BERLIN, N.H.—It may be a long shot, but the City Council in Berlin (New Hampshire) is supporting a plan in the Legislature to allow a casino in the city.
Berlin state Sen. John Gallus, the bill's sponsor, said he wanted to be sure the new mayor and council supported the bill before pushing it in the Statehouse. Gallus estimates a casino in Berlin would create 2,000 jobs. Money the state receives from a casino and video gaming that would be allowed in another bill would go to reduce the state property tax.
While discussing the casino plan bill this week, councilors said attracting small companies with 20 to 30 jobs is not going to replace hundreds of jobs lost by mill closings in the region.
The council voted 8-1 to support the plan, with Councilor David Poulin in opposition. He said he does not believe the casino would have a big impact on the local economy, would detract from the quality of life and would increase crime.
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Information from: The Conway Daily Sun, http://www.mountwashingtonvalley.com
