Holyoke mayor reverses casino stand, again [View all]

http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/central-massachusetts/Holyoke-mayor-reverses-casino-stand-again/-/11983998/17769226/-/rxoqx8/-/index.html



Holyoke mayor reverses casino stand, again
Published 5:47 PM EST Dec 13, 2012

HOLYOKE, Mass. — Holyoke's mayor has reversed course again and is now halting all casino development plans in the western Massachusetts city.

Alex Morse said in a statement on Thursday that he regrets his earlier decision to consider negotiations with developers interested in bringing a casino to Holyoke.

The 23-year-old mayor also said he would return $25,000 "grants" paid to the city by two potential developers who sought to have their proposals reviewed.

Morse defeated an incumbent mayor in 2011 after running on a strong anti-casino platform. But he stunned backers last month when he announced a new "strategy" to entertain casino proposals. He cited the possible impact on Holyoke of a casino in nearby Springfield.