Backers of Maine casino hope to force a Nov. vote

Turn in petitions signed by 90,000

December 23, 2009|Glenn Adams, Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine - Hoping to force another referendum next year on whether to allow a casino in western Maine, supporters turned in petitions yesterday that they said have more than 90,000 signatures to state election officials.

“The voters are ready - ready for economic development,’’ said Peter Martin of Black Bear Entertainment LLC, which wants to develop a four-season casino-resort in Oxford.

To get an initiative on the November 2010 ballot, at least 55,087 valid voters’ signatures must be submitted by Feb. 1. That number is based on 10 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Martin said the casino backers gathered 100,000 signatures, submitted about 90,000 to the Secretary of State’s office yesterday and plan to turn in the remainder, which include names from the Portland and Lewiston areas, in the weeks ahead.

Maine voters have repeatedly rejected such initiatives since 2003, when a proposal by two of the state’s Indian tribes for a $650 million casino was turned down. Since then, state voters have rejected casino proposals in the Canadian border city of Calais and last year shot down a proposal - widely seen as flawed - for a casino in Oxford County.

However, voters did approve a proposal in 2003 to allow slots near harness racing tracks, which opened the door to Hollywood Slots in Bangor.

Martin said casino backers are confident this time around, given the economic malaise and lack of jobs in the state.

“People of Maine are tired; they’re frustrated,’’ Martin said.

Martin said the casino expects to employ 1,000 people by its third year.

If state officials find enough signatures to trigger a vote, they must first send the proposal to the Legislature, where rejection is likely. Governor John Baldacci also opposes casino expansion in the state. Legislative rejection or a veto would send the proposal to voters.

Martin defended the proposal, saying it drops the language in the last one that drew heavy criticism, such as a provision to lower Maine’s legal casino gambling age from 21 to 19. He also called it “the largest private education stimulus package ever offered in the state of Maine.’’

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