Union workers call for slot machines at Mass. tracks
Legislators protest at Statehouse with workers Hundreds of union workers, track employees, family members and protesters gathered at the Statehouse Monday calling for legislation that would allow for up to 2,000 slot machines to be installed in each of the state's four struggling racetracks if it were passed by the House of Representatives.
Rep. Bob Coughlin (D-Dedham) said the proposed legislation would serve as "a chance to generate revenue which is rightfully ours," citing the revenues lost to gambling institutions in neighboring states.
Although there are no tracks in his district, Coughlin said he cares about this legislation because of its potential to provide local aid to the towns and cities of the Commonwealth.
"This is about Massachusetts losing money every year," he said.
Although no one in opposition to the bill attended the rally, those in support of the legislation mockingly acknowledged the alleged "social ills" and the moral argument critics make against the proposed legislation.
"What about the social ills of denying cities and towns millions of dollars in revenue?" said Revere Mayor Tom Ambrosino. "This industry can't afford anymore delay."
Support for the passage of this legislation has been bolstered by the assistance of many local unions, primarily the Teamsters 25, the I.V.W. 103, the IBEW 123 and the AFL-CIO, along with the trade unions of many professions whose members say their job security is at risk while the struggling racetracks attempt to remain afloat.
"The time is now," said IBEW Local 123 President Louis Ciarlone, who argued that both the State Treasury and The Boston Globe do not traditionally support the unions but had both put out information in favor of this legislation.
"According to the Treasury, over $1 billion goes over the border each year," Ciarlone said. "And with it goes our jobs."
Ciarlone cited an independent study from The Boston Globe, which he said found that "a substantial majority of Massachusetts citizens are in favor of this legislation as well as three-quarters of the State Senate."
Massachusetts stands to benefit from the passage of this legislation, explained Ciarlone, adding that the bill would create between 3,000 and 4,000 new jobs.
"Real jobs for real people," he said. "Jobs with health benefits and jobs with dignity."
According to Ricky Norris, a blacksmith at Suffolk Downs, the tracks will be forced to close and many employees will be out of a job if the legislation does not pass. Norris said many Massachusetts residents already go to Rhode Island or Connecticut to gamble, and soon they will go to New Hampshire, where the state legislature is debating similar gambling legislation.
"It's really about job security," Norris said. "I've been [a blacksmith] for 30 years, but with the current law in place, keeping the tracks open is becoming economically unfeasible."
Christian Teja, a Suffolk Downs spokesman, said busing was arranged by the track to bring over 100 employees to the rally in favor of the legislation, which, according to Teja, "will preserve existing jobs and raise state revenue to support public programs that will benefit local cities and towns."
Paul Brooker, a member of the Horseman's Union, said he thought the creation of a state waging and gaming board to regulate the Massachusetts gambling industry would pool revenues brought in from taxed slot machines and will disperse much needed funds to public sector programs across the Commonwealth.
"[Just like with Prohibition], they're never going to stop people from gambling," Brooker said. "People will just go to illegal bookies. Salaries are low now, and adding slot machines will help us insure both old and new jobs."
Opponents of this legislation were not available for comment, but an Oct. 7 Boston Globe article said critics of the bill argue that the tracks are part of a dying industry, and the bill would damage society though gambling addiction or possible bankruptcy.
"There is some opposition in the State House and not much in the Senate," Ciarlone said. "Some semantic anti-gambling groups oppose this legislation, but we have scratch tickets in convenience stores, bingo in churches and keno in restaurants. We are surrounded by states who allow various forms of gambling."
"I don't get a sense right now that this [issue] is on the front burner," Rep. Thomas Petrolati (D-Ludlow) told the Globe in October 2005. When contacted by The Daily Free Press, a spokesperson for Petrolati said he was not available for comment.
Ciarlone, in his speech, urged for House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi (D-Boston) to call for a vote in the House of Representatives. The bill -- which already passed in the Senate by a 26-9 vote in October -- would be sent to Romney's desk for approval if it passes in the House.
"Mr. Speaker, allow a vote," Ciarlone said. "If we can get a vote, we can win."
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