Opinion: Where did Rhode Island gaming foes go?

Tuesday, March 20, 2007  

"In November 2006, the people of the state of Rhode Island made it very clear to the Narragansett Indian Tribe, the town of West Warwick and Harrah's Entertainment that they did not want a destination resort casino located in the town of West Warwick.

The fight was a fair one, with both sides spending millions to deliver their messages in hopes that the people would side with their arguments for or against. The side against the project, lead by the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, together with state leaders led by Gov. Carcieri and former Gov. Lincoln Almond, cleverly utilized the millions provided by the Mohegan Sun casino channeled through their local affiliate, BLB Associates. While Rhode Islanders believed the opposition was a groundswell from local politicians and civic groups, its basis was a Connecticut casino. The opposition prevailed by almost a two-to-one margin.

This in the shadow of multi-million dollar expansion plans that provide for world-class restaurants, proposed hotels, and in the case of the larger facility, Lincoln Park, a buffet that will seat more than 300 people and a 2,100 seat sports and entertainment arena.

Free food and drinks and prizes for their patrons, high-end world class restaurants, buffets that seat hundreds and an entertainment arena for performers and concerts.

The question that is as obvious as the Independent Man on top of the Statehouse is: Why the silence from the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, the Chamber of Commerce, PPAC and state leaders?

Unfortunately, those voices that railed against a casino and its "devastating" local effect are now silent. As our state digs itself deeper into financial trouble, the casino naysayers are now nowhere to be found. The only voices you will hear are the groans from taxpayers when taxes rise and revenues are cut. Like the jewelry industry and the textile industry before it, Rhode Island's reluctance to move with the times and fervent desire to protect the status quo will once again have our state looking up at our progressive neighbors."

Get the Story:
J. Michael Levesque: Where are foes as casino rises in Lincoln? (The Pawtucket Times 3/20)