Western Massachusetts Casino Task Force Vacancy

Retired Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott wants to represent Belchertown on Western Massachusetts Casino Task Force
By Brian Steele, The Republican

BELCHERTOWN – Retired Holyoke Police Chief Anthony R. Scott wants to fill the town’s vacancy on the Western Massachusetts Casino Task Force, saying he would have Belchertown’s best interests at heart even though he isn’t a resident.

Fourteen towns are part of the task force, which assesses the potential local and regional impacts of a casino. Belchertown’s seat has been vacant since May 2010, when former selectman Michael J. Reardon left office.

The task force examines the possible effects of a casino on traffic, crime, job creation, property values, gambling addiction and other issues in the individual towns and throughout the region.

Scott declined to speak with The Republican about his interest in the seat.

In a letter to the Board of Selectmen, Scott said the town’s “values, concerns and wellbeing would be at the forefront of my concerns and recommendations to the Board.”

Scott retired in April after 10 years as Holyoke’s police chief. He was in law enforcement for 44 years.

Legislation signed last week by Gov. Deval L. Patrick allows three casinos, one somewhere in the western half of the state, and one slots parlor. Casino companies are jockeying for the sole Western Massachusetts project and have proposed building in Palmer, Holyoke and Springfield.

Scott notes in his letter that he was chief of police for eight years in a city that has a casino and “crimes decreased during my tenure in this city.” He doesn’t specify where. Besides Holyoke, he was chief of police in Athol, which does not have a casino, for three years, and in Rock Island, Ill., home of Jumer’s Hotel & Casino, for 10 years, according to the city’s website.

“I believe I possess the necessary experience and expertise to represent the best interest of the Town of Belchertown as it relates to the impact of gambling and gambling related issues,” Scott wrote.

Board Vice-Chairman William R. Barnett praised Scott at Monday’s meeting, saying, “I have no doubt about whatever he does, he does it well.”

Chairman Kenneth E. Elstein said he knew of “a number of different people from different backgrounds” who were interested in the seat and an appointment could be discussed at the Dec. 12 selectmen meeting.

Belchertown, Brookfield, Brimfield, Hampden, Holland, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, Sturbridge, Wales, Ware, Warren, West Brookfield and Wilbraham are members of the task force.