BIDDEFORD — As Tuesday’s election draws near, those on both sides of Question 2, which would allow racinos within 25 miles of Biddeford and in Washington County, are pulling out all the stops.
With millions at stake for racino/casino developers, the campaigns are heating up, with both sides spending money and making accusations against their opponents. More and more commercials are appearing on Maine television stations to try to convince residents to vote one way or the other as Election Day approaches. Voters will face two gambling questions on Tuesday: Question 2 allowing the Biddeford and Washington county proposals; and Question 3, which would allow a casino with table games and slots in Lewiston.
Those on either side of the gambling debate say the other side is confusing voters about how money would be gained or lost for K-12 education funding with yes votes on the two gaming initiative questions.
On Thursday, Ocean Properties and Scarborough Downs, developers of the proposed Biddeford Downs, which they say would feature a $120 million racino and hotel complex, responded to what they termed a misleading flyer that has been sent to voters across the state by anti-casino proponents.
The flyer tells voters that approving Questions 2 and 3 “puts at risk” nearly $25 million in state funding to K-12 education ”“ the amount proponents of the yet-to-be-built casino in Oxford County say their casino would generate.
The flyer is funded by other gaming interests ”“ the Friends of Oxford Casino PAC, a political action committee formed by supporters of the Oxford casino that was approved by state voters last year. Friends of Oxford Casino opposes both Questions 2 and 3.
State Sen. Roger Katz, who sits on the Appropriations Committee and stood with developers of the Biddeford racino at a Thursday press conference, said the anti-casino flyer is misleading.
“Question 2 will not cut a nickel from K-12 education and in fact could help provide about $3 additional million for college scholarships to fund Maine students at Maine community colleges and universities,” he said.
To address the flyer, Question 2 proponents have put out their own commercial addressing education funding; it states not only is money directed to college scholarships, but also an additional $30 million could go to K-12 education.
Now charges of confusing voters are being flung by the other side.
“That’s one of the most misleading ads I’ve ever seen,” said Casinos No! spokesman Dennis Bailey, whose organization opposes all new gaming proposals in Maine.
The state projects that $30 million would be raised for the general fund by the two racinos, but the wording of the question does not specify any money directly be used to fund K-12 education.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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