Letter to the Editor: Mayors Back Slot Machines

(Editor's note: This letter to House Speaker Robert DeLeo was provided to Melrose Patch by Mayor Rob Dolan's office.)

July 20, 2010
The Honorable Robert A. DeLeo, Speaker of the House
Massachusetts State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Speaker DeLeo,

We, the undersigned, write to you today as mayors of many of the great cities of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  As mayors, each day we see firsthand the real hardship born by our communities due to declining local and state revenue.  In order to stem this hardship and provide cities and towns with desperately needed revenue, we write in full support of House, No. 4619, "An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth." In particular, we support provisions relative to authorizing slot machines at existing gaming venues that will provide cities and towns with $100 million of immediate local aid.

Our cities are deeply affected by the 4% cut in local aid in the most recent state budget.  With the end of many federal stimulus programs and full economic recovery many years away, we are in search of new sources of revenue for our residents and communities.

During these tough financial times, many of us have been forced to engage in painful cuts of essential employees and needed city services.  There have been state wide layoffs impacting fire fighters, police officers, teachers, and library staff.

Fortunately, House Bill 4619 provides our communities with an immediate source of revenue. While we fight each day to protect jobs and services, fiscal realities force us to make difficult decisions that will impact public safety and education. Approving this bill, with a slots provision, will save jobs and improve our communities.

Sincerely,

Mayor Robert Dolan, Melrose
Mayor Joseph Sullivan, Braintree
Mayor Lisa Wong, Fitchburg
Mayor Richard Howard, Malden
Mayor William Scanlon, Beverly
Mayor Thomas Ambrosino, Revere
Mayor Thomas Koch, Quincy
Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Everett
Mayor Kevin Dumas, Attleboro
Mayor James Fiorentini, Haverhill
Mayor Charles Crowley, Taunton
Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Chicopee