Despite disappointment with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s decision to award the casino license to Wynn Resorts instead of Mohegan Sun, City Manager Jay Ash expressed willingness to move forward collaboratively. “fblikebutton_button”
Chelsea officials and Ash had strongly preferred the Mohegan proposal, citing a substantially more favorable Surrounding Community Agreement and smoother negotiations compared to Wynn representatives. Those considerations are now behind them, however.
Ash stated his openness to reassessing Wynn’s plans: “fblikebutton_button” “In terms of Wynn, I’m willing to take a new look at their project. I don’t believe we’ve seen the last iteration. There are some flaws, most notably around traffic issues, that need to be resolved, and I know they are working to address them. I’m open to looking at what they come up with and especially see how it impacts Chelsea and the region as a whole. There are many benefits of having 4,000 jobs and $1.6 billion in investment less than a mile from our borders. I’m planning on continuing to work on this and hope to line Chelsea up for more benefits if and when the resort casino there does open.”
Regarding Question 3 on the November ballot—which would preserve casino legislation and the Wynn project—Ash confirmed he would campaign for a “No” vote. He clarified this position did not represent a reversal on gaming expansion itself.
“I’m disappointed with the Gaming Commission decision, but that doesn’t change the fundamental reasons why I support expanded gaming here in Massachusetts,” Ash explained. “fblikebutton_button” “We’re exporting more than $1 billion in investment, tens-of-thousands-of-jobs, and $400 million in tax revenues to Connecticut and Rhode Island, and not getting anything in return. We should keep that investment, those jobs and that tax revenue here, and we should enter into what is a $50 billion industry in the country. In Boston alone, there are 20 million visitors a year. Developing out resort casinos will strengthen our tourism and hospitality industries and further broaden our economy so we are not susceptible to major downturns…In short, I think we export too much and have little to show for it, and I believe we can create an industry here that can manage the potential downside while given us additional economic and entertainment benefits.”
Wynn Resorts announced last weekend their intention to actively participate in the “No on 3” campaign during the coming month, after largely remaining neutral on the casino repeal question previously. When winning their license on Sept. 16, company officials had indicated they typically avoided ballot initiatives.
Their approach changed following the license award. “fblikebutton_button” “We will participate with Protect Mass Jobs to provide information to voters about the impact of our industry,” stated Wynn spokesman Michael Weaver. “Ultimately and appropriately, the voters of the Commonwealth will decide. They deserve to have factual information which will allow them to make an informed decision.”
Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria endorsed Wynn’s decision to join the campaign, noting voter confusion surrounding the ballot measure. “fblikebutton_button” “I think it’s absolutely necessary for everyone to get involved so people know exactly what they’re voting on. There are people who want casinos and think they have to vote ‘yes,’ but a ‘yes’ vote is against casinos. I applaud Wynn for getting involved and I think they need to be out there to set the record straight on many facts of the Wynn site – getting the right information out there and not allowing others to distort the facts…The question is written to fool people and to trick people. These questions are long and tedious and the information needs to be out there for people before they go to the polls.”
The Coalition to Protect Mass Jobs, Everett’s “No on 3” campaign vehicle, welcomed Wynn’s involvement while maintaining their grassroots strategy would remain unchanged. “fblikebutton_button” “It doesn’t change our game plan, but Mr. Wynn definitely brings credibility and strength to the effort because he’s a guy originally from Massachusetts and is so important in the industry,” said Everett’s Michael McLaughlin. “There are things and strategies that are going to happen no matter who joins the fight. I am glad Mr. Wynn joined because I think he realizes this is about getting the right information out there about his project. It’s about his duty at this point to try to help us help his industry. I think that’s what he did by joining the Coalition to Protect Mass Jobs.”