I recently made a mini-documentary about the Alden Shoe factory in Middleborough. Alden is one of the few American footwear companies that still produces shoes in the US. Here's the link to the video and article that appeared in yesterday's Globe.
Middleboro resident James Reynolds is chronicling the anti-casino effort on Middleboro - Worst Casino in the World. Dan Kennedy points out another anti blog: Gladys Kravitz: Middleboro's Nosy Neighbor.
Middleborough goes 'all in' is the lead story in the paper and yet never mentions that voters actually voted against the casino in a, granted, non-binding, voice vote. The Herald does note the voice vote in its story.
The Outraged Liberal is confused:
... I've scoured the lead story in the Paper of Record three times for a mention of what I've read in The Herald, on Blue Mass Group and in Media Nation -- namely that right after voting 2-1 to approve the deal, those left at the high school held a non-binding vote turning thumbs down on casinos in general.
What gives Metro Editor Brian McGrory? Why is there a paragraph in the online version but not in the dead tree version? Is everyone else wrong and the Globe correct? Or are you planning a major takeout follow-up on Monday? ...
They voted against the casino in a non-binding hand vote, but yes in a binding ballot-box vote. The matter now moves to the state legislature.
Sabutai reports from the Middleborough town meeting:
... One major note in this meeting was the "Orange Shirts". Money came from somewhere to emblazon stickers, hats, and t-shirts with the slogan "vote YES for Middleboro's future" adorning several dozen attendees. An IBEW bus dispatched about a dozen such people right as my bus was letting off, all with matching chairs and carrying spring water. We entered the registration area together in front of my bus. They did not register or receive a ballot, but sat with Middleoboro residents and participated in voice and hand votes. I'm not sure whether these non-residents were organized by unions or corporations. ...
He also notes how the selectmen chairman moved to cut off debate before any non-elected local residents could speak.
Dan Kennedy analyzes the votes, says they show voters pretty clearly don't want a casino in their town:
... That is a clear message that though the voters believed the proposed deal was the best they could get, their preference is no casino at all. Over and over, the townspeople have been told that if they rejected the deal, the casino would be built anyway, and the town would get far less than it would by signing the agreement. Thus the "yes" vote on the agreement was entirely predictable. ...
Already, supporters are basically calling people who oppose the casino Klan members. Dan Kennedy, who grew up in Middleborough, explains why he thinks the town should vote no this Saturday:
... A casino would severely harm the quality of life in Middleborough for generations to come. A chaotic public gathering, held just a few days after the agreement between town officials and the Wampanoags was made public, is no way to resolve this. I also question whether even a majority should have the right to do this to fellow townspeople. ...
David posts a copy (PDF) on Blue Mass. Group.
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