Mohegans Lose Bid....

Mohegans Lose Bid for Casino In Palmer, Mass., Leaving Springfield As Last Plan Standing

State Gaming Commission To Award License For Western Massachusetts Next Spring

By MATTHEW STURDEVANT, msturdevant@courant.comThe Hartford Courant

11:24 p.m. EST, November 5, 2013

PALMER, Mass. — Voters narrowly defeated Mohegan Sun's $1 billion casino proposal on Tuesday, at least for the moment leaving the MGM Resorts International plan for downtown Springfield as the sole survivor in a contest to operate a casino in western Massachusetts.

Complete unofficial results from the town clerk's office shortly after 9 p.m. showed the proposal losing by 93 votes, 2,657 to 2,564.

The Mohegans said afterward that there were "very troubling" technical problems with one voting machine and that they were asking for a hand count of ballots.

It was not immediately clear if there would be one.

The 5,221 vote total meant that 66 percent of the town's 8,412 registered voters filled out ballots.

At Mohegan Sun headquarters in town, the tone was somber. Mitchell Etess, CEO of Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, addressed supporters from a podium.

"We are obviously disappointed in today's outcome as it currently stands. Our supporters and volunteers have worked tirelessly for our vision of bringing real economic development to Palmer.

The results from today's vote are extremely close — less than 100 votes. And the incredibly strong turnout is indicative of how engaged people on both sides of the issue have become," he said in a transcript released by the tribe.

"Because of technical problems with the voting machine in Precinct 2 that are very troubling, we will be asking the Town of Palmer for a hand recount of the ballots in today's election. We have great respect for the process and all of the voters in Palmer, and we believe this request is consistent with ensuring that the process of counting ballots was accurate."

Jen Baruffaldi, a supporter, said she hoped that a recount would reverse the outcome. If not, she remained optimistic that a casino would eventually come to Palmer. In 1997, a nonbinding referendum to support casinos in Palmer passed 55 percent to 44 percent, although plans to build one never came to fruition.

[WHO IS PAYING MS. BARUFFALDI'S SALARY? SHE BELONGS TO NO PAC REGISTERED WITH THE TOWN OF PALMER, NO REPORTING IS AVAILABLE. WHY ISN'T ANYONE IN THE MEDIA ASKING?]


Charlotte Burns, co-president of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, celebrated the victory against Mohegan with about a dozen other people in a tiny storefront adorned with a sign proclaiming: "Save our town. Vote No Nov. 5."

"I just always thought there was a silent majority that was afraid to speak up or wasn't speaking up,"
Burns said.

She said that casinos are "economic vacuum cleaners. Their product is addictive slot machines."

Springfield voters approved a plan for a downtown casino earlier this year. In September, West Springfield defeated plans for a Hard Rock casino near the Big E fairgrounds.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will award a license next spring, and construction could start soon afterward. A casino is expected to open in 2016.

The western Massachusetts casino will be one of three regional resort casinos that the state will allow as a result of legislation passed in 2011. The others are in Greater Boston and in southeastern Massachusetts.

A casino proposal for Suffolk Downs in Greater Boston was also defeated Tuesday. But Chip Tuttle, Suffolk Downs' chief operating officer, noted that the town of Revere supported the project even though East Boston did not, and said they would "reassess" their plans accordingly.

The Mohegans planned to spend $1 billion to build the resort casino, which would have included an indoor water park, two hotels, retail shops and restaurants. The tribe said that the project would have created 3,100 permanent full-time jobs; more than 2,000 construction jobs while it was under construction; and an additional 2,000 indirect jobs.

Supporters in the town of 12,140 rallied around Mohegan as an answer to unemployment, empty storefronts and a sluggish economy in an aging mill town that has lost manufacturing jobs over the course of decades.

Opponents said that a casino would usher in new problems, such as problem gambling and crime, while people in the region spent their hard-earned discretionary income on roulette, black jack and slot machines.

The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority opened its flagship Mohegan Sun casino 17 years ago in Uncasville, Conn., and the tribe has been expanding to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington.
Palmer is less than 20 miles east of Springfield on the Massachusetts Turnpike. The casino had been planned for a site off Exit 8 of I-90, the Mass. Pike.


http://www.courant.com/business/hc-palmer-mohegan-sun-vote-20131105,0,6050083.story

 

QVAC: SIGNS AVAILABLE! + STAND OUTS!

For anyone in Palmer - we have a new supply of lawn signs. Pick yours up at our headquarters. Someone will be there tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday from 10am-1pm and from 4-6pm.

