MassLive, The Republican censoring comments

Although several respectful comments were added, they were not posted.

MassLive doesn't want to post any opposition comments and is censoring.

Pretty poor commentary on Freedom of the Press. It only exists when you support Slot Barns.

The article below indicates that Wilbraham has finally awakened to the impacts that will be caused by having a Slot Barn nearby. After doing their homework, wait until they calculate the DUIs caused by FREE ALCOHOL being served and the increased crime that accompanies Gambling Addiction.

And maybe they should consider the conduct of Mohegan Sun in Connecticut where drunks have caused such a major impact that was carefully presented in the Spectrum Gaming Report prepared for the CT DOSR (Department of Special Revenue). The report is available in its entirety on the United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts web site.

Wilbraham selectmen: Casino developer should alleviate impacts on neighboring communities before opening
By Suzanne McLaughlin, The Republican

WILBRAHAM - The Board of Selectmen has voted to send a letter to the town’s state legislators requesting that if a casino is sited in a neighboring community that the casino developer be required to make improvements needed to alleviate significant impacts on the abutting communities.

All three selectmen voted to sign the letter, said Selectmen Chairman Patrick J. Brady.

The letter is being sent to state Sen. Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham, and state Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo, D-Springfield.

Brady said he is concerned about public safety and traffic impacts as well as impacts on the school system. He said that if a casino located in Palmer, for example, Boston Road through Wilbraham would be a route from Springfield to the casino.

The town already has problems with traffic at the intersection of Main Street, Maple Street and Boston Road, Brady said.

Brady said the position of the Board of Selectmen regarding casinos in Massachusetts is not important. He said the selectmen’s role is protecting the impact of a possible casino on the town.

Brady said he does not believe casinos are a silver bullet for improving the economy of a region. In Atlantic City there is still economic blight a mile from the casino, he said. The additional restaurant and hotel business is added within the casino, Brady said, not to the surrounding area.

A possible impact of a casino in Palmer would be an increased number of children of workers in the school system, Brady said.

The letter from the Board of Selectmen to legislators states, “In reviewing the bill, we noted one significant omission. There is no requirement for a casino developer to provide mitigation of impacts before the casino opens.”

The selectmen wrote, “Our board believes each developer should be required, at his/her expense, to make the necessary improvements in the vicinity of the casino to alleviate significant impacts that may arise.”