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Two town legislators are sole vote against casino in Palmer

Posted on July 22nd, 2010

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Representatives Rodd Smola and Senator Stephen Brewer are the only 2 legislators that voted “no” to the casino project in Palmer. This was made amidst apparent support from other lawmakers. Although the initial planning for the major development is moving forward, a unanimous vote from all of the town officials must be secured first. The Mohegan Sun however shows no signs of slowing down with its plan to create a $600 million casino resort across Exit 8 of the Massachusetts Turnpike. A compromise bill is still being worked out by a conference panel, pushing for the decision before the legislative session end by July 31. The House approved a version of the bill that allows two casinos and 750 slot machines in all of the 4 racetracks in the state. The Senate’s version only allows 3 casino licenses and will continue with banning slots on racetracks.

Aside from the Mohegan Sun casino project in Palmer, other casino proposals are also in place. One of which is from a development group tied with Harrah’s and Bally Entertainment. Their proposal is to build a casino off the interstate 91 at the Wyckoff Park Country Club in Holyoke. Representative Michael Kane and state Senator Michael Knapik, both representing Holyoke are in favor to legalize the casino projects.

Representative Rodd Smola, one of two legislators voting against the Palmer project, provided some reasons as to why he voted a no for the project. His reasons include concerns over problem gambling, the inclusion of slot machines, the lack of funding for surrounding communities, and the absence of in depth cost-benefit analysis regarding the project. Smola is one of the only four Republicans in the House that voted against the casino project when the House derived a vote in April of 120-37 in favor of House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. The House Speaker is a known supporter of the casino project. Mohegan’s PR firm, O’Neill and Associates senior vice president Cosmo Macero Jr says his client will not comment on the issue.

Smola’s scope of power includes the town of Warren from Worcester County. Warren, like Palmers has voted for a casino previously. Smola expressed his intention to secure at least one town in the region that includes Worcester Count. If not, Smola sees the whole region to lose out to the Boston area. He continues to argue that he does not believe that the inclusion of slot machines in the racetracks will bring any long term economic benefit, like tourism and employment opportunities. Smola said Mohegan Sun was very direct in seeking for his support. “We’ve had a very open line of communication,” Smola said. “They’ve been very upfront with me about what they are pitching for Palmer.”

Senator Stephen Brewer, current vice chairman for the Senate Ways and Means Committee, have had a more difficult political vote. Brewer was among the 11 out of 35 senators to vote against the casino bill when the bill was approved by 25-15 last July 1. His vote against the bill caused a conflict between him and Senate President Therese Murray who is a supporter of the casino bill. The Senate President is also to choose the next chairman of the influential Ways and Means Committee in the coming year as the current chairman will be retiring soon.

Brewer clarified that he doesn’t have anything against the casinos in itself, however some provisions on the Senate bill were missing, making Brewer decide against it. For instance, the Palmer project lacked enough money to offset the effects of the casino proposal in aspects like the city traffic, public education and the environment. Brewer was proposing for an increase on the mitigation fund more than what the rest of the Senate permits. Like Smola, Brewer was also concerned for a costs and benefit analysis regarding the casino project. He also said that his only objective is to protect Palmer regardless what construction or development is to happen on the town.

Brewer said he’s had communications with COO of Mohegan Sun, Jeffrey Hartmann. The Senator said the officials of the company are very diligent and responsive. For Mohegan Sun, the proposal is only a business deal and nothing more. “This is a free market, if the business numbers add up for them, it goes,” said Brewer.