Mayor Morse's Flip-Flop on Casinos

In the wake of Mayor Morse's flip-flop on casinos, it seems imperative to state what may be obvious to some but not to all.

 

1. Mayor Alex Morse is correct in his assessment that a Springfield casino will hurt Holyoke. "Morse said he believes his city could be hurt by a Springfield casino, which could take customers from Holyoke businesses."

It will also hurt Chicopee, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Longmeadow and all the communities in the Pioneer Valley and surrounding region.

2. A Holyoke casino will conversely hurt Springfield, Chicopee, Northampton, South Hadley, West Springfield and all of the communities in the surrounding region. The direct negative impact zone has been repeatedly measured at a 50 mile radius from a casino.

3. As a young first term mayor, it is not surprising to see that the seduction of casinos and the influence of deep pockets has swayed even an idealist newcomer to conform with the Massachusetts political machine, gambling industry and special interests who seek to gain from these proposals and will provide him substantive, "political cover" for his flip.

4. Mayor Morse has exhibited a brief but strong record of advocacy for his community, I hope he will join grassroots citizens in Holyoke - including those who voted for him based upon his pledge to oppose casinos, as well as taxpayers across the commonwealth, in the quest to rein-in the spending of the Gaming Commission and establish a body with independent oversight of the GC.

5. Each dollar spent by the GC is a dollar that does not go to property tax and sales tax relief. Each dollar spent by the GC is a dollar that does not go to repair our failing infrastructure and archaic transportation systems. Each dollar spent by the GC that goes to Beacon Hill to be distributed to special interests is a dollar not spent to mitigate negative regional impacts or improve education and public safety here at home.

An Independent Oversight Commission needed, now!

Kathleen

Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC95 Mayhill Road
Monson, MA 01057