Opposition to Casino Construction in Maine

Although a plan to build a casino in Maine has received support from business leaders and local communities, the project is being opposed by an animal rights group. Leading businesses and members of the community will have to express their views in support of either of these plans through ballots on November 8th.

Views of Supporters for Casino Construction

Those supporting the plan of building a casino in Maine are of the view that the project will create hundreds of jobs on completion. The casino will also create revenue through which the downtown area can be revived. Larry Gilbert, Lewiston’s Mayor stated that the proposed plan is reasonable and that he has not heard of an organized opposition against it.

LLC and Great Falls Recreation have extended their support in favor of the casino construction. They are willing to invest as much as $100 million to fund the project. The casino will be built in a textile mill – Bates Mill No. 5. The mill has been out of operation for several years. The proposal claims that the casino will create jobs for 500 people, once it starts operating in 2013. About 800 workers will be employed during the construction process.

Opposing the critics, according to whom casinos drain out money from the economy, Gilbert stated that there is very little validity in such claims. Gilbert also stated that there are very few businesses that can create jobs to the extent the casino will. The project has been endorsed by Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council and the Lewiston City Council.

A news conference has been planned. In it, businesses and political leaders will participate to express their support for the project. During the conference, a political action committee will be created in support of the proposed plan.

Animal Rights Group’s View on the Proposal

An animal rights commission is opposing the proposal of casino construction. Their plan is to build a racetrack casino in the eastern and southern parts of Maine. The plan also includes constructing an entertainment complex and hotel surrounding the racetrack casino. Developers of the plan claim that this proposal is capable of creating 500 full-time jobs. The construction process will involve 800 workers.

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