BIDDEFORD — In a surprise move, the City Council voted Tuesday to approve putting a referendum question on the November ballot asking residents whether they want harness racing and a racino to locate in the city.
After the unusual step of entering into executive session early in their meeting ”“ executive sessions are typically held to the end of the meeting ”“ the council returned to the public portion of the meeting to present the racino item.
The concept of bringing harness racing and an accompanying racino to Biddeford had not been discussed in a public forum prior to the vote. A number of those in the audience pointed this out and expressed their objection to a council vote.
According to Edward MacColl, the attorney for Scarborough Downs Harness Race Track owner Sharon Terry, the idea to relocate the racetrack from Scarborough to Biddeford had been discussed within the harness racing community since this past winter. He said talks with Biddeford city officials began several months ago.
Harness racing without a racino is economically unfeasible, said MacColl. Although Maine voters approved a referendum to allow the establishment of racinos in 2003, no community within the limited perimeter around Scarborough Downs where racinos could be allowed has approved putting slot machines within their boundaries. So now Terry wants to move her existing operation, plus a racino ”“ and the estimated 900 jobs that go along with both ”“ into Biddeford.
The average annual salary per job is estimated at $34,000 annually, said MacColl.
It’s the promise of all those jobs that are the selling point for Mayor Joanne Twomey, who said during her tenure as a state representative she consistently opposed gambling.
As mayor, she said, she had to leave out some of her beliefs from her decision-making process.
“This is about jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Twomey.
With the downturn in the economy and the need to finance a more than $30 million bond to renovate Biddeford High School, “When I hear someone wants to bring jobs, I have to listen,” said Twomey.
“People are hurting,” she said. “Do I see this as the magic pill? I don’t know.”
Members of the public spoke against the issue.
“I don’t support it,” said resident Wayne Mcbreairty, but he said he was glad the council was putting the proposal before the voters to be decided. He also said he was concerned that out-of-state companies would be involved and take their profits with them instead of reinvesting money in Maine.
“I couldn’t believe how this thing is fast-tracked,” said resident Denis Rioux. “I haven’t heard anything about it.”
Rioux said there is a need for more information to be brought before the public, and added, “Do we want to be known for MERC and a racetrack and slots in Biddeford?”
Before the issue is put on the ballot, there should be some indication if the public wants to consider it, said resident Matthew Hight. He said putting it on the ballot “is not a neutral act” because that action would spur significant sums of money to be spent to convince residents to vote yes.
“This is not the way to move forward,” said resident Richard Rhames, who lamented the loss of manufacturing jobs in the city. “I think it’s just lame.”
The majority of councilors favored the proposal. In a 7-2 vote, only councilors Jim Emerson and Clement Fleurent voted against it.
“I think this is a good thing,” said Councilor Raymond Gagnon, who said he believes it will bring jobs and money into the city.
“I look forward to the vote and I look forward to the day I can go there,” said Councilor Rick Laverriere.
Councilor George “Pete” Lamontagne said, “Let the people decide.”
Prior to the referendum, there will be a number of public hearings on the proposal and the issues surrounding it, said MacColl.
But for the time being, he and Terry were closed mouth about many of the details.
MacColl made no mention of a specific location for the development and said they were looking at several sites in the city.
He wouldn’t comment on who else might be involved in the project. However, said MacColl, Terry, a Maine resident for 40 years, wants to retain active leadership in the track and racino.
In addition, even if Biddeford residents vote in favor of the proposal in November, the project developers will still have to work out a contract with the city that will put cash in Biddeford’s coffers as well as provide for needs arising from the project.
There is a racino associated with Bangor Racing, the only other commercial harness racing track in the state.
A vote to allow table games and slots at a casino in Oxford will be on the November statewide ballot.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be reached at dmendros@journaltribune or 282-1535 Ext. 324.
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