Wynn is no 'promoter of democracy'

YOUR LETTERS: Open letter -- Wynn is no 'promoter of democracy'

Published: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Dear Mr. Wynn: I see from your continued mailings to my household that you and your PR company, "Jobs For Foxboro," are attempting to reframe your "pro-casino" approach to be a "pro-vote" approach, as apparently you hope it to be more marketable to Foxboro residents.

I don't seem to remember you advocating for any sort of state-wide vote back in November when Massachusetts Legislature pushed through the expanded gambling bill. Was that because your industry had spent more than $11.4 million dollars in the past five years lobbying the state? You wouldn't want to risk losing that kind of investment on a vote by Massachusetts citizens.

I also find this approach very curious from someone who has recently stated that his company is "actually a Chinese company."

Really, Mr. Wynn? I imagine you have had many chances to promote your democratic ideals in China. I tried to research your work in promoting democracy in China, but all I found were numerous media releases regarding the very serious corruption charges that you face relating to your dealings in Macau. Thank you for at least letting us know where you stand on keeping jobs in America. Obviously it is not a top concern of yours.

Last month you told the Globe, "If we can only get this past the voters in Foxboro" Did you mean to say that, Mr. Wynn, or did it just kind of slip out? I don't think that most Foxboro residents really appreciate that kind of sentiment. It makes us wonder how much we can trust you. It is not exactly reassuring to hear from someone who is looking to have a massive, permanent presence in our small town.

Please cease your attempts to frame the push for a casino here as a sort of "pro-vote" push.

We Foxboro residents are not stupid. We have read the gaming law which specifically states that it is the Board of Selectmen who first choose or do not choose to enter into a host community agreement. We understand representative democracy. We have a very important election on May 7 in which we will proudly exercise our right to vote.

Personally, I will be voting for the two candidates who will consistently and unambiguously continue to say "No" to you, Mr. Wynn.

You see, unlike you and your marketing team, Foxboro residents actually live here. We drive these streets that you want to fill with buses of gamblers. We live near the freight train tracks that you hope to run commuter trains on. You don't have children or grandchildren that live here, but we do.

Foxboro residents are hard-working, honest people who will do anything to help a neighbor. Friendships formed in Foxboro last a lifetime. I am fortunate to be able to speak to this personally. These are the values that we have and this is the lifestyle that we hope for our children to experience. What you are proposing threatens our very way of life.

You are a casino mogul, Mr. Wynn. You are no "promoter of democracy." Please stop insulting our intelligence by trying to frame your cause this way.

Anne Marie Anderson