Opinion: Few answers on Mashpee Wampanoag casino

Friday, April 20, 2012  

"Recently, I was invited by a relative to attend a meeting about the proposed casino. This meeting was conducted by members of Together for Taunton, a pro-casino group financed by the tribe, with a representative from the tribe also in attendance. People attending had the opportunity to ask questions about their concerns and offer comments.

Although I am not in favor of this proposed casino, I had hoped to find out detailed information about the facility itself. I was looking for perhaps an artists rendering; information on how square footage would be allotted between slots and gaming tables; number of hotel rooms; number of restaurants; where on the land it would sit; access roads, etc. Answers you would expect a project of this magnitude to have considering they have secured funding. Unfortunately, the answer to my questions was that the information would be available at a later date.

There are many risks involved with this type of facility and the extenuating circumstances associated with it being a tribal casino only adds to the confusion. Whether pro or con, I believe that neither side has the right to cajole or barter for your vote. This process should be a fair and equitable exchange of factual information. Both sides should have an equal opportunity to present information, side by side, through a series of public forums, presented simultaneously on cable, and addressing the major areas of concern."

Get the Story:
Veronica Casey: Understand facts about casino plan (GateHouse News Service 4/19)

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