If your sign has been stolen, please report it to the police, even if you don't have a description of the car. What counts is the number of signs.

There will be a major standout on Friday. The rain is supposed to clear out in the morning. Come to our headquarters at 4pm to get your sign and "marching orders." Ask anyone who's done this - it's really uplifting to hear all the horns and see the thumbs-up.

 

 

 

 

Palmer Against Casinos

Tim KirkPalmer Against Casinos

PALMER - Quaboag Valley Against Casinos has opened an office at 1009 Central St. in Palmer and will hold its open house Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

The public is invited; refreshments will be served. Volunteers will be available to talk with visitors about casinos and about the host community agreement that Mohegan Sun recently signed with the town of Palmer.

The headquarters will be open on a regular schedule, Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m....

Iris L. Cardin, co-chairwoman of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, said she also will be at the headquarters with her husband Daniel starting next week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Friday, starting at 3:45 p.m., the group will meet at the headquarters, then proceed to locations in town where members plan to hold anti-casino signs.

The group is ramping up its anti-casino message as the Nov. 5 vote on Mohegan Sun nears. Mohegan Sun wants to build a resort casino across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit on Thorndike Street (Route 32).

 

 

Iris Cardin Actually, we`ll be there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

 

19th straight month of declining revenue for Conn. casinos

Quaboag Valley Against Casinos
www.palmer.casinofacts.org
casino_55@verizon.net
FaceBook: Palmer Against Casinos
Slot revenue falls again for Conn. casinos

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Slot-machine revenue plunged again last month at Connecticut’s two tribal-owned casinos, according to figures released Wednesday.

 

Foxwoods Resort Casino kept $48.7 million in July, down 4.6 percent from its take in the same month last year. Mohegan Sun reported slot revenue of $54.6 million, down 8.8 percent from the year before.

 

It was the 19th straight month that the two casinos in southeastern Connecticut reported year-over declines in slot revenue.

 

‘‘Our financial results remain on target,’’ Foxwoods president Scott Butera said in a statement. ‘‘The casino is performing as expected given the constant pressure of new competition, and the remainder of our operations are producing in line with expectations.’’

 

The two casinos face growing competition from new gambling venues in New York and Rhode Island, and Massachusetts is planning to introduce casino gambling as well.

 

A report by Moody’s Investors Service on Wednesday said the best home for the two Connecticut casino operators may be across the state line in Massachusetts, where both are seeking gambling licenses.

 

‘‘If they are awarded licenses to operate there, their prospects will brighten considerably, but if not, both will see continuing deterioration in gaming revenue amid competition from nearby states,’’ report author Peter Trombetta wrote.

 

http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/2013/08/14/slot-revenue-falls-again-for-conn-casinos/5Il79IciGy3TrgXSpU9EiJ/story.html

 

 

Failing Palmer

Mohegan Sun breezed into Palmer, wined, dined, schmoozed. Palmer Town Fathers fell in love!

A Palmer Citizens' Study Committee was appointed that determined Palmer lacked adequate water, the annual cost to host a smaller version of Mohegan Sun's Gambling Facility would be:

$18 MILLION to $39 MILLION

excluding the estimated $50 MILLION to bring water from the Quabbin.

Palmer Town Fathers allowed their judgement and reason to be obscured, failed to ask the pertinent questions.

At the 11th hour, traffic is being addressed?

Palmer working on casino traffic plan

Discussing environmental impact process

Updated: Thursday, 08 Aug 2013, 11:29 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Aug 2013, 10:31 PM EDT

• Barry Kriger

Palmer working on casino traffic plan

PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) - Still no host agreement between Mohegan Sun and the town of Palmer, but the developer behind the proposed casino continues to work on the traffic plans.

Northeast Realty met this week with representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to discuss what they plan to do with a small piece of land that borders Thorndike Street across from the proposed casino.

As part of phase one and two they will need to go through an environmental impact process for the triangle parcel of land.

At the beginning of Augues Palmer's Town Manager Charlie Blanchard told 22News that they're still about one to two weeks away from finalizing their casino contract.


http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampden/palmer-working-on-casino-traffic-plan

RTCD: Repeal The Casino Deal!

It's always a good reminder of the Ballot Question.......

Mass. gambling foes aim for a referendum

By Liz Kowalczyk

| Globe Staff

 

Jon Chase for the Boston Globe

A group of casino opponents met at Wesley United Methodist Church in Framingham to plan for a statewide ballot question to repeal the state’s casino law.

