Slots Proposal for Communities Across Massachusetts

On July 6th, 2008, the promise made by two horse racing tracks located in the Bay State area is simple: should the legislators allow slot machines, it could mean millions of dollars for the town and cities and residents will have a better life. In the proposals that are sent to communities across the state of Massachusetts, it urged residents that they should tell their Representatives that it is no longer acceptable to lay-off people like teachers and not hire police and fire department officers when there is something that can be done with this crisis aside from increasing property taxes.

The Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville and Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere said that the approval of the slots proposal will produce around $489 million annually, which could mean an extra $1.6 million for Franklin, $4 million for Framingham, $2 million for Milford and $2.6 million for Marlborough. Across the MetroWest and Milford area, officials are divided over the proposal. The chairman of Framingham's Board of Selectmen, Jason Smith said that he is very intrigued with the proposal.

The slots issue is expected to be discussed on the House floor during the next session. In Franklin, where voters just rejected last month a $2.8 million Proposition 2 ½ override question to finance school service and keep forty-seven teaching jobs, town Councilor Steven Whalen commented that an extra $1.6 million in local aid would be really helpful. In Marlborough, City Council President Arthur Vigeant, said that there are a lot of questions on whether the money will come through or not.

Monday, 28 July 2008
Theo Evans