Friday, September 13, 2013
W. Mass. Episcopal bishop backs lawsuit on gambling ballot question
By Bronislaus B. Kush, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
Bishop Douglas J. Fisher of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts said he backs a civil suit filed this week that challenges state Attorney General Martha Coakley's decision to disqualify a ballot initiative that might repeal a 2011 Massachusetts law that allows up to three casinos and a slots parlor in the Bay State.
The group "Repeal the Casino Deal,"on Tuesday, sought an injunction in Suffolk Superior Court that would overturn the AG's decision.
John Ribeiro, who heads the RCD group, said Massachusetts residents should be allowed to vote on whether casino and slots gaming operations should be allowed in the state.
"Citizens of the commonwealth will not be denied our right to pursue having our voices heard and (to) cast a vote on bringing the gambling industry with known permanent negative impacts to our communities," Mr. Ribeiro said.
A number of gambling operations have been proposed in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, which stretches from the Worcester area to the New York State border.
Bishop Fisher has been publicly active in opposing the proposals, saying slots parlors and casinos target the vulnerable poor and negatively impact communities.
"Casinos have never improved the quality of life in areas where many economically vulnerable people live," said Bishop Fisher.
In Central Massachusetts, some of the gaming proposals have fizzled.
But proposals for a casino in Milford and a slots parlor in Leominster are still under consideration.
The group "Repeal the Casino Deal,"on Tuesday, sought an injunction in Suffolk Superior Court that would overturn the AG's decision.
John Ribeiro, who heads the RCD group, said Massachusetts residents should be allowed to vote on whether casino and slots gaming operations should be allowed in the state.
"Citizens of the commonwealth will not be denied our right to pursue having our voices heard and (to) cast a vote on bringing the gambling industry with known permanent negative impacts to our communities," Mr. Ribeiro said.
A number of gambling operations have been proposed in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, which stretches from the Worcester area to the New York State border.
Bishop Fisher has been publicly active in opposing the proposals, saying slots parlors and casinos target the vulnerable poor and negatively impact communities.
"Casinos have never improved the quality of life in areas where many economically vulnerable people live," said Bishop Fisher.
In Central Massachusetts, some of the gaming proposals have fizzled.
But proposals for a casino in Milford and a slots parlor in Leominster are still under consideration.
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