Selectmen to Discuss Effect of Expanded Gaming Bill

The will be holding the first of a series of special meetings to discuss how it can best preserve and protect the interests of the town while considering the passage of a revised gaming bill on Beacon Hill.

If the bill passes it is possible that a casino could be located in Milford.

The meeting will take place tonight at 6:30 in the , 18 Main St. Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Carolyn Dymeka will be in attendance.

"The sole purpose of the meeting is to have an open forum to discuss the bill with the town citizens who attend," a press release reads.

Chairman of the Selectmen Todd Cestari urges all with an interest in this matter to attend tonight's meeting and to contact legislators and all of the leaders on Beacon Hill.

"will do what it can to ensure Hopkinton is afