Opinion: Expert lacks credibility on Wampanoag casino plan

Tuesday, March 20, 2012  

"When considering an opinion it is critical to consider the bias of the one giving the opinion to determine if the opinion is truly independent. Just as important to consider are the credentials of the one giving the opinion.

When reading the March 14 article, “UMass Dartmouth gaming policy expert gives Aquinnah Tribe’s effort ‘zero percent chance,’" I immediately questioned the independence of the “expert,” Clyde Barrow.

Barrow seems to be advocating for someone who the Aquinnah may be competing against for a casino license. That was my first reaction to the article. He criticized “Aquinnah’s method of approaching three communities…To ask someone to schedule a referendum now is so far ahead of the process to me.”

The deadline is July 31. That is four and one half months away. It does not seem so far ahead to this reader. Consider also that one day later the Mashpees asked Taunton to schedule a referendum. Are they so far ahead of the process also?"

Get the Story:
Thomas P. Murray: Clyde Barrow lacks credibility on Aquinnah's casino plan (The Taunton Daily Gazette 3/20)

Also Today:
Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais: Aquinnah Wampanoags praise Fall River casino talks (The Fall River Herald News 3/19)

Related Stories:
Massachusetts governor to discuss compact with one tribe (3/15)