November 7th, 2010 – by Danny Kirk
Though Maine’s referendum question on casinos had been faced with heavy opposition from the beginning, the question managed to be passed with a yes. Framework had been laid for a casino in Oxford county, but opposition had decided to not give up.
Several opponents to the casino in Maine have begun to request a recount on the vote, though time is running out on their ability to do so.
According to state rules, those who want a recount must submit the signatures of 100 people who voted on November 2nd to the Secretary of State’s office.
The opponents to the casino vote have until Tuesday to submit the signatures.
Only 7,000 votes kept the opponents of casino expansion in Oxford, Maine from passing. While the margin may not be enough for the “no” vote to become a reality in the recount, the slim line is still enough to warrant checking into the validity of the initial account.
Should the “yes” vote remain intact, a proposal by Black Bear Entertainment LLC will establish a $165 million dollar resort casino in Oxford, Maine. Table games and slot machines alike will be incorporated into this casino, making it the first of its kind in the state.
Proponents argue that the millions of tax dollars that could be generated, as well as the enormous number of jobs that could be created, as the major advantages of the casino.
The possibility of a degraded social structure, including broken homes and similar damages, have been toted as the drawbacks, and subsequently the reason for a repeal of the “Yes” vote.