Residents split on reasons to vote for, against Brockton casino
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BROCKTON – Many of the city’s 28 polling places were busy with residents eager to vote on the casino proposal.
What seemed to make a difference in how residents voted Tuesday was the location of the polling place.
Upon exiting the polls, The Enterprise asked residents how they voted and why. On the outskirts of Brockton, away from where the casino is proposed, most residents were in favor of the casino. Closer to the fairgrounds, the projected site of the casino, residents said they were worried about the plan.
“I have young children. I think it’s not in a great area,” said Jennifer McCormack, who lives near the fairgrounds. “I don’t want a casino in my backyard.”
Jay Brunetti agrees. Outside the West Side library polls, which is located across from the fairgrounds, he said he has several concerns, but one main issue.
“The traffic would be a big issue for us,” he said.
Mike D’Avolio said he isn’t worried about the casino’s proximity to the high school or an increase in crime, but he thinks New Bedford will win the license.
“It’s a chance to bring prosperity and money into the city,” he said.
Jim Callahan and his wife voted for the casino at the Caffrey Towers polling location. Residents who voted there include those who live near the Whitman line.
“I think it will help the city financially,” he said.
Maria Similien also voted at Caffrey Towers, but she voted against the casino.
“Putting a casino in front of the high school is pure wrong,” she said. “It might bring money, it might bring jobs, but that location is not right.”
Veronica Gomes said the city should have other priorities before building a casino.
“I think the city would benefit more from a youth-friendly or family friendly establishment more than a gaming facility,” she said.
At the Kennedy School, Kevin Mills said he voted for the proposal, but not with 100-percent certainty.
“I voted ‘Yes,” because the city needs the money,” he said. “I live right off Belmont Street and I’m afraid of the traffic, but we’ve got to do what’s right for the city.”
Outside the Council on Aging polling place, Halicia Lyttle said she voted against the casino.
“I don’t like it being right across from the high school,” she said. “In our city, there are a lot of low-income individuals and I don’t think it will benefit them in any way but to make them fall deeper into poverty.”
http://www.enterprisenews.com/article/20150512/NEWS/150518751/12741/NEWS
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