(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).
Showing posts with label Don't Gamble on Revere. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Don't Gamble on Revere. Show all posts
Friday, February 21, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
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
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
Friday, February 14, 2014
Declaring Revere Casino ‘Not A Done Deal’ Clergy Call for Prayer on Sunday
(REVERE, MA - February 14, 2014) Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim leaders in Revere have called upon their respective communities to gather at the sanctuary of Immaculate Conception Parish at 1 PM on Sunday, February 16, for an ecumenical prayer gathering expected to draw hundreds of Revere residents.
“This is a gathering for all people of faith who are opposed to the casino” says Tim Bogertman, Associate Pastor of First Congregational Church in Revere. “It will be a time to pray, speak, and encourage others to stand against this disastrous casino plan that will negatively impact the lives of people living here.”
Friends of Revere (www.friendsofrevere.com) – a diverse group of pastors, priests and ministers representing various traditions, denominations and congregations in Revere – have called for Sunday’s gathering because they are deeply concerned about the impact of a casino in their community, what they describe as “a direct threat to the families and children who live in Revere.”
Pastor Nely Esturban of Betel Church in Revere says, “I want peace for the city of Revere. Let me tell you why – I love my kids, I love my city, and I don’t want to bring about the destruction of my city. We don’t need a casino here.”
In conversation with hundreds of congregants and parishioners, the ministers claim the casino is far from decided in the minds of people in Revere. “I thought the casino was a done deal,” explains Father George Szal of Immaculate Conception Church, “but then I began speaking with my parishioners and more than half of them are opposed to the casino. This is not a done deal at all.”
Members of Friends of Revere continue to lead their congregations, mosques and synagogues in what has been several weeks of prayer for positive future development in Revere, and they have also been preaching about the harmful effects that a casino will have in their neighborhood. Rabbi Joseph Berman, a founding member of Friends of Revere, explains his opposition to the casino in straightforward terms, “Casinos prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities, and they increase poverty, addiction, and crime.”
“Sunday’s ecumenical prayer gathering at Immaculate Conception is a time to declare that God has something better for this town than a casino,” says Pastor Bogertman, “and all are welcome.”
Source: Tim Bogertman, tbogertman@firstcongrevere.org,
“This is a gathering for all people of faith who are opposed to the casino” says Tim Bogertman, Associate Pastor of First Congregational Church in Revere. “It will be a time to pray, speak, and encourage others to stand against this disastrous casino plan that will negatively impact the lives of people living here.”
Friends of Revere (www.friendsofrevere.com) – a diverse group of pastors, priests and ministers representing various traditions, denominations and congregations in Revere – have called for Sunday’s gathering because they are deeply concerned about the impact of a casino in their community, what they describe as “a direct threat to the families and children who live in Revere.”
Pastor Nely Esturban of Betel Church in Revere says, “I want peace for the city of Revere. Let me tell you why – I love my kids, I love my city, and I don’t want to bring about the destruction of my city. We don’t need a casino here.”
In conversation with hundreds of congregants and parishioners, the ministers claim the casino is far from decided in the minds of people in Revere. “I thought the casino was a done deal,” explains Father George Szal of Immaculate Conception Church, “but then I began speaking with my parishioners and more than half of them are opposed to the casino. This is not a done deal at all.”
Members of Friends of Revere continue to lead their congregations, mosques and synagogues in what has been several weeks of prayer for positive future development in Revere, and they have also been preaching about the harmful effects that a casino will have in their neighborhood. Rabbi Joseph Berman, a founding member of Friends of Revere, explains his opposition to the casino in straightforward terms, “Casinos prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities, and they increase poverty, addiction, and crime.”
“Sunday’s ecumenical prayer gathering at Immaculate Conception is a time to declare that God has something better for this town than a casino,” says Pastor Bogertman, “and all are welcome.”
Source: Tim Bogertman, tbogertman@firstcongrevere.org,
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Presser at 3 pm today: EB & Revere Communities Unite On City Line to Oppose Mohegan Sun Casino at Suffolk Downs
Neighboring community groups to hold joint press conference on the Revere/Boston city line in advance of Mohegan Sun's presentation to Massachusetts Gaming Commission
BOSTON, MA (January 21, 2014) - Today Don't Gamble on Revere, a registered municipal ballot question committee organized to stop a casino at Suffolk Downs, and No Eastie Casino, will hold a joint press conference and public demonstration at 3pm on the Revere/East Boston city line to denounce the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's disregard for residents' clear "no" vote from 8,513 residents of Revere and East Boston in referendums on Nov. 5 and highlight the contents of a comment letter to be submitted to the Commission (MGC) in advance of its January 22 meeting with Mohegan Sun.
"A casino at Suffolk Downs is a casino at Suffolk Downs, and shifting this development a few feet over the city line into Revere doesn't change anything," said Matt Cameron, No Eastie Casino's volunteer legal counsel and an East Boston resident. "As anyone who is familiar with this unique site must recognize, the city of Boston is now being forced to host a guest that we have already dis-invited."
"As knowledge of traffic, pollution, crime, and numerous other social problems due to casinos come to light, Revere opposition to a casino at Suffolk Downs is growing," said Joseph Catricala, spokesperson for Don't Gamble on Revere. "The lack of a clear host community agreement to mitigate these impacts makes us doubt that the City of Revere and Suffolk Downs truly have Revere's interests in mind. We are very concerned a casino will bleed our community dry."
In advance of the press conference, No Eastie Casino and Don't Gamble on Revere will submit a joint letter to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission registering their disapproval of the gaming application process and noting that more time is needed for Boston's new administration to make an informed decision.
"Mohegan Sun has filed an incomplete application with missing and outdated information, and is now trying to keep critical details relating to the site plan and their proposed land use confidential. This development will forever change the character and futures of East Boston and Revere, and we deserve to see everything that has already been made available to the Gaming Commission. " Cameron said.
For details on the press conference location, please contact Joe Catricala at 781-727-6099 or Celeste Myers at 617-913-3332.
About Don't Gamble on Revere
Don't Gamble on Revere is a group of citizens concerned about the future of Revere. We know that Revere has come a long way over the years and we don't want to lose all of the progress that we have made. We are an official municipal ballot question committee opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs and a united all-volunteer force standing against the proposed casino in Revere.
About No Eastie Casino
No Eastie Casino is a grassroots effort led by local, all-volunteer residents opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs. Our goal is to build a strong base of East Boston residents that represents the full diversity of our community; shares a common vision for a vibrant, healthy, family-friendly future for East Boston; and is united against a casino at Suffolk Downs.
Source:
Contacts: Joe Catricala & Celeste Myers
BOSTON, MA (January 21, 2014) - Today Don't Gamble on Revere, a registered municipal ballot question committee organized to stop a casino at Suffolk Downs, and No Eastie Casino, will hold a joint press conference and public demonstration at 3pm on the Revere/East Boston city line to denounce the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's disregard for residents' clear "no" vote from 8,513 residents of Revere and East Boston in referendums on Nov. 5 and highlight the contents of a comment letter to be submitted to the Commission (MGC) in advance of its January 22 meeting with Mohegan Sun.
"A casino at Suffolk Downs is a casino at Suffolk Downs, and shifting this development a few feet over the city line into Revere doesn't change anything," said Matt Cameron, No Eastie Casino's volunteer legal counsel and an East Boston resident. "As anyone who is familiar with this unique site must recognize, the city of Boston is now being forced to host a guest that we have already dis-invited."
"As knowledge of traffic, pollution, crime, and numerous other social problems due to casinos come to light, Revere opposition to a casino at Suffolk Downs is growing," said Joseph Catricala, spokesperson for Don't Gamble on Revere. "The lack of a clear host community agreement to mitigate these impacts makes us doubt that the City of Revere and Suffolk Downs truly have Revere's interests in mind. We are very concerned a casino will bleed our community dry."
In advance of the press conference, No Eastie Casino and Don't Gamble on Revere will submit a joint letter to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission registering their disapproval of the gaming application process and noting that more time is needed for Boston's new administration to make an informed decision.
"Mohegan Sun has filed an incomplete application with missing and outdated information, and is now trying to keep critical details relating to the site plan and their proposed land use confidential. This development will forever change the character and futures of East Boston and Revere, and we deserve to see everything that has already been made available to the Gaming Commission. " Cameron said.
For details on the press conference location, please contact Joe Catricala at 781-727-6099 or Celeste Myers at 617-913-3332.
About Don't Gamble on Revere
Don't Gamble on Revere is a group of citizens concerned about the future of Revere. We know that Revere has come a long way over the years and we don't want to lose all of the progress that we have made. We are an official municipal ballot question committee opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs and a united all-volunteer force standing against the proposed casino in Revere.
About No Eastie Casino
No Eastie Casino is a grassroots effort led by local, all-volunteer residents opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs. Our goal is to build a strong base of East Boston residents that represents the full diversity of our community; shares a common vision for a vibrant, healthy, family-friendly future for East Boston; and is united against a casino at Suffolk Downs.
Source:
Contacts: Joe Catricala & Celeste Myers
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