Bad bet for Eastie

Bad bet for Eastie
By Peter A. Gravallese

Wal-Mart would bring hundreds of jobs to Boston, but Mayor Tom Menino has been vehemently opposed, citing unfair competition to smaller local businesses.

Now our same mayor favors a casino complex at Suffolk Downs, citing the need to create jobs. Where is our protection? A casino complex would have a greater impact on our small businesses. Money won at the casino stays there.

And the traffic that a casino would bring would be horrific on roads already congested with airport traffic and tankers. As a lifelong resident of Eastie for 87 years, I ask how much more is my small community expected to support?

— Peter A. Gravallese, East Boston