Kogut urges caution in Holyoke Casino Crimes

KOGUT URGES CAUTION IN HOLYOKE WITH LATEST CASINO PROPOSAL

SPRINGFIELD – Democratic candidate for Hampden County District Attorney, Michael T. Kogut, today urged Holyoke Mayor, Elaine A. Pluta, and the Holyoke City Council to take great caution when considering a proposal for casino gaming which does not address the need for resources to fight increased crime.

In hand delivered letters to the Mayor and each of the fifteen Holyoke city councilors Kogut stated: “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. Recently, the Massachusetts Bar Association released a report which stated there is a crisis in our courts due to inadequate funding. Placing additional cases on the 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.”

Kogut urged the city officials to take a thorough and realistic look at those states which have constructed casinos and the “unintended consequences” which now confront those communities. “As you consider the current Paper City Development proposal, I urge you, the city council, Chief Anthony Scott and other stakeholders in Holyoke to demand that adequate funding, with identified amounts and sources, be one of the first items discussed during negotiations. Anything less, will place added pressure on Holyoke’s public safety departments, the district court, probation and the county house of correction. Crime associated with casinos is not victimless. We will all pay if this issue is not seriously addressed,” Kogut stated.