We're
a grassroots anti-casino organization welcoming any interested person. We are
opposed to casino gambling in Massachusetts and specifically opposed to a casino
in Palmer, MA. Our intention is to expose the rotten core in this alleged golden
apple and our goal is to protect our homes, our families, our serenity and our
way of life here in rural western Massachusetts. We invite everyone to attend
our meetings. Strong regional
opposition to the potential siting of a class III casino in Palmer has been voiced
by residents and business owners in the abutting region. Palmer is a town situated
west of Worcester and east of Springfield with access from the Mass turnpike,
Rt 90. Palmer has approximately 12,600 residents and is surrounded by small towns
including Monson, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Ware, Belchertown, Warren, Brimfield, Holland,
Wales and Sturbridge. A
former Palmer Town Manager conducted meetings with developers from Northeast Realty
to discuss siting a casino there. The developers signed an exclusive agreement
with the Mohegan Sun casino to create a class III casino should expanded gambling
become legal in the Commonwealth. The proposed casino would be a commercial casino
not a Native American casino and no issues of Sovereignty or IGRA (Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act) are applicable.
The Monson Board of Selectmen prior to the release of the Governor's endorsement
for expanded gambling, voted unanimously to form a regional impact committee consisting
of Selectmen and town managers/administrators from the 11 communities within the
30 mile radius of the proposed site. Stating that they would, "demand to have
a place at the (decision making) table."
The State Senate and House of Representatives sent a joint bill to Govenor Patrick
in September 2011 which he signed. The Attorney General 's opinion is that the
way the bill is writte, a referendum petition cannot be circulated. Casinos are
now legal in Massachusetts. The issue could be sent to the Mass Supreme Judicial
Court but the petition drive has only 90 days from the Governor's signature, so
it was agreed (by all of the anti-casino groups that there is just not enough
time).
Our treasury
needs to be built up. In addition to our lawn signs and T-shirts, we want to be
able to donate to political candidates as we are a Political Action Committe with
the legal right to endorse candidates and contribute to their campaigns.
We are accepting donations. Make checks
out to QVAC with the word "donation" on the memo line. Mail them to
QVAC, c/o Colleen Cekovsky, Treasurer, 211 Bumstead Road, Monson, MA 01057 If
you would like more information, email us at QVAC
We want to thank the folks
in Middleboro for their generosity in allowing us to use this link on their website
www.casinofacts.org and
for their assistance in maintaining this page. casiNO!
|