FOR CASINO CRIME FUNDING

[Editor’s note: The following is an unedited press release from the candidate's campaign. We have blogged this item in order to give MassLive users the ability to comment.]

SPRINGFIELD – Democratic candidate for Hampden County District Attorney, Michael T. Kogut, today called upon the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives Conference Committee to focus on a steady stream of funding to combat increased crime as it resolves differences between two versions of legislation to construct casinos in the state.
“It would be irresponsible for me or any other candidate for District Attorney not to raise our voices and petition the legislature to ensure a certain and steady stream of funds to deal with and combat the increased crime we all know will occur wherever casinos are placed,” Kogut stated in an e-mail he sent to the six members appointed to the Conference Committee.

Kogut also urged House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray to ensure that Committee Members stay focused on the stressors that gaming and casinos will have on public agencies. “We cannot ignore the fact that study after study has shown when casinos come to town, crime increases. Robberies, aggravated assaults, domestic violence, motor vehicle violations, including DUI's, and embezzlements all increase. Those crimes place an added burden on the already inadequately funded local law enforcement, prosecutors, victims’ services and courts.” Kogut stated.

“As you know, the Massachusetts Bar Association recently released a report describing the crisis in our courts due to inadequate funding. Court administrators are bracing for layoffs and furloughs as a result of decreased funding. Placing additional cases before our courts will only exacerbate the problem. Those crimes take a serious and permanent economic and social toll. I do not believe that can go unaddressed,” he concluded.

Kogut previously urged the legislature to take a deep breath and consider the crime associated with casinos before voting in favor of the legislation. Kogut has also chided his democratic rival, Sen. Stephen J. Buoniconti, for failing to take a leadership position on casinos and gaming by advocating for the funds to combat crime.