Oxford casino question defeated
11/4/08 | 33 comments
Question 2

Oxford casino question defeated


Opponents hold steady late lead
By Kevin Miller
BDN Staff

A $184 million casino and resort proposed for western Maine was defeated Tuesday despite a high-profile push by backers in recent weeks.

With 73 percent of precincts reporting, opposition to the controversial Oxford casino was holding steady at roughly 54 percent.

Click here to see updated, statewide election results.

Pat LaMarche, spokeswoman for Olympia Gaming, the Nevada-based company behind the casino proposal, said she would like to see a different outcome because the region’s economy is in trouble.

“It’s a beautiful part of Maine that would love to be a welcome center for tourists,” LaMarche said.

Dennis Bailey, spokesman for the opposition group CasinosNO!, was pleased with the results.

“I really think Maine people made up their minds about casinos five years ago and Las Vegas just didn’t get the memo,” Bailey said.

Olympia Gaming plan called for a resort and casino featuring a 300-room hotel and spa, a conference center, up to 1,500 slot machines and a variety of gaming tables in rural Oxford.

Supporters argued the resort and gaming facility would draw tourists and big money into an area of Western Maine short on jobs and opportunities.

An economic analysis commissioned by the company estimated that the casino would create more than 1,200 jobs during construction and 900 full-time and part-time jobs after buildout. The facility was also predicted to funnel $69 million into state coffers with portions of that money earmarked for education, alternative energy and other needs.

But critics have described the enabling legislation as deeply flawed because it would lower the gambling age to 19, place a 10-year moratorium on other gaming facilities and give the casino president a seat on various state boards.

“I think people are torn between jobs and a really bad piece of legislation that is going to open up a whole can of worms,” Bailey said.

Olympia officials have since pledged publicly to fix aspects of the law, including dropping the effort to change the voting age.

The proposal also dredged up hard feelings among members of Maine’s Native American tribes.

In 2003, the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes lost a costly and contentious campaign for a $650 million casino and resort in Sanford. That same year voters approved a referendum that allowed Penn National Gaming to open Hollywood Slots in Bangor.

The Passamaquoddy Tribe tried once again last November, this time with a ballot measure for a 1,500-slot facility and horse-racing track in Calais. But voters narrowly rejected the measure.

Donald Soctomah, the tribe’s representative to the Legislature, said earlier Tuesday that he believes a gaming facility will create jobs. But he voted against the Oxford proposal because last year’s vote “really let eastern Maine down.”

“I think the people in eastern Maine, where unemployment rates are so high, they feel for the people in western Maine where they are having the same problems,” Soctomah said. “It seems this was pitting the two [regions] of Maine that need the most jobs against each other.”

Preliminary election results show other Washington County voters remember last year’s results.

In 2007, more than 70 percent of Washington County residents supported the Passamaquoddy racino referendum. This time around, 73 percent of Washington County voters cast ballots against the Oxford project, according to preliminary results.

In 2007, town of Oxford voters opposed the Passamaquoddy project by a vote of 323-306. More than 66 percent of Oxford voters were supportive of bringing gambling to their backyard this year.

Bailey said he hopes Tuesday’s results will be the “definitive vote” on gambling in Maine.

LaMarche said she believes New Hampshire will end up welcoming the casino and the 900-some jobs it was expected to create.

“The one thing I want to say about our opponents is when are they going to roll their sleeves up and create some jobs for Mainers?” LaMarche said.

Not registered? Click here
E-mail this
Print this
Guidelines for posting on bangordailynews.com

Bangordailynews.com is pleased to offer a forum for readers to react to our stories, discuss them and provide additional information. We are reluctant to delete comments, but do reserve that right for those who abuse our forum. For more on using this site, please see our terms of service.

The primary rule here is pretty simple: Treat others with the same respect you'd want for yourself. What does that mean specifically? Here are some guidelines (see more):

Comments
33 comments on this item
On 11/4/08 at 10:43 PM, Kevin_of_Bangor wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It is not looking good at the moment. I'm going to have to keep driving to Foxwoods to play Teaxs Hold'em it seems. Slots are for idiots. Anyone can push a button, not everyone can play poker and win. Takes patience, skill and knowing the game as well as learning to read those around you but Maine doesn't want it so Foxwoods it is.

I'm hoping it turns around but so is McCain and it's not looking for for either at the moment.

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 12:52 AM, listenup wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

At least some Natives are making a profit for themselves and their state.. GO CT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 5:33 AM, safedman wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Well looks like I'll but major goods in NH. Maine wants poor people, I can oblige

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 5:58 AM, guest000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Yahooo oxford did'nt get it. Eye for an eye. Take that.............

