The Waltham Forum on legalizing predatory gambling in the Commonwealth held last night was outstanding. Tom Larkin is to be commended for his work in organizing this important and dignified community conversation. Bob Logan, Waltham City Councillor and chair of the Waltham DCC, Scott Harshbarger - moderator, and the proponent Tom Hill - Marlborough DCC, chair were gracious in their presence and presentations.
There were approximately 40 people in attendance with local cable access taping the show. It began at 7:15pm and ended just before 9pm with all audience members who chose to offered an opportunity to speak to the group. It was a balanced presentation with the majority of audience members speaking against the legalization of predatory gambling and slots. In attendance were Rep. Koutoujian (D-Waltham) and Rep. Conroy (D-Wayland) as well as Governor's Councillor Marilyn Petito Devaney.
Rep. Conroy spoke about his on-going work regarding cost-benefit analysis of the proposals to legalize expanded gambling. I applaud him for his measured and rational approach to this issue. The Western MA Casino Task Force, USS Mass and many diverse organizations and individuals have called for an independent-balanced, data-driven cost-benefit analysis with full mitigation and budgets to be performed before any expanded gambling is legalized in the Commonwealth. The Governor of New Hampshire recently appointed a commission to perform that task for the our neighboring state. No tax dollars are necessary for a blue-ribbon commission to be appointed to fulfill this basic governmental task.
Thank you again to the organizers and participants - civic engagement in action.
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