The New Year brings brand new debates on the video slot machine matter. The attempts to bring slot machines to Revere's racetracks have stumbled upon the fierce arguments inflamed by the local politicians. Supporters suggest that this venture would not only increase the local tax margins but would also aid in keeping the local jobs.
A new bill was proposed for the new legislative session that allows for minimum 2 percent of gaming proceeds to be distributed among the host municipalities and 0.5 percent among the adjacent communities. The previous bills have proven to be unsuccessful when the most recent attempt failed by 16 votes in the House. Ever since, the Legislature has experienced quite a few alternations, but the new less conservative speaker gives some hope to the supporters that this year the bill will finally launch success.
Councilor George Rotondo of Revere is one of the supporters has come up with a unique proposal. He has suggested asking the council to launch a public hearing on a referendum that would verify whether the residents wish to have slots at Wonderland Dog Track and Suffolk Downs. Rotondo has pointed out that slot machines have generated $33.5 million in the previous year and expressed his confidence that Revere residents will support the issue. Yet, he believes that slots are too influential to be decided on a state level. However, a November referendum may create quite a few problems as far as the debate is concerned, where the lawmakers would be prompted to postpone the local voters rather then forwarding the vote this spring.