FRAMINGHAM — Gambling opponents from across Massachusetts mapped out plans in a church basement Saturday to repeal the 2011 state law allowing resort casinos.

The first significant step for the group is to gather more than 70,000 signatures from registered voters by late November of this year. If the signature drive is successful, they probably will ask voters to repeal the casino law in a statewide ballot question in November 2014.

The anticasino group, called Repeal the Casino Deal, includes activists who are fighting specific casinos in their own communities; a national antigovernment-sponsored gambling organization called Stop Predatory Gambling; a former state senator; and a Hampshire College architecture professor who wrote a book on gambling in the United States.

“This was rammed through without a democratic process,’’ Robert Goodman, author of “The Luck Business: The Devastating Consequences and Broken Promises of American’s Gambling Explosion,” said of the state law during Saturday’s strategy session. “Whether you are for it or against it, let’s get it on the ballot.’’

 

 

Getting the question before voters — and persuading them to back a repeal — will be a steep climb that requires considerable work and money.

The 2011 casino law authorized up to three resort casinos in Massachusetts — no more than one in each of three regions of the state — and one slots parlor that can be built in any region. Opponents argued passionately that casinos promote addiction and prey on the poor.

But in the end, the Legislature and Governor Deval Patrick decided casinos would create thousands of jobs and bring tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue to the state.

Eleven developers, including three in Greater Boston, have applied to the state gambling commission for the casino and the slots parlor licenses. The bulk of the $4.4 million in applications fees collected by the state pays for the commission to investigate each developer, to weed out any company with shaky finances, or with people of questionable character in key positions.

Developers must win approval from their host communities in a voter referendum to complete their applications for a casino license. The state gambling commission will award licenses through a competitive process.

The statewide ballot initiative would give opponents a second shot at keeping out casinos.
Opponents may have several factors working in their favor: The economy has improved since the Legislature debated the 2011 casino law, and a number of casinos nationwide are struggling financially. They include Revel AC Inc., in Atlantic City, N.J., which received significant government support in the form of tax rebates that helped it raise construction funds.

John Ribeiro, who lives in Winthrop and is leading the ballot initiative, said the group has until September to have the repeal language approved by the attorney general’s office. Then, activists will have 8 to 10 weeks to collect signatures. About 70,000 names are required, but the group plans to collect 100,000 to ensure they have the necessary number of registered voters.

“There are 70,000 signatures out there easily,’’ said Charlotte Burns, who heads Quaboag Valley Against Casinos in Western Massachusetts. “A lot of people are disgusted with the whole thing and disappointed with [Governor] Patrick. I am hoping this is going to be the beginning of a movement.’’

Former state Senator Susan Tucker, who represented Andover and neighboring communities, said she opposes casinos because the industry “makes its profits off of addiction.’’ But she warned that developers and their supporters will work hard to thwart the ballot drive.

State Senator Stan Rosenberg, a Northampton Democrat who favors the gambling law, agreed that “a lot of money will be spent’’ to defeat the repeal effort and that most polls show the public supports giving people the option of gambling.

Rosenberg said he could not predict the outcome of a referendum, but it is possible that some developers will have already begun construction in November 2014. If the repeal measure passes, he said, “that would be quite an interesting mess.’’

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/03/09/gambling-foes-organize-statewide-ballot-initiative-repeal-casino-law/1b27wQPhh4kGtYj50oY8HJ/story.html

 

                                  

Mohegan Sun Has Ignored Important Details....like WATER

In 2008, PALMER CITIZENS CASINO IMPACT STUDY included the report below that addresses WATER and projected 'Casino' usage for a considerably smaller project, NOT INCLUDING A WATER PARK.

In the interim, it seems that Mohegan Sun has schmoozed, provided FREE Meals and propaganda, ignoring those teensy details like WATER [zoning and the flyover]. What else have they ignored?

These comments were including in a published article [found here: Mohegan Sun wants Monson Water]


....Ammann [of Palmer] has said there is approximately 200,000 gallons a day of surplus water.

Mohegan's Paul I. Brody did not have a water usage number for the project immediately available on Wednesday.

But Brody said in 2011 that the project would use 250,000 gallons of water a day, not 700,000 as originally estimated. Since then, the project has changed to include a water park, which Ammann said he does not think will create a significant drain on the water supply.

Those who occupy respected positions, such as Palmer Water District No. 1 Superintendent James M. Ammann, should not merely 'think' about the consequences of a WATER PARK, but should have the research and accurate figures compiled before commenting and negotiating it would seem.