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 6:02 AM, musician wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

YES!!!!!!!

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 6:53 AM, normth wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Reality check!!!! As long as voters in southern and central Maine have thier way, Eastern, Western and Northern Maine aren't going to get anything but an occassional bone to keep us quiet. Until the next proposal comes along, we'll have to keep voting with our feet, and listening to the other maine whine about how it's costing them too much in taxes to fund the sparser populated ares. They want to call the shots, then pay the freight

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 8:20 AM, Tikitorch wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Too bad this was voted down. It looks like Fed $$ coming to the States is going to decrease and with our budget deficit from Baldacci we are going to be hit hard. The $$ from the casino would have helped tremendously!!

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 8:34 AM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,,,,,,,,

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 8:37 AM, Maine62 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I love Pat LaMarche comment "the region’s economy is in trouble....It’s a beautiful part of Maine that would love to be a welcome center for tourists”. Great advice ya clown, lets take a beautiful place and build a casino. Or better yet, I really like your sincerity, and your caring thoughts about our region being in trouble. Maybe if your caring thoughts weren't tied to your paycheck your opinions would count for a millisecond. Way to go Maine on this one, wish the same outcome could have been realized in Bangor!

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 8:59 AM, Diana22 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

OBAMA WON AND THE CASINO FAILED!!! good night all around!

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 9:22 AM, thebam wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Maine62... the same outcome in bangor would mean that all the money the state and the city of bangor are now getting would not be there. are you that numb? where do you thing the same revenue would possibly come from? hellooooo... more taxes... Do you think it's a conincidence that we improved nationally on how hard we are taxed along the same timeline of the Racino opening? Wake up. Voting against this proposal was a huge mistake. Everyone who voted No better come on this forum in the future and complain that their taxes are too high. Don't want to hear it. y'all can just shut up and reap what you just sowed.

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 9:46 AM, KellyD wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

it continues to boggle the logical mind that when the state is suffering from harsh economic times and cutbacks will be required, that the people would vote no to over 800 jobs with benefits, millions in tax dollars to state and a boost to other businesses in the area of the proposed casino. I suspect those people are the same ones that will be crying over increased taxes, higher unemployment and budget deficits. If you don't want to gamble, don't go the casino. Why force your moral policies on everyone else?

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 9:49 AM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Doesn't Pat Lamarche contribute to the BDN? I worked for the casino down in Bangor before I jumped off that sinking ship. It brought jobs, but now since this economic downturn, and the location and the fact that it looks like a prison and is a BLIGHT ON OUR COMMUNITY people will not go there. I was a dishwasher and I made $9.50 and Hour. FULL TIME. what does that say maine? i made more money washing dirty plates than washing dirty asses at a retirement home, and thats Maine's highest employed job! maybe we should build a retirement home in Oxford county and encourage locals to become nurses and wipe old asses for pennies on the dollar just like everywhere else in maine. It'd be better than a BLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY like HS@BH&R, or HOOOTY HOOOOO HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY RICHARD

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 9:51 AM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

sorry "REEEEEEEEEEEEEECHARD"

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 9:52 AM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

BAAAAAAAAAYER ONE on ebaye gollly reeeeeeeechard shucksss

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 9:56 AM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

thebam. i agree with you. I voted Yes, Yes, No. I like monson public drinking water just fine. it comes out of a lake...or a spring, but it tastes just like water should be...water, and creosote. but I don't think we need more bonds to take our money away. goddamn state of maine owe me Three fitty

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:03 AM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

thekingofmaine....9.50 a hr to wash dishes and basically thats it or slave away at a rat hole like shaws that treats there employees like S***.....not to difficult of a decision for me...i like working at hollywood slots.....all jobs have there perks and downfalls...but why work for a company that terminates your employment a week and a half before u are scheduled to have knee surgery...sounds like a cheap ass company that didnt want to pay disability to a good employee...so you know what ill take my 10 a hr and continue to cash my pay check with a smile while ur slaving away at shaws...a place that drives there prices up to a obsurd amount then promotes there 10 for 10 crap deal...when u can get cans of soup anywhere for a buck...suckers shop at shaws...u think ur saving money but your not..so some people hate Hollywood Slots and thats fine with me because i hate shaws.....and i dont shop there so for people who hate hollwood slots dont go there....and im glad the casino didnt pass...way too many bad inside ideas that would only give too much power to the people from vegas on important issues in maine that they dont care about..all they wanted was there dollar....BYE BYE CASINO.....

