Sept. 30: State Representative Candidate Forum "Our Community, Our Future"

You are cordially invited:
State Representative Candidate Forum "Our Community, Our Future" 

Date:  Tuesday, September 30
Time:  5:30-7:30 pm
Location:  Maverick Landing Community Room
31 Liverpool Street, East Boston

Simultaneous translation English to Spanish available, light refreshments will be served at 5:30 pm.  Children friendly environment, all are welcome.

This is a non-partisan candidate forum co-sponsored by Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE), Mass VOTE, Right to the City Boston, East Boston Ecumencial Council (EBECC) and Maverick Association of Residents (MAR).
For more info, please contact NUBE, 617-981-4010 or info@nubeastboston.org.

Thank you,
Maverick Association of Residents (M.A.R.)
31 Liverpool Street, East Boston, MA 02128
617-569-5100/ fax 617-567-2420
Twitter:  @MAREastBoston
Office Hours:  10am-1pm, Tuesday & Thursdays

After the MGC vote: Community group offers five guiding principles for development of Suffolk Downs

Former Secretary of Transportation and Local Urban Development Experts Announce New Vision for Future Planning of the Suffolk Downs Site

Community group offers five guiding principles for development
(BOSTON, Mass., September 17, 2014) -- Led by former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi, a largely East Boston-based group of urban planners, architects, public infrastructure experts, and representatives of various community groups propose an alternative vision to a casino at Suffolk Downs.

This group, formed after the November 5, 2013, election in which East Boston voters rejected a casino at Suffolk Downs, has been working toward offering a new vision for the development of the 161 acre site. The group is releasing this document in light of Sterling Suffolk LLC's decision Tuesday to close track operations next year.

The group’s two-page vision statement, titled “Overarching Principles For Development in East Boston,” outlines five principles by which all future significant development proposals in East Boston – and Suffolk Downs in particular – should be measured. The principles, including job creation, community inclusion and a transparent process, environmental impact, transit-oriented development, and economic feasibility, present a framework to ensure that this critical and unique site is developed in a way that enhances quality of life, job creation and return on investment for all residents of Boston and surrounding communities.

“Although Suffolk Downs is privately owned, it is supported by a highway and transit system owned and operated by the state and paid for by the taxpayers of Massachusetts,” said Aloisi, a native of East Boston. “It is only fair and just that any major development on its grounds be thoroughly vetted by local citizenry and surrounding communities. We hope these principles, which express a positive and forward-looking vision for the future of this site and community, will be embraced by a broad spectrum of state and local decision makers.”

As many real estate and other investment experts contend, the Suffolk Downs site offers a wealth of development possibilities beyond a casino. For example, Banker and Tradesman recently noted that "At a time when home and condo prices are soaring out of reach for middle class families in Boston, Suffolk's 110 or so Boston acres are a huge potential asset, ground zero for the Hub's next big mixed-use neighborhood of shops and homes." (1)

Desirable factors such as quick access to downtown Boston, Logan Airport and the emerging Innovation District in South Boston via the Blue Line and soon the Silver Line, as well as a shared economic center for the communities of East Boston, Revere and Winthrop make Suffolk Downs an exceptional candidate for a mix of housing and commercial development opportunities, according to the group. Also, the adjacent Belle Isle Marsh provides abundant green space and offers potential connections to the East Boston Greenway.

A full version of the  “Overarching Principles For Development in East Boston” can be found athttps://sites.google.com/site/eastboston2020/.  For more information, please contact MailFilterGateway has detected a possible fraud attempt from "mail.google.com" claiming to be east.boston.visioning@gmail.com.

Visioning group members include:

Jim Aloisi
Lyle Bradley
Joel Bryce
Ernani Jose DeAraujo
Antonio Di Mambro
Neenah Estrella-Luna, MPH, PhD
Brian Gregory
Steve Holt
Giordana Mecagni
Sandra Nijjar
Mike Russo
Trent Sheppard
* * * *
(1) Banker and Tradesman, "Forget Gambling: Suffolk Downs Has Mixed-Use Development Potential" Sunday, November 17, 2013http://www.bankerandtradesman.com/news157396.html

East Boston and Revere Casino Opponents to Boycott Final Commission Hearing, Calling it an 'Illegitimate Sham,' and will Throw Full Energy Into Repeal

PRESS RELEASE

(East Boston, MA August 11, 2014) --A coalition of groups opposing Greater Boston casinos -- including No Eastie Casino, Don't Gamble on Revere, Friends of East Boston and Friends of Revere -- announced today they have called an official boycott of the Monday, August 11, Massachusetts Gaming Commission Host Community Meeting in Revere, MA. 

"After months of trying to fight through an illegitimate, illegal process that has denied the people of East Boston the rule of law by denying our vote, our core groups are throwing our full weight behind the work to Repeal the Casino Deal across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," said No Eastie Casino spokesman Matt Cameron. "We are boycotting the corrupt, illegitimate sham of a hearing at the Mass Gaming Commission on August 11."

According to the Massachusetts gaming statute passed by our legislature and signed by Governor Deval Patrick, if a proposed casino is located in two communities, both communities must vote to allow the development of that casino to enable that proposal to move forward.  On November 5, 2013, 56 percent of East Boston residents voted no to a proposed casino at Suffolk Downs. That proposed casino was to be built completely in East Boston on Suffolk Downs' property -- two-thirds of which is in East Boston.  The people of Revere also voted on this proposal because the land was in both towns, and people recognized that Revere offered amenities which are statutorily considered part of a casino for the purposes of designating host community status. 

Legally, the casino proposal at Suffolk Downs should then have died.  However, in furtherance of a corrupt process, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission allowed Mohegan Sun to collude with Suffolk Downs to create the illusion that a proposed casino along the Revere-East Boston line does not require an East Boston vote.  The Massachusetts Gaming Commission joined and promoted that collusion-even extending their deadline; even now, their decision will be based on incomplete information due to the failure of the Mohegan Sun-Suffolk Downs entity to file all the necessary, updated, accurate paperwork in a timely fashion. Together, this colluding group willfully withheld information for months that the Gaming Commission later agreed would likely have proven East Boston to be a host community; they called this information--a critical clause in a lease -- "a trade secret."  When the City of Boston's attorneys pursued this information, the Gaming Commission -- both supposed watch dog and enabler -- communicated with Mohegan Sun, and somehow, the questionable "trade secret" lease clause was removed from the lease. This happened five months after the Gaming Commission had said Revere could have another vote, but East Boston would not have one. 

As a result of this and other demonstrated irregularities in this Region A decision process, a complaint and request for investigation of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been filed with the Commonwealth Inspector General's office.   

Multiple East Boston residents have repeatedly attempted to speak in front of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Meanwhile, the Gaming Commission has given first preference in testimony to elected officials.  Unfortunately, although 56 percent of East Boston residents voted NO, the great majority of elected officials who have spoken at hearings have been pro-casino officials from other communities.  The Gaming Commission has repeatedly willfully ignored the valid legal concerns of Mayor Marty Walsh.  Mohegan Sun and Suffolk Downs have literally fed and bused in supporters to create the false semblance of much greater support for this proposal than exists on the ground.  As grassroots organizations, No Eastie Casino and Don't Gamble on Revere do not have the resources to feed or bus in our supporters; furthermore, many of our supporters have jobs and families and are not able to leave work to attend meetings. Many casino supporters, on the other hand, are paid by Suffolk Downs or the City of Revere to show up at hearings as part of their work.  

Multiple East Boston residents have repeatedly attempted to speak in front of the Mass Gaming Commission.  Meanwhile, the Mass Gaming Commission has given first preference in testimony to elected officials.  Unfortunately, although 56% of East Boston residents voted NO, the great majority of elected officials who have spoken at hearings have been pro-casino officials from other communities.  The Gaming Commission has repeatedly willfully ignored the valid legal concerns of Mayor Marty Walsh.  Mohegan Sun and Suffolk Downs have literally fed and bused in supporters to create the false semblance of much greater support for this proposal than exists on the ground.  As a grassroots organization, No Eastie Casino does not have the resources to feed or bus in our supporters; furthermore, many of our supporters have jobs and families and are not able to leave work to attend meetings (many casino supporters are paid by Suffolk Downs or the City of Revere to show up at hearings as part of their work).  

"The people of East Boston stand firm in the belief that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has allowed this illegal violation of the rule of law because the corrupt casino industry has spent millions of dollars to encourage just this outcome," Cameron said. "We also strongly believe this flagrant violation of our vote would not be happening in a wealthier community. We also strongly believe that this Commonwealth was founded on principals of justice, fairness and sharing of the common wealth. We strongly believe this is not yet an aristocracy, but retains at least some semblance of democracy -- and will continue to do so if we continue to fight for it. We believe our fellow citizens, once duly educated about this corrupt and unfair process, will stand with us in voting to repeal this flawed legislation and restore a greater measure of democracy and fairness to this Commonwealth. This state has been a leader in recognizing the rights of many -- and we know, likewise, this state's good people will recognize the right of the people of East Boston to have a vote, to vote NO, and to have that vote carry the same weight as the vote of any other commonwealth community." 

On August 11, 2014, the core group members from Don't Gamble on Revere, Friends of East Boston, Friends of Revere and No Eastie Casino will be working diligently to advance the campaign to repeal this law. Should you have any questions, please contact us at the Repeal the Casino Deal headquarters in East Boston. Our work there will serve as our protest of the Mass Gaming Commission's sham hearing.

Source for this Press Release: Repeal the Casino Deal, 617-981-4177

State Representative Candidate Celeste Ribeiro Myers Calls for Three Public Debates in East Boston

(EAST BOSTON, MA July 31, 2014) —Celeste Ribeiro Myers, candidate for Suffolk County’s State Representative seat in the First District, today invited her opponent, Rep. Carlo Basile, to participate in three public debates or forums leading up to the Nov. 4 election. In a letter to the Basile campaign Thursday, the Myers campaign called for three public debates: one focusing on development in East Boston, another chosen by the Basile campaign, and a third debate covering a variety of topics.

“Voters should know where we come down on issues affecting East Boston and have the opportunity to hear our respective visions for this community, which no doubt differ in many ways,” the letter states.

The letter also requests a meeting between representatives of each campaign to finalize debate topics and discuss possible sponsors, venues and formats, and asks the Basile campaign to respond by next Wednesday.

Myers, a lifelong East Boston resident, is known for leading the ballot question campaign group No Eastie Casino, which successfully defeated a proposal to site a casino at Suffolk Downs in East Boston on Nov. 5, 2013. (Basile opposed an area casino as a candidate in 2007 but vigorously supported casino plans in the run-up to the vote).

Earlier this month, Myers asked Basile to join her in rejecting campaign contributions from special interest groups, including lobbyists. The Basile campaign has not yet responded to the request to take the “people’s pledge.”

Myers’ robust platform includes plans to give residents more say in how Eastie develops; transportation improvements; job creation and economic development; health; and equality and inclusion for all. Check out her entire platform at www.celesteforeastboston.com.

Source: Steve Holt, 617-447-6519

Stand For Democracy and Don Berwick for Governor Campaigns Agree to Work Collaboratively in the Fight Against Casinos

Source Sunha Kim, (310) 710-3348, spk454@mail.harvard.edu

Leaders from both Stand For Democracy and Don Berwick for Governor campaigns met last week to discuss the repeal of the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act. Both organizations have agreed to work collaboratively towards repealing the commonwealth’s casino law and promoting Berwick’s stance as the only candidate opposed to casinos and supporting the repeal. “We have taken a close look at all of the gubernatorial candidates and their stance on casinos in Massachusetts. Don Berwick’s position against casinos is the only one in line with that of Stand For Democracy”, said Pedro Morales, one of the founders of Stand For Democracy.

Stand For Democracy is an organization that emanates from the successful 2013 anti-casino campaign in East Boston. “Don was inspired by the ability of grassroots activists to take on powerful corporate interests in the East Boston casino referendum. It is exciting to collaborate with some of the leaders of that movement, and we look forward to working together to promote Don’s position on this crucial issue around the state,” said David Marsh of the Berwick campaign. A schedule of joint events will be released shortly.  

Basile Statement on Boston's Surrounding Community Agreement with Mohegan Sun

East Boston, MA (July 10, 2014) - Democratic State Rep. Carlo Basile released the following statement on the Surrounding Community Agreement Boston Mayor Marty Walsh signed today with Mohegan Sun:

"I am disappointed that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission insists on moving forward with issuing casino licenses before the people get a chance to vote this fall, but since they insist on moving forward, I am confident that Mayor Walsh got the best deal he could for the people of East Boston. 

"There are many points within the agreement that will benefit our community, but I am especially happy to hear of the $30M which will spent in East Boston specifically. I am also happy with the proposal to retain the voice of the people and the call for another vote should there be any gaming development proposed in East Boston. 

"I want to thank Mayor Walsh for his leadership on this difficult issue and for protecting the interests and preserving the voice of the people of East Boston."

Source: Kevin Franck via email

Revere Casino Opponents Plan March, From Parish Church To City Hall on Sunday, Feb 25

(REVERE, MA) With the Feb. 25th casino referendum just days away, Don’t Gamble on Revere and Friends of Revere have called for a public march this Sunday, Feb. 23rd, from Immaculate Conception Parish Church to Revere City Hall.

The Salvadorian Marching Peace Band will be leading the lively procession, and a brief rally in front of Revere’s City Hall will include a program of speakers encouraging Revere residents to vote ‘No’ on Feb. 25 and to not be intimidated by pro-casino forces.

“In the span of thirty years” explains Tim Bogertman, Associate Pastor at First Congregational Church and one of the organizers of Sunday’s march, “Revere has gone from being one of the least diverse cities in the state to perhaps the most diverse.  Many of our residents immigrated to the United States from countries where opposition to the political establishment simply did not exist, and we want to assure our friends and neighbors that they are free to vote their conscience next Tuesday, regardless of official voices urging them to support the proposed casino.”

“Predatory gambling is simply not in the best interest of our community,” states Father George Szal of Immaculate Conception Parish, where Sunday’s march will commence, “and Tuesday’s vote is far from a done deal.”

Sunday’s march starts at 1 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish Church (127 Winthrop Avenue), and will end with a rally at Revere City Hall (281 Broadway).

Revere Anti-Casino Groups Express Concerns About ‘Free And Fair’ Election On Feb. 25

(Revere, MA, February 20, 2014) – With less than one week to go until the casino referendum, Don’t Gamble on Revere and Friends of Revere express significant concern about what they describe as an “environment of fear and intimidation” that is being created in Revere surrounding the casino issue.

The casino opponents specifically point towards a Channel 5 investigative report regarding Revere City Councilor Ira Novoselsky approaching and intimidating immigrant business owners to replace anti-casino signs with pro-casino signs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D--kiwo2wz4), as well as Mayor Dan Rizzo sending multiple letters to Revere citizens on behalf of Mohegan Sun.

Joseph Catricala, spokesperson for Don’t Gamble on Revere, states, “Weekly letters paid for by Friends of Mohegan Sun are being sent out with Mayor Rizzo urging citizens to vote ‘Yes’ and claiming if citizens vote ‘No’ then they don’t support Revere.  “These actions,” Catricala explains, “are creating an environment of fear and intimidation for voters and business owners within the city to ‘toe the line’ when it comes to the vote, or face the consequences.”

The casino opponents claim that what is at stake in Tuesday’s election is much larger than the ill effects of a casino.  “If official intimidation is to stand as the status quo now, what will happen if Revere becomes a casino town?” asks Pastor Tim Bogertman of Revere’s First Congregational Church, a founding member of Friends of Revere.  “We have called the Attorney General’s office about these issues, and they have promised to look into the matter further.”

Multiple faith leaders from Revere – including Catholic priests, Protestant pastors, a Rabbi and an Imam – led a rally at Revere’ Immaculate Conception Parish this past Sunday to encourage residents that they can vote ‘No’ on Tuesday, and to assure them that clergy and others are standing with them in their opposition to the proposed casino.

The casino opponents are also sending open letters to William Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth, and to Martha Coakley, the Attorney General, regarding their concerns and they are requesting official monitoring of the polls on the day of the vote.

Source:  Joseph Catricala 781-727-6099 / dontgamblerevere@gmail.com
           Timothy Bogertman 617-895-7907 / tbogertman@firstcongrevere.org

Dorchester Reporter: Vote should be citywide

Bill Forry's signed editorial in The Dorchester Reporter:

One aspect of the House bill that absolutely needs to be changed is a provision that would limit the rights of citizens in larger municipalities— like Boston— to have a voice in whether or not a casino is sited in their community. As it stands now, the bill would permit only voters of the ward of a city in closest proximity to a proposed casino to go to the polls to approve or shoot down the idea. In the case of Boston, with all signs pointing towards a likely site in East Boston on the current Suffolk Downs property, that would mean that only East Boston voters would be asked to make the decision about siting a casino in the city.|

State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz has filed an amendment to the Senate version of the casino bill that would require that all of the voters of a municipality will have a say. In the case of a Boston proposal, that would give us a chance to have a voice in whether our city welcomes a casino or not.

Chang-Diaz told the Reporter this week, “These consequences will affect all municipal residents, not just those within a few blocks’ radius of the casino. It’s only fair that all affected residents have an equal say in whether or not the positive impacts of a casino outweigh the economic and social costs to their cities.”

The senator has got it right. All Boston residents deserve a right to have a say in whether or not resort-style gambling sets up shop in our backyard.

Read the entire editorial from the Dorchester Reporter.  What do you think?

East Boston chamber throws weight behind more gaming at Suffolk Downs

East Boston Chamber releases letter of support for casino at Suffolk Downs.