"I have a feeling that sooner or later, we are going to have casinos in Massachusetts. If so, I would like to see Gov. Deval Patrick boldly resolve the casino issue and boost the depleted state budget by allowing casino gambling, but only if he gives all the casino licenses and permits to indigenous tribal nations of the commonwealth, not to out-of-state speculators and 'developers.'

A Wampanoag casino in New Bedford would create good jobs and generate enough revenue to establish a coastal fisheries museum and oceanarium, which would be a wonderful addition to the history and culture of New Bedford.

I hope Gov. Patrick will put tribal nations in charge of gambling casinos so that each distinct and beautiful region of our commonwealth can enjoy an economic, environmental and cultural rebirth."

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Laurie Robertson-Lorant: Take a chance on the first people (The New Bedford Standard-Times 1/31)