PALMER CITIZENS CASINO IMPACT STUDY
SUB-COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

PALMER, THREE RIVERS AND BONDSVILLE WATER DEPT. MEETING

FEBRUARY 27, 2008 AT 6:30 IN THE THREE RIVERS ROOM OF THE

PALMER PUBLIC LIBRARY

In attendance were Jim Ammann (Palmer), John Sazur (Three Rivers) and Bob Flagg (Bondsville & Thorndike) from the water departments.

WHAT WILL BE NEEDED

Jim Ammann handed out an engineering study scoping document for the proposed casino resort to be located off of Thorndike Street to everyone in attendance. This report included water system infrastructure improvements for Palmer Water District #1.

The report also incorporated Bondsville, Thorndike and Three Rivers water system infrastructure needs as they relate to the casino impact. We have included a copy of Jim Ammann’s scoping document with our report.

He talked of interconnection of emergency water supplies with the towns of Ware and Monson and permanent connection to MWRA (Quabbin Reservoir.

He stated that information from the developer (Northeast Realty & Mohegan Sun) was sparse and that we would need more detailed information to complete a final report.

The following are assumed values being used by either information given by the developer, other resort requirements, preliminary consultation with Districts Consultant Engineer (Tighe & Bond) and preliminary discussions with other Districts and communities:

Assumed Demand 0.75 MGD

Assumed Ancillary Demand 0.25 MGD

Assumed Max Day Demand 1.75 MGD

Assumed Fire Flow 3500 GPM

Assume Distribution System Looped but disrupted at furthest point

with assumed fire flow and 1000

GPM system demand.

Redundancy It is assumed at this time the storage

distribution and production systems

Engineer (Tighe & Bond) and preliminary discussions with other Districts and communities:



MWRA (Quabbin Reservoir) MWRA will be the primary feed for

the casino and ancillary growth of the

water districts.

Redundant Supply Issues Redundancy will be addressed

through a wholesale water agreement

with the four water districts and

surrounding towns.

Jim Ammann also stated that while they are running new water lines we should also run new sewer lines at the same time. Jim Ammann, John Sasur and Bob Flagg stated that all the water districts combined could supply the amount of water needed for the casino, but they wouldn’t be able to supply the water requirements for anything else constructed in the town like another hotel, shopping complex, etc. They also stated that it takes approximately five years to get all the permits required to drill a well and there is no guarantee that the state will issue the required permits.

They all agreed that the only viable solution is to tie in with the Quabbin Reservoir to be able to supply the water needs of the casino and any ancillary growth that would come about because of the casino. They also stated that if casino gambling is passed by the State Legislature and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority receives the go ahead to build a resort casino in Palmer it won’t be long before they will want to start construction. By contracting with MWRA (Quabbin) we could start laying pipe in a very short time.

 Jim Ammann and the other water superintendants said it would cost $1,500,000.00 to contract with MWRA and approximately $30,000,000.00 to $50,000,000.00 dollars to complete the whole project.

Bob Flagg suggested we contact the town manager and the community development committee about getting a grant so that the water districts could start on engineering models for consideration by the developer. We also would need to get more accurate information from the developer on water usage by the casino in order to do the engineering models.

http://www.townofpalmer.com/Pages/PalmerMA_BComm/ccisc/PCCISC_Infrastructure_08_Water.pdf

Mohegan Sun Flims Flams Palmer

Mohegan Sun blew into town with dazzling promises!

 

 

They hope you won't notice -

There is NO FLYOVER! Traffic will congest the town.
There is NO WATER! [Is anyone askng about waste water treatment?] 

 

The zoning need to be changed.

How much else have town fathers failed to question?

The Palmer Citizens' Study Committee determined the annual cost to host a Mini-Monster would have been $18 MILLION to $39 MILLION! [Not including the estimated $50 MILLION to bring water from the Quabbin.]

Yet the town fathers continued to genuflect and buried the report.

Mohegan Sun Massachusetts announces Player's Club marketing program to boost area businesses, tourist attractions

By Lori Stabile, The Republican
The Republican
on July 24, 2013

PALMER — Mohegan Sun Massachusetts announced Wednesday a new marketing program to benefit local businesses and tourist attractions throughout the region.

Through this Player's Club program, guests would be able to receive additional discounts and redemption opportunities at participating local businesses and destinations in Western and Central Massachusetts.

"Our goal is to have hundreds and hundreds of participants over time," Mohegan's chief executive Mitchell G. Etess said. "We want to let people know that this is out there."

