State of Massachusetts secondary Archives: on Local Issues

Charlie Baker: 50 miles of new gas pipe to fix Lawrence gas explosion

For the next 90 days there was an army of operators, tradespeople, first responders, inspectors and state and local officials working throughout the three affected communities: to lay down 50 miles of new mainline pipe, replace thousands of service lines into houses, businesses and apartment buildings and repair or replace thousands of hot water heaters, stoves, dryers and boilers.

It was an enormous and complex undertaking. Throughout this ordeal, homeowners, families and businesses affected by this disaster showed a tremendous amount of patience, resilience, flexibility and fortitude. There were hundreds of local officials and elected leaders who went above and beyond the call on this one.

Charlie Baker: One casino is best, but vote "no" on casino repeal

A: I always thought the best answer on the casino thing was to get the state of Connecticut to write Massachusetts a check for $300 or $400 million every year not to build a casino. But in the absence of that opportunity, I've always been a one-casino person. I think having one casino in Massachusetts available for people in Massachusetts makes some sense to me.

Q: On the ballot question?

A: I will vote no on the repeal question primarily because I think the Springfield proposal is a pretty imaginative proposal. It's $800 million in a part of Springfield that is in terrible shape.

Q: But if you keep the law you're not going to get your one casino.

A: I think the gaming commission should do nothing with respect to the Boston decision until after the vote. If we slow rolled this, and ended up in one site in Springfield, and actually gave it a chance to see how it actually works, I think that would be a pretty good outcome. (WBUR, 8/13/2014)

Don Berwick: Casino gambling cannibalizes the Lottery and costs jobs

A Suffolk University poll released Monday showed that only 37 percent of likely voters now support casino gambling in Massachusetts. "It's time to backpedal," Berwick said.

While the other four candidates said they would oppose repeal if the Supreme Judicial Court certifies a question for the November ballot, Berwick said casinos would not only "cannibalize" the Lottery and cost the state jobs but also lead to addiction and medical health problems for the population. "Frankly, I do not understand why my opponents are not joining me," Berwick said.

Don Berwick: Only Democrat in race to oppose Gaming Act

Among the Democrats, only Don Berwick has supported the repeal of the 2011 Gaming Act, which approved three regional casinos and one slots parlor in the state. Republican front-runner Charlie Baker also has backed repeal of the act.

Steve Grossman: Repatriate money from Connecticut's casinos

According to Grossman, the Massachusetts Lottery generated a record $4.75 billion in sales in the last fiscal year, resulting in profits of $984 million. Per capita spending on the lottery is $720 per person--about double that of any other state. "The lottery pays for things that improve the quality of life," Grossman said.

Grossman supports building casinos in the state, saying they will create decent jobs and benefits for 15,000 construction and hospitality workers and bring in $300 million in additional revenue annually. Grossman said Massachusetts residents are spending money in Connecticut's casinos and that it's time to "repatriate" that money.

Deval Patrick: New rail to Assembly Square, Worcester, and the Cape

Don Berwick: Supports offshore wind farms