Editorial: Don't rush gaming bill in Massachusetts

Tuesday, June 17, 2008  

"Thoughtful legislators will not rush into a casino decision based on scare tactics.

They have the rest of this session, at the very least, to weigh the issue, consult their constituents, research and read before Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to reintroduce his bill next year.

Pressure on them to take sides is mounting, but the pressure stems from the flawed assertion that if the state does not take the lead, the Mashpee Wampanoag will get the upper hand by winning federal approval to take land into trust for a casino.

If the tribe succeeds in taking the land into trust, it needs state approval to build a lucrative Class III resort like Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. The state still holds some of the cards.

Beyond that, the federal process is slow. Several factors may prevent it from going smoothly.

Tribal leaders' finances have been under federal investigation since shortly after the resignation of former Chairman Glenn Marshall 10 months ago, when his 1981 rape conviction and lies to Congress about his military service were exposed.

Another blow to the tribe's image came Thursday, when a judge granted a restraining order against new Chairman Shawn Hendricks to protect his wife and children from alleged violent tendencies."

Get the Story:
OUR VIEW: Casino bill too important to rush (South Coast Today 6/17)