As Mohegan has just unrolled this latest initiative, the company could not release names of participating businesses. Etess said they also hope that businesses contact them to be part of the program.

According to information from Mohegan, casinos typically have players club card programs which allow patrons to redeem rewards only at businesses inside the casino.

"The Mohegan Sun Player's Club card program will provide millions of dollars in discounts and rewards every year, and guests will be able to redeem points outside our resort casino to benefit the entire region," Etess stated. "This unique marketing program will enable us to further promote tourism and economic growth throughout Western and Central Mass. and directly drive business into the region."

Didn't Mohegan Sun do a BANG UP job in Connecticut?
We have the example of what Mohegan Sun caused nearby.
How's that "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT" ? 

Studies have determined that Predatory Gambling actually deters TOURISM.
Who would take the family for a vacation to that environment?


Joint promotional opportunities will be available, such as the inclusion of participating businesses in Mohegan Sun Massachusetts advertising campaigns, along with employee discounts.

The marketing program will be subject to approval by the Gaming Commission, which will award the lone Western Massachusetts casino license.

Meanwhile, the town of Palmer and Mohegan are continuing discussions on the host community agreement, which Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard expects will be completed within a few weeks.

"It's in the final stages of negotiation. I'm not certain exactly when it will be done . . . Things take time to get all the details," Blanchard said.

A referendum can be held 60 to 90 days after the host community agreement is signed. It is looking more likely that the citizens will have a chance to vote on it in October, rather than September, as was originally stated.


http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/mohegan_sun_massachusetts_anno.html

Palmer gears up for casino vote

Palmer casino proponents gear up for referendum vote
By Lori Stabile, The RepublicanThe Republican
on July 17, 2013

PALMER - Palmer casino supporters are gearing up for the vote, expected to take place in September, for the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts casino project off Thorndike Street.
On Tuesday, Springfield voters approved the host community agreement between the city and MGM Resorts International; a positive vote is needed for any casino proposal to be considered by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
A host community agreement for Palmer is expected to be completed sometime this month.
“Things are definitely ramping up in Palmer,” casino proponent Jennifer L. Baruffaldi said on Wednesday.
Baruffaldi said she has created a Facebook page, “Vote Yes for Palmer," and as of Wednesday afternoon, already had 82 members.

Baruffaldi said she was not surprised that Springfield voters supported MGM. She maintains that the Palmer site, where Mohegan Sun wants to build a casino across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit, is the better proposal.

“We’re the only site in the state that’s rural . . . It has direct access and a safe environment. It certainly does carry the ‘wow factor’ that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is looking for,” Baruffaldi said.

She said she expects that when the vote is held in Palmer, the numbers in favor of the $1 billion casino will be higher than MGM’s. MGM's agreement was approved by a vote of 58 percent versus 42 percent against.

Palmer At-large Town Councilor Paul E. Burns congratulated Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and MGM on their victory, and said considering that Springfield twice rejected a casino, Tuesday’s results showed that the “casino debate has changed from questioning whether casinos provide a positive benefit to where they will provide the greatest benefit.”

“I am sure that each community will approve a casino. The real question, moving forward, is which proposal will provide the greatest benefits to the commonwealth. With that being the real question the answer is clear, the Palmer proposal is the strongest providing the largest developable area and the greatest ancillary development opportunity,” Burns wrote in a statement.

Burns said MGM will provide some economic development inside the south end of Springfield, but Mohegan Sun in Palmer “will be an economic development driver along the route 20 corridor from Worcester to Springfield.”

“If we truly judge this on the merits and what it can bring to the state and region as a whole, I think Palmer wins,” Burns said.

In 1997, the majority of Palmer voters - 55 percent - supported casino gaming in a nonbinding referendum. Mohegan’s project also has the backing of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, which has stated that the project could ultimately contribute to the economic health of the Quaboag Hills region.

Hard Rock International also is proposing a casino for West Springfield. Only one casino license will be awarded in Western Massachusetts.

Iris L. Cardin, co-president of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, said her group is working on anti-casino fliers that it will mail to residents.

Cardin said they are going to try and step up the "vote no" campaign, just like the casino proponents are “going to step it up."


http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/palmer_casino_proponents_geari.html

2 Events

FaceBook: Palmer Against Casinos

Regular meeting of QVAC

7:00pm

St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Thorndike

Go to our website for directions

---

Citizens Against Casino Gaming There's a big event scheduled for June 26 at 7 PM at Christ Church Cathedral, 37 Chestnut Street. Please save the date. http://citizensagainstcasinogaming.com/event_june26.html

QVAC: REPEAL THE CASINO DEAL MTG.

