Casino critics: Pols gambling with vote
By Chris Cassidy
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Critics of a Suffolk Downs casino are keeping open the possibility they may sue to stop a $1 billion Caesars resort in East Boston based on a memo last fall from Secretary of State William Galvin warning lawmakers that a neighborhood-only vote would trigger a wave of legal challenges.
“I think it does leave the door open for us if they were to keep it to an East Boston-only vote,” said John Ribeiro of the anti-casino group Neighbors of Suffolk Downs. “I’m sure somebody would be looking at — given his statement — whether it was a legal vote.”
Galvin wrote a letter to Senate Ways and Means Chairman Stephen Brewer in September urging lawmakers devising the gambling bill to allow a citywide vote on a proposed casino — not the ward-only referendum that legislators ultimately passed.
Galvin warned, “This could lead to challenges (on equity principles and one person one vote) as it would appear that the interests of the entire city could be affected by the establishment of a gaming facility.”
Galvin’s caution is now echoing around the Hub.
“We’ve heard from folks all over the city who say they want to have a say and want to have a vote,” said Celeste Myers of No Eastie Casino, who is also Ribeiro’s sister.
“I’m sure it will get people riled up. The reality is our officials aren’t listening to us. I think they’d likely latch on to any legal recourse they have to get their attention.”
Myers said her group isn’t threatening legal action yet, but left the door open: “There’s no telling what the future will bring.” She said the memo “shines a light on the fact this bill was absolutely crafted with Suffolk Downs in mind.”
A Suffolk Downs spokesman did not return a call for comment yesterday. Brewer could not be reached for comment.
http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20220609casino_critics_pols_gambling_with_vote
Mayor Menino and Senator Petrucelli sold their support for $16,000 in 'charitable contributions' that we know of.
This project will cost ALL of Massachusetts taxpayers + $500 MILLION.
Maybe all of us should decide if we want to reward wealthy investors with our tax dollars.
.
“I think it does leave the door open for us if they were to keep it to an East Boston-only vote,” said John Ribeiro of the anti-casino group Neighbors of Suffolk Downs. “I’m sure somebody would be looking at — given his statement — whether it was a legal vote.”
Galvin wrote a letter to Senate Ways and Means Chairman Stephen Brewer in September urging lawmakers devising the gambling bill to allow a citywide vote on a proposed casino — not the ward-only referendum that legislators ultimately passed.
Galvin warned, “This could lead to challenges (on equity principles and one person one vote) as it would appear that the interests of the entire city could be affected by the establishment of a gaming facility.”
Galvin’s caution is now echoing around the Hub.
“We’ve heard from folks all over the city who say they want to have a say and want to have a vote,” said Celeste Myers of No Eastie Casino, who is also Ribeiro’s sister.
“I’m sure it will get people riled up. The reality is our officials aren’t listening to us. I think they’d likely latch on to any legal recourse they have to get their attention.”
Myers said her group isn’t threatening legal action yet, but left the door open: “There’s no telling what the future will bring.” She said the memo “shines a light on the fact this bill was absolutely crafted with Suffolk Downs in mind.”
A Suffolk Downs spokesman did not return a call for comment yesterday. Brewer could not be reached for comment.
http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20220609casino_critics_pols_gambling_with_vote
Mayor Menino and Senator Petrucelli sold their support for $16,000 in 'charitable contributions' that we know of.
This project will cost ALL of Massachusetts taxpayers + $500 MILLION.
Maybe all of us should decide if we want to reward wealthy investors with our tax dollars.
.
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