Public Hearing 12 15 15 Casino-TARGET WINDSOR LOCKS

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• published: 29 Dec 2015
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On 12/15/15 the Windsor Locks Board of Selectman held a Public Meeting on the subject of supporting a proposal to support the establishment of a Casino in Windsor locks. At present, there are two competing entities, the Airport Authority( State Property) and Sport Tech Ventures(Town Property) which operates the Bradley Teletheater. Apparently, the field is still wide open for other business enterprises to enter the competition in Windsor Locks. One can only assume this , because , the MMCT Committee for the Pequot’s and Mohegan’s keep changing their deadline and it ”Now” is not necessary to have a well-defined plan and/or proposal! MAKE NO MISTAKE AND LET’S BE DIRECT WITH THE TRUTH!! The Town of Windsor Locks is being targeted as the Prime Location along the I-91 Corridor for a Casino!! Please view this Channel 8 web page for a refresher http://wtnh.com/2014/11/12/mohegan-sun-seeking-new-casino-in-northern-connecticut/ It is CLEAR that First Selectman Chris Kervick and Selectwoman Michelle Hill will do everything within their power to bring this Casino to Windsor Locks. If Chris Kervick and Michelle Hill are successful in their efforts they will be responsible for changing the character of Windsor Locks forever. There will be “no rewinding of the clock.” the negative costs that come with a Casino will be far outweighed by the money that will be dangled to try and secure a yes vote for a Casino! A decision to allow a Casino in Windsor Locks will be like the decision to tear down main street years ago! A very Bad, Irreversible Decision! It was extremely obvious to me and others at this Public Hearing that the majority of Townspeople who chose to speak “WERE NOT IN FAVOR OF A CASINO IN WINDSOR LOCKS.” They really did not fill Chris Kervick’s shopping cart with a Wish List to propose to the Indian Committee! To have a Public Meeting at this time concerning a Casino is PREMATURE it is placing THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE!! Why have any negotiations when there is a” Big Unknown” as to whether the Townspeople will support any plans for a Casino in Windsor Locks. Of course Carl Schiessl nd Peggy Sayer painted a Blue Sky and did not address any negative issue that will arise! Here were a number of gentlemen from the local Trade Unions who spoke in favor of a Casino and the jobs that would come with it. I agree that their jobs and livelihood are important . However, let their jobs and Casino flourish in another Town in Ct. It is my opinion that the Public Meeting was somewhat of a farce. Mr. Kervick stacked the deck by attempting to limit the Publics input to "only what the Town can get...” It is clear that he didn’t want to hear any discussion of the Significant Negative Impacts that come along with a Casino. I had suggested to him, on 12/1/15, that he invite Chief Osanitsch to the Meeting to answer question about increased drug trafficking, prostitution, burglaries and larcenies. Doesn’t the PUBLIC DESERVE THE TRUTH!! The present strategy! Let’s avoid or significantly limit any and all discussion on any REAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS and attempt to convince our Townspeople that THE SKY IS BLUE AND THE SUN WILL SHOWER OUR TOWN WITH GOLD. Selectman Kervick’s position that we should have a seat at the High Stakes Table is a Very Risky Gamble for our Town and can have Significant Negative Consequences. The TACTIC , that if the Townspeople Reject a Casino via a Referendum that the State may Override the WILL of the Townspeople and that the Town will have to accept whatever compensation that the State decides is , in my opinion, NOTHING BUT STRONG ARM TACTICS!! If our Townspeople choose not to endorse a Casino and the State overrides the Will Of The Townspeople, then so be it. Then whatever happens to the Town of Windsor Locks will rest with them and their Mismanagement of the State Budget and their Greed. It is my opinion that our Townspeople should be offered a couple of more Public Meetings to discuss the pros and cons of a Casino. Our Townspeople should be given ALL OF THE FACTS AND BE GIVEN AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND DIGEST THE IMPACT ON OUR TOWN. A Town Meeting to discuss a Casino should not take place until there are DETAILED PLANS to review along with Traffic Studies, Environmental Impact. Projected Costs and Impact for Emergency Services and what Compensation that the Town of Windsor Locks will receive. THE TOWN OF WINDSOR LOCKS SHOULD NOT BE ASKED OR FORCED TO HURRY ITS POLITICAL PROCESSES