Wednesday, March 20

7:00pm

Schoolhouse Commons, Park St., Palmer

Check the website for directions.

Discussion will center on petition drive to repeal the casino legislation.

Book Signing: Wednesday, November 14th

Robert Steele will be signing his novel that shows truth about casinos. Wednesday, November 14, Palmer Library.

QVAC will officially be there.

http://www.palmer.lib.ma.us/Events-adult/booksigning/steelenov1412.pdf


From our friends at No Plainville Racino
[You remember? These are the great folks Plainridge attempted to silence with a lawsuit.]

NoPlainvilleRacino

Meet the Author of THE CURSE
Robert H. Steele Palmer Public Library
Wednesday, November 14 at 6:30p.m.

During the 1990s two Connecticut Indian tribes built the world’s two biggest gambling casinos in the southeastern corner of the state, resulting in what has been termed a “gambling Chernobyl.” The Curse is a novel based on those events.
...

Robert H. Steele represented southeastern Connecticut in Congress prior to the arrival of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, and lived next to the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation in Ledyard, Connecticut from 1978–98, providing him a front row seat for one of the most remarkable continuing stories in the state’s history.

'A vote for a casino is a vote for failure'

Anti-casino forum panelist in Palmer: 'A vote for a casino is a vote for failure'

Published: Wednesday, October 10, 2012
 By Lori Stabile, The Republican 


Wyatt Aloisio photoPalmer community members gather in the Palmer High School auditorium on Wednesday evening to participate in an Anti-Casino Forum. Left to right on stage: Michael Kogut, Les Bernal, John Epstein and Robert Goodman.

PALMER — Just because casino gambling is legal now in Massachusetts, it doesn't mean that a casino is a done deal for Palmer, those who attended an anti-casino forum at Palmer High School on Wednesday night were told.

"You have ability to pull this thing back," Leslie Bernal, executive director of Stop Predatory Gambling, said to the approximately 30 people in attendance.

Bernal said there is a movement to get a question repealing the gaming law on the ballot next year. He said residents need to be aggressive, and organize their efforts, if they do not want a casino in their town.

"The operative word here is fight. Show up and make your voice loud and clear ... My slogan in Palmer is don't vote for failure. A vote for a casino is a vote for failure," Bernal said to applause.

"Everybody needs to wake up. You can do something about it. It can be done. It's a lot of work. It's getting the message out and sharing it with your neighbors," said John P. Epstein, a Holyoke anti-casino activist.

Bernal and Epstein, along with Robert Goodman, author of "The Luck Business," were the speakers at the event sponsored by Quaboag Valley Against Casinos and the Amherst Chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Bernal said he also doesn't buy into the argument that a casino brings jobs.

"It's phony prosperity. Don't settle for this garbage," Bernal said.

Before a casino can open in a community, a binding referendum must be held. 
Connecticut-based Mohegan Sun for years has wanted to build a resort casino off Thorndike Street (Route 32) across from Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8. It is one of several casino operators competing for the lone casino gaming license in Western Massachusetts. The company has started the host community agreement process with Palmer.

Companies interested in a Springfield casino include MGM Resorts International, proposing a casino in the South End; Ameristar Casinos, planning a site at the former Westinghouse property in East Springfield; and Penn National Gaming, proposing a casino that would include The Republican's Main Street building and the Peter Pan Bus Lines property.

In addition, Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment has expressed an interest in downtown Springfield, but has not revealed a location.

"'In order for this government program to work, citizens need to lose," Bernal said.

"Why would the government of Palmer ... create addicts?"

Epstein questioned who would be against a casino if they are told that one would bring in jobs and lower taxes. But that's not the entire story, he said.

"Everybody in this room tonight, and all your friends and all your neighbors, are going to need to make a significant effort to convey the rest of the story ... Report after report shows casinos negatively affect host communities," Epstein said.

Goodman, who spent two years as director of the United States Gambling Study, an experience he used for his book, said the casino industry is moving more toward an automated industry, with fewer jobs for people.

He said the majority of a casino's revenues come from slot machines, which, he was told during his research, cost $7,000 and "never go out on strike and show up every Monday."

"Once people understand the impacts of this they're usually against it," Goodman said.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/10/anti-casino_forum_held_in_palm.html

Ignoring the Truth

Mohegan Sun casino layoffs in Connecticut get mixed reaction in Palmer

Published: Friday, September 28, 2012

By Lori Stabile, The RepublicanThe Republican

Associated Press file | Jessica Hill

The Mohegan Sun casino is seen earlier this year in Uncasville, Conn. The casino is laying off more than 300 employees and replacing its CEO, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority's chief executive said Thursday.

