HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB) – Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse has again changed his position on possibly having a casino in his city, and now says he will no longer entertain talks over a possible project there.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Morse noted that “Today, I am halting all consideration of casino development in the City of Holyoke.”
Morse adds that the city will return the $25,000 grant money that was submitted by Paper City Development and Iron Horse Entertainment Group head Eric Suher as part of the application process.
Two and a half weeks ago, Morse held a press conference announcing that, while he opposed the idea of a casino in Holyoke during his campaign, he said that his administration was “shifting strategies” and would begin talking with developers who had an interest in building a casino in Springfield.
In his statement, Morse acknowledges the potential positive impacts of having a resort casino in the Paper City, as well as the possible negative impacts of one being developed elsewhere in western Massachusetts, but he says that “Initiating this process was a mistake and I accept that responsibility.”
After what Morse calls “a lot of listening” from residents, friends, and other city leaders, he decided that “Our city cannot afford to be diverted by this conversation. At a time when our community needs unity of purpose, a yearlong debate over locating a casino within our borders will only sow division and discord.”
To read the Mayor’s full statement, CLICK HERE.
ABC40 will have more on this story starting on ABC40 News at 5:00 p.m.
wishy washy = bad politics
Ya he don’t belong in office yet. You can def tell the age
By your post I assume you are about 12 years old?
Guess the political suicide of the first flip flop got the better of him
He just lost my respect he is making a big mistake !!!!” Awhile back the city voted on the question of having a casino in holyoke and everyone wanted one so the city is like the mayor now of all a sudden the voters say its a bad idea my god looks like our citys and state will be in a hole for a life time !!!!!!! Thank you voters
He’s learning the flip/flop very young in his so to be short carrer…
You really should proofread your posts so you don’t sound like such an idiot.
He’s like weather in New England…wait a second and he’ll change.
I don’t really think he flip flopped at all. He stated he would listen to the proposals and he did. He never stated e had a predisposed opinion on whether or not e was going to agree with the proposals. It would have been irresponsible for him not to entertain something that had possibilities of improving the city. He reviewed the proposals and did not accept that they were in the best interest of the city. Unfortunately, “mayor makes educated decision” doesn’t make a great headline. Stop being sheep an think for yourselves people.
Very informed opinion, Jeffrey, thank you.
How much was he paid off to change his mind. If Springfield does get a casino I will never go. Rather take the trip to CT. Sure is safer there.
Mayor Sarno rejected his invitation to talk about the effect of casinos on surrounding cities and towns, so he felt why bother if no one is interested in talking
Wow looks like ya could do a better job so why not try and be the mayor of your town just to see how many people u make happy its a tough job next election u should run