SOUTH PARIS, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Clergy from a variety of congregations throughout western Maine spoke out against the proposed resort casino in Oxford County. The men and women of various faiths held a rally in Moore Park to explain why they are asking their parishioners to vote against the plan.
"We're concerned about our community," said rev. Dallas
"We know what's coming, we know what we are going to be facing as pastors," he continued. "We do counseling. We do family therapy. We do things - we help families get together and stay together."
The pastors say they are not opposed to the proposed Oxford casino just because they have moral reservations against gambling. They stated they also do not believe the facility will bring the economic benefits to their region that are being promised by the casino's backers.
"No where in America have casinos proven to be the economic machines that their promoters have claimed," said Rev. Henry. "The truth is casinos benefit only their owners. Casinos add nothing to the economy and instead, take money and jobs away from already established and struggling businesses."
Supporters of the casino proposal released a statement in response to the rally held by the pastors' group. Rob Lally, co-owner of Black Bear Entertainment said," Our proposal will create an estimated 2,700 jobs in a region that is now experiencing double-digit unemployment. We feel that creating this kind of economic opportunity is the best way to give the people of Oxford County a renewed sense of optimism for the future. Giving families the opportunity to support themselves with good-paying jobs and benefits is one of the most important components of supporting families in Maine."
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