PALMER News that Mohegan Sun casino laid off more than 300 employees and replaced its chief executive officer doesn't worry some proponents of the Connecticut-based company's plan to build a resort casino here.

But others are questioning whether or not Mohegan, which has long wanted to build a casino off Thorndike Street (Route 32), has the financial means to make the project happen, and if this is a sign that the market already is saturated with too many casinos.

Town Council President Philip J. Hebert said he was called personally by Paul I. Brody, Mohegan's vice president of development, about the layoffs.

Hebert said he's not sure what to think of the news, but wondered if there are already too many casinos for any of them to be prosperous.

"Has the industry become too saturated?" Hebert questioned.

Brody said the Connecticut casino is facing competition from the new Resorts World Casino at the Aqueduct racetrack in New York City, but he said what is happening in Connecticut has no impact, and no relevance, on the company's plans for Palmer.

"It's really a very different set of circumstances," Brody said.

The downsizing will help match the volume of business in Connecticut, he said.


Stephen Norton, a gaming consultant from Illinois and a director of the company leasing land in Palmer to the Mohegan Sun, also said the layoffs are separate from the company's casino plans for Palmer.

"That's good management -- bringing employment in line with supply and demand," Norton said of the layoffs. [Since Mr. Norton has had his share of bankruptcies, he should know.]

Mohegan is one of several casino operators competing for the sole Western Massachusetts casino license. Under the state gaming law approved in November 2011, three casino licenses and one slot parlor license will be awarded. The state gaming Commission, which is overseeing the process, has announced a draft master schedule that calls for granting a license for a casino or a slots parlor by February 2014.

"I think they are still viable, assuming they find the right financial partner," At-large Town Councilor Paul E. Burns said.

Brody said they are still working on identifying a financial partner.

Both Norton and Iris L. Cardin, co-chair of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, said they are concerned that Mohegan has yet to announce a financial partner for Palmer.

Cardin said "it's looking bad" for Mohegan.

"They need to just cut and run and leave us alone," Cardin said.

Burns, a casino proponent, said it would show Mohegan's commitment and truly show evidence of its viability if the $400,000 gaming application fee was paid. One competitor for the Western Massachusetts license - MGM Resorts International, which has a proposal for Springfield's south end - has paid the fee.

Brody said they still plan to pay the fee when the application is submitted, which may be as soon as December.

Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard said Mohegan has indicated its commitment to the town, and its desire to expand to the Massachusetts market. Blanchard said studies are ongoing to evaluate a casino's impacts on traffic the town. This week, consultants interviewed department heads about fiscal issues.

Wonder if they made available the Citizens' Casino Study Report indicating the cost to host Mohegan Sun would be $18 MILLION to $39 MILLION annually, not including the $50 MILLION to bring water from the Quabbin.

Said District 4 Town Councilor Donald Blais Jr. about Mohegan, "I'm not too worried . . . I think they'll be alright."

Jennifer L. Baruffaldi, a spokeswoman for the pro-casino group, Citizens for Jobs & Growth in Palmer, said she remains positive about the Palmer project. She said Mohegan has the same struggles as other casino operators.  [Ms. Baruffaldi is a very pleasant person lacking education in financial reporting. Because Mohegan Sun's debt is publicly traded, their SEC filings are available online for review.]

Edward S. Harrison, chairman of the Western Massachusetts Casino Task Force, a neutral group, questioned if bringing casinos to Massachusetts makes sense if the casino industry is having difficulty.

"Is it really going to be profitable?" Harrison said.

Harrison asked what will happen if the casinos are built, then the companies resort to layoffs.

Mitchell G. Etess, the chief executive of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, told The Day of New London that the layoffs affect workers in nearly every department and job level. About 8,000 employees remain. Etess blamed the layoffs on the weak economy and competition from the New York City casino.

“You have to put this in the context of the amazing decline in business we’ve experienced,” Etess told The Day.

James Ferrerra III, Springfield City Council president, said the layoffs do not surprise him.
"Casino companies are not immune to the economic climate out there," Ferrerra said.

Etess told The Day of New London that Jeffrey Hartmann will be replaced by Bobby Soper, chief executive officer of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Hartman, a Mohegan Sun executive since 1996, was the casino’s chief executive officer since 2011.

Staff writer Dan Ring contributed to this report.


http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/09/reaction_to_mohegan_sun_layoff.html

Palmer Casino Backers React to Mohegan Layoffs

New England Public Radio News
Date: 09/28/2012
Contributor: Fred Bever
Dateline: Springfield

That comes after the company's refinancing of some billion dollars in debt - while observers say the company has been close to bankruptcy.

"I think one of the concerns with the layoff is that it may raise the question in some people's minds about just how financially viable they are," said Paul Burns, president of the Palmer Town council, and an advocate for the proposed casino.  

[Does anyone wonder if it's ethical for an elected official to be a prime cheerleader. ignoring the financial insolvency of a proposed developer? and the gambling market saturation?]

http://www.nepr.net/news/palmer-casino-backers-react-mohegan-layoffs

Mohegan Sun Layoffs, Palmer Reacts


 

September 28th, 2012

 

http://www.wggb.com/2012/09/28/mohegan-sun-layoffs-palmer-reacts/

Check MGM's history, connections to organized crime and financial solvency HERE.
[At the bottom, click "Older Posts" to see additional articles.]

Casino opponents take Palmer Town Council to task

A Palmer Citizens Casino Study Committee determined that to host Mohegan Sun would cost the community $18 MILLION to $39 MILLION EACH YEAR.

The Palmer Town Council buried the report!

They don't want residents to know the costs will destroy the community.

Casino opponents take Palmer Town Council to task over casino stance

Published: Tuesday, September 11, 2012

By Lori Stabile, The Republican



File photo | The Republican 02.18.10
PALMER — Quaboag Valley Against Casinos co-chairwoman Iris Cardin stands outside her home.

PALMER — An anti-casino leader criticized the Town Council at its Monday meeting for not being impartial regarding the casino issue, a claim two of the councilors rebutted.

Iris L. Cardin, co-chairwoman of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, took the council to task for not telling "both sides of the story."

Mohegan Sun, of Connecticut, is competing for the lone Western Massachusetts casino license, and it wants to build a resort casino across from Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8 on the hillside off Thorndike Street (Route 32).

"A lot of us here in Palmer don't feel we're getting the attention we deserve about our feelings ... Please tell both sides of the story and the pros and the cons. Let the rest of Palmer, the silent majority, be heard," Cardin said.

Council Vice President Barbara A. Barry said the council has never taken a vote regarding its stance on a casino.

"Some councilors have stated their opinion," said Barry, adding they are speaking as individuals.
Cardin said she understands the need for jobs. She said she is "all for jobs, just not in this fashion."
Charlotte Burns, co-chairwoman of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, agreed with Cardin. Cardin asked the council not to push the casino without noting its impacts just because it wants a casino. Cardin said she grew up in Palmer and doesn't want to see it ruined.

Burns said she feels a casino is "an inappropriate development for the town," and said a casino makes more sense in a city like Springfield, where several casino operators want to build gaming facilities.
At-large Councilor Mary A. Salzmann urged the anti-casino group to attend council meetings whenever the casino is on the agenda.

At-large Councilor Paul E. Burns said those who cannot attend can always submit questions via email or in writing. Burns has been the council's most vocal casino supporter.

Paul Burns also noted the spring council meeting at which Mohegan Sun answered questions from the public about the proposed project. Paul Burns said every question that was submitted was answered, including those not addressed at the meeting. The answers to those questions from Mohegan were posted on the town of Palmer's website, Burns said.

"We went out of our way to accept every single question," Paul Burns said. "I think we are trying to get both sides of it."

Council President Philip J. Hebert asked Cardin and Charlotte Burns about their main concerns. Charlotte Burns replied with social problems, crime, traffic and compulsive gambling, and said that a casino would change the town's character.

Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard noted host community agreement negotiations are under way with Mohegan, which will address these concerns. Hebert said he would vote against Mohegan's project if issues were not addressed properly.

"When the time comes, it's up to the voters," District 4 Councilor Donald Blais Jr. said, referring to a community referendum that must be held before a casino project can begin.

Salzmann said she wouldn't vote for something that would hurt the town. Cardin asked her why she was standing with the pro-casino group, Palmer First, in downtown Springfield recently.

"Right now I agree," Salzmann answered.

Cardin said her group will host an educational forum about casinos on Oct. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Palmer High School on Main Street.

Featured speakers include Les Bernal, executive director of Stop Predatory Gambling; Robert Goodman, author of "The Luck Business"; and Holyoke activist John Epstein.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/09/palmer_town_council_taken_to_t.html