"As a resident of Middleboro, I feel strongly that the people of our community be left alone to make decisions regarding our community. Recently, several neighboring towns have begun to insert themselves into an issue that is uniquely Middleboro's.

While I am aware that many people within the South Shore are concerned about what impacts the Wampanoag resort will have within their respective communities, that is an issue to be dealt with on the state level. When the Wampanoag tribe solidifies its plans regarding their resort, they will have to enter into a compact agreement with the state. It will then be up to each concerned community and their town officials to negotiate for mitigation of any perceived impacts with the state.

It is wholly inappropriate for anyone to suggest that somehow Middleboro should be responsible for that mitigation, and in kind, inappropriate for any neighboring community or its residents to pressure individuals within our community regarding their personal vote.

This proposed resort presents a unique opportunity for our town. We are all painfully aware of the financial straits in which we find ourselves. This proposal can and will significantly mitigate our situation. Our Police and Fire departments will be substantially improved, our schools will once again be solvent enough to foot the bill for junior varsity and freshman sports, our Council on Aging will once again be able to care for the elderly with home visits and meals, and our precious library might, with any luck, escape decertification.

If we vote against the resort proposal, none of the above will be true. We will continue to bleed from our financial ulcer and our quality of life will definitely suffer. You think the trash fee is a burden? Think of all of the families who are going to have to come up with additional money just to provide their children with the extracurricular activities that were once a part of our quality of life."

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Victoria Bond: Casino will bring money, amenities (The Cape Cod Times 7/18)