Western MA is getting into the casino gambling discussion in a very big way. The following resolution was passed by the Amherst Democratic Town Committee. I wonder how many towns will follow suit? Is this the start of a revolt?
October 18, 2007
WHEREAS the platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party commits the party to “tax equity and responsible budgeting,” “special support for small businesses and agriculture,” “sustainable development practices to foster economic stability for both urban and rural cities and towns,” and the provision of “a sustainable revenue source to finance state government that support a healthy economy;”
WHEREAS casino gambling would not promote tax equity, responsible budgeting, sustainable development practices, or a sustainable revenue source, and likely would damage small businesses and agriculture in Western Massachusetts;
WHEREAS the Governor’s proposal for casinos in Massachusetts represents a missed opportunity to advocate for a more equitable tax system; and
WHEREAS the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and Representative Ellen Story have been consistent and forthright in their advocacy for more equitable taxation and their opposition to casino gambling;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Amherst Democratic Town Committee supports the League of Women Voters Massachusetts and Representative Story in their opposition to casino gambling in Massachusetts and in their commitment to a more equitable system of taxation for residents of the Commonwealth.
Motion made by Leo Maley.
Motion seconded by Diana Stein.
Motion, as amended, passed by a vote of 13 to 2 with 0 abstentions.
I didn’t know that the Amherst DTC was the same thing as town government, or the entire town itself! How did they manage that? You might want to fix the headline.
Thank you. I was simply pointing out that towns and DTC’s in this area are fighting against casinos.
It gives hope to those of us who are against casinos in Massachusetts. Myabe the polls are not telling the complete story.
Or the town committee to be representative of the state.
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It’s a great campus community, why would they need or want a casino?
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And why would they care if another community wanted one?
Here are three upcoming events to discuss opposition to casinos in MA:
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and the region should be very concerned about the potential siting of a casino in Palmer or Warren. The major route from the east to UMass is the Palmer exit from the Turnpike. Traveling backroads through Palmer, Belchertown and Amherst with rural and residential areas lining the path to higher education is an enormous safety and traffic issue. One of the many problems with the casino bill and the entire discussion, is that there has been no analysis of potential host communities and regional capacity to site a casino. It would be terrible fiscal planning on the part of any community or the state to allow any votes prior to comprehensive impact studies and fiscal assessments. The lack of planning and thought in these matters is why casinos have been successfully rushed implemented in other areas. Having an educated populace and hopefully enough clear thinking Legislators to vote no on casinos, may produce a different outcome in MA. Go Sox.