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:11 AM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

not true Richard28 I got culinary arts pizza for $1.99 each with an associates coupon. FFS go Shaw's. Obama won because you didn't vote. you could've made a difference instead you sat at home and probably played rockband2 with your girlfriend and did your fantasy basketball team. watch how Obama makes Kobe minister of Defense and pardons OJ. you watch. you learn.

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:11 AM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

i bet you could ask 100 people if they would do dishes for 9.50 a hr and 99/100 would say yes...the 1 person being thekingofmaine...who would rather stock shelves for 7.75 a hr....what a moron

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:25 AM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

yeah but at least I didn't steal yogurt (or at least markedly mark it down 5 cents less than it was actually worth and get caught by the ICM. Little Ears is still laughing about that. the 1 person being Richard28

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:26 AM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

you see Obama would create a plan for you to have yogurt and eat it too....

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:28 AM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

seeings how that never happened...that was there excuse for getting rid of me...since i needed surgery so you shaws LIFERS can think what u want....pisshole company run by pisshead executives....i hope they go bankrupt from trying to rip off there customers..eventually people will realize that hannaford and super walmart are cheaper....

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:46 AM, Cherry wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Gee Richard28 and thekingofmaine --- get a room and just get it over with. You two are making me get all wet down there!

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 10:49 AM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

lol cherry....i used to work with thekingofmaine...were good friends...we just like rippin on each other about slots and shaws.....

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 11:15 AM, Tikitorch wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

KellyD I am just as baffled as you.... Yet they vote the bond issue in and now we have to find $$ to pay that back!!! WHere is all the $$ going to come from? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 11:30 AM, JJHampden wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

thekingofmaine and Richard28 need to move to another forum or take it outside, this page is for comments on the CASINO Vote.

The reason this failed is because of all the Serious Flaws in the legislation. We don't need to "buy a pig in a poke" and hope that Augusta will fix it later?

Get ALL the details Right and Corrected in Writing First, Then present it to the people of Maine. We are not stupid enough to trust Pat LaMarche.

Also We are not whores, and will not take jobs at any cost, we can get a Much Better deal by negotiating ALL our concerns First.

Mr. Soctomah is right, DownEast Maine needs jobs a whole lot more than the high-faluting west. If it's about jobs then why not the Native choice? Hmmm ?

.

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 11:32 AM, Maine62 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Pretty much the point I was making, this industry has the potential to create jobs that are no better than a Walmart or Grocery store.

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 11:46 AM, Maine62 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Here's a better idea, get the state to lower taxes to encourage Hi Tech + It to come to the state. These industries have very little OH + Transportation costs. It would def. help the brain drain that is occurring in our state. Think of it this way, recent engr grad could as distribution design engr in Portland with starting salary of 45,000 or in Boston with starting salary of 60,000. I know one of you will say it directly related to the cost of living. Spend a little time comparing the cost of rent in Portland vs. Boston, and the associated taxes, and you'll soon realize which is a better deal.

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 11:55 AM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

hey JJHampden i was commenting on the casino vote...pay attention before u tell me to do something....im glad it got voted down...now hollywood slots can have table games........

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 1:53 PM, Tikitorch wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

JJHampden wrote I agree that DE Maine needs the jobs but so does Oxford and with a Resort/Casino it seems like that may be more palatable for Maine and for Tourists. Plus this new Casino it seems would have paid a higher % of earnings to the state than HWS. It would not hurt the CIty of Bangor any taxwise... They would still get their taxes on the RealEstate and Personal Property at HWS...

Report abuse
On 11/5/08 at 2:56 PM, downbeat wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Bottom line here is people from portland should not dictate what we do in other parts of the state. There must be a way we can stick it to those people down there....

Report abuse
On 11/6/08 at 7:59 AM, Diana22 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

if you can't afford to live in Oxford county then move,...it doesn't mean build a casino.

Report abuse
On 11/17/08 at 10:18 AM, linkesc14 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I voted no on the proposal to build a Casino in Oxford. Why, because it written in a way that it would be the only Casino allowed in Maine. What about changing Bangor's racino to a casino? Would that have flown??? And what about the Indians proposals to build a casino in Washington County???? Why do we always so no to the Indians??? I'm not an Indian and I can see through that. Yes for some and no to others. The problem is we don't even have a plan by our State leaders let alone a backbone. This is the most disturbing bunch of politicians we've ever had, most of which are Democrats. Let's get ride of all the bums down in Augusta and have a "REAL CHANGE".

Report abuse
You must be logged in to post a comment. click here to log in.

Powered by: Creative Circle Advertising Solutions, Inc.