Middleborough has no representation in state government ("Legislator, Middleborough at odds over casino," Globe South, Nov. 15). Our small voter base impacts no race for state representative (as we are split into three districts), state senator,or governor. Middleborough has no political clout, and Representative Tom Calter's recent comments on the casino being an "irresponsible project" in Middleborough simply highlights that fact.
Tom Calter claims a casino in Middleborough is irresponsible because the impacts on the roads are not addressed. He, like the other representatives and Senator Pacheco, also choose to work with the Regional Task Force, which, to date, has excluded Middleborough, and exists to get rid of the resort in Middleborough.
Tom Calter and others know, in the compacting process, casino proceeds are intended to mitigate impacts on the host community and the abutting region. Consider that, if the casino makes $1.5 billion and the state compacts for 25 percent, that means $375 million annually goes to the state. Those funds should go to infrastructure and road improvements in the host community and region. Those monies should not be going to bridges and tunnels in Boston.
Therefore, I hereby challenge our state representatives, our senator, and our governor to publicly commit to the following:
"I acknowledge and will argue to the House or the Senate that all casino revenues that come to the state from the tribe are monies intended to mitigate the impacts on the host community, and the region in which that host community is located. I promise to argue and vote that all monies received as casino revenues first must be spent to mitigate the impacts to the host community and the abutting region, and only after such mitigation is paid for and completed will any casino funds be distributed to any community outside the region."
Guys, just call the press to let them know you will commit to this. If you ignore it, don't worry. I'll raise it again.
Adam M. Bond
As a citizen of Middleborough
(Adam Bond is a Middleborough selectman.)
