The Right Rev. Douglas Fisher, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts issued a statement Thursday supporting a suit aimed at moving ahead with a vote to block a proposed gambling casino in Springfield. Masslive.com reports:
“When MGM first intended to construct a gambling casino in Springfield last spring, I stated it was ‘bad news for the poor,’’’ Fisher said. “Now that a gambling casino remains a possibility for the commonwealth, and for Springfield and Western Massachusetts in particular, I still say, it is ‘bad news for the poor.’ Casinos have never improved the quality of life in areas where many economically vulnerable people live.”
Last week, Attorney General Martha Coakley rejected the proposed anti-casino ballot question, ruling that it would be an unconstitutional taking of private property rights.
Read full story here.