Middleboro and the regional task force

by Tony Lawrence

10/18/07 - The Town of Middleborough once again went to the Regional Task Force meeting in Lakeville and was refused a seat at the table. Nowremember, this "task force" wasn't assembled to wage war against Middleboro, wasn't assembled to investigate a gerrymandered creation that leaves Middleboro out of the "region" - it was formed to investigate and deal with the issues of a Casino in this area.

It's obvious they just don't want us.. what could we possibly have tooffer them? What do we know about casinos and their impact? Nothing, I guess: our Casino Study committee has probably just been out drinking and partying all these months - what could they have to offer?

Do they not want Middleborough at the table because of worries that we might try to further the Wampanoag cause? Or is it more in line with the stated policy of people like Mark Belanger of CFO who told a packed Oak Point crowd that he felt no obligation to present any information contrary to his anti-casino agenda? Is that the problem here - the Task Force only wants to hear one side of the story?

If I were a citizen of Lakeville or any of the other towns, I'd be rather incensed that my elected representatives would deliberately ignore information and insight that Middleboro has freely offered.. as it happens, I know people in Lakeville who are upset and
angry about exactly this and I'm sure they have plenty of company. It is unconscionable that this group acts in this manner.

When you remember that Governor Patrick's proposal wouldn't specifically site a casino in Middleboro, their actions become even more incomprehensible - if Raynham turns out to be a casino site, will they turn like rabid dogs and chase Raynham Selectmen out of the meeting?

I wasn't happy when Pat Rogers was selected to go grovel and beg for conclusion. His stubborn refusal to include Ruth Geoffroy indicated to me that he doesn't grasp the importance of this at all. But it doesn't matter: Pat was sent home just as Ruth was - they don't even want to hear an obsequious apologist.

The Town of Middleborough should not grovel to help the regional communities. We have offered their assistance and been repeatedly rebuffed. Perhaps "tough love" is the answer. Let the Regional Task Force hit rock bottom. Then they can approach us for assistance. I just hope that pig headedness doesn't keep the drowning RTF from asking for help before it is too late.

If any single community from the RTF, a Town Planner or community group worried about their town's future wishes for help or any information from the Town of Middleborough, the address is:

Middleborough Board of Selectmen

10 Nickerson Avenue

Middleboroug MA 02346.

I am sure they will offer you some help.

* Tony is a regular contributor to OakPointCommunity.org .