Politics & Government

Do You Support Casinos in Massachusetts?

The five Needham candidates for State Representative give their views on five hot button issues.

With the primaries for State Representative in the 13 Norfolk District looming on Sept. 14, several key issues are at the front of voters' minds. Before voters take to the polls, though, the five candidates for the seat currently occupied by Lida Harkins offered their view on five separate subjects.

Over the course of this week, a different question will be posed each day. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name.

Do you support casinos in Massachusetts and do you believe they can contribute to the local economy in the towns that you would represent as State Rep?

Find out what's happening in Needhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Denise Garlick (D)

While I am acutely aware of the need for a new revenue source, as well as jobs in the construction and service sectors, I am deeply concerned that the costs of the casinos outweighs the benefits. First, we need a full economic and municipal study detailing the impacts on our infrastructure, regulatory agencies and public safety. Secondly, we must have a financial impact study on the local economies. We cannot starve our communities to feed the casinos. As another way to get Massachusetts working, I would advocate for targeted resources for construction and repair of roads, bridges and deteriorating schools supplying the needed construction jobs with sustainable positive impacts and continue to advocate for growth of our small business community to create the kind of jobs that will fuel our economy.

Find out what's happening in Needhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Joshua Levy (R)

I support allowing casinos in Massachusetts for two reasons. (1) We already have gambling in the form of the Lottery; and (2) adults should be allowed to spend their money as they please. It is possible that tax revenue from casinos could support local aid, but this potential revenue should be considered supplemental and not relied upon. It is likely that aside from local aid, casinos would not directly impact the economies of Needham, Dover or Medfield.

Gary McNeill (D)

Yes, indirectly. Similar to The Mass State Lottery, monies would be appropriated from the revenue driven by casinos to the towns to support local services. Additionally, jobs would be created in the construction and services industry to support the communities I would represent.

John O'Leary (R)

I support allowing casino gaming, since adults should be free to dispose of their money as they see fit.  Connecticut is happy to serve the gambling interests of Massachusetts residents, and we would do well to keep that money and those casino jobs right here in Massachusetts. That said, gambling should only be allowed with the support of the local community. In my view, Needham, Dover and Medfield are not appropriate sites for a casino. However, I do believe that adding a few casinos will not solve the root cause of our budget problems—which is uncontrolled spending by Beacon Hill.

Jerry Wasserman (D)

I do not support casinos in Massachusetts. Based on available information, I believe the revenue estimates are much too high. They assume a customer base similar to what Connecticut has had. Yet with casinos possible in 6 New England states plus New York, each state can expect fewer customers. At the same time, the costs of social problems, public safety and infrastructure are underestimated. Massachusetts should invest money bringing jobs here, but the industries we seek should be in alternative energy and biotechnology. Both are positive fields with few of casinos' negative social costs.


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