The anti-casino mayor of Holyoke now says he will actively pursue a gambling parlor in the city. Alex Morse made the remarks at a City Hall news conference Monday that attracted not just reporters, but a large crowd of protesters. Many of the people yelling and carrying anti-casino signs had supported Morse's candidacy last year. Monday, they called him a liar who had betrayed their trust. Morse says the main reason he's supporting the casino proposed by Northampton businessman Eric Suher at Mountain Park is because if Holyoke doesn't get a casino, Springfield will.
Meantime, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz is reacting to the possibility of a casino being located just six miles from the heart of the city he leads. Narkewicz says he views any casino in the region as a serious potential threat to the social and economic vitality of Northampton. He adds he hopes whatever casino proposal is ultimately selected, will have the least detrimental impact on Northampton and the region. He says he's already reached out to Mayor Morse to talk about the Mountain Park proposal, and is working with Northampton city officials to mitigate any impact on the city.
Meantime, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz is reacting to the possibility of a casino being located just six miles from the heart of the city he leads. Narkewicz says he views any casino in the region as a serious potential threat to the social and economic vitality of Northampton. He adds he hopes whatever casino proposal is ultimately selected, will have the least detrimental impact on Northampton and the region. He says he's already reached out to Mayor Morse to talk about the Mountain Park proposal, and is working with Northampton city officials to mitigate any impact on the city.
