23 October, 2013
Two letters awaiting the Board of Selectmen’s approval were included with the agenda
for its October 22 meeting. One, addressed to Governor Deval Patrick, was a follow-up
to a previously unanswered letter stating Hopkinton’s concerns with the casino licensing
process, and the second was a letter to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council declining
the MAPC’s offer of professional services for the purpose of evaluating the impacts of the
proposed casino in Milford.
While declining help from the MAPC, Mosher did request that Hopkinton be kept
informed of any regional meetings planned.
“The Town believes these are public meetings and, as a customer of MAPC’s, town staff
is entitled to attend any of the meetings,” wrote Mosher.
Mosher also said he was surprised to see that MAPC’s draft report was scheduled for
public view on November 22, three days after the referendum in Milford.
In the second letter to Patrick, Mosher expressed the board’s disappointment in not
receiving a response to the first letter sent outlining what the board felt were significant
shortcomings with the gaming licensing process. Mosher also pointed out that Stephen
Crosby, Chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) was recently quoted
as saying that he did not want a casino near where he lives.
“As the steward for a fair and equal due process for all affected parties in the licensing
process in the Commonwealth, the Chair has the responsibility to ensure that the Commission
members are completely unbiased in their decision-making,” wrote Mosher.
Mosher’s final complaint was the lack of information made available to residents by the
MGC as they evaluate the impacts on their communities.
“Why is the Commission afraid of informed voters?” wrote Mosher. “A process
with integrity, which respects the concept of local control, would ensure that complete
and objective information was made available rather than minimize the need for such
information.”
Hopkinton has now been recognized as one of the “surrounding communities” by
Foxwoods. The town needs to accept or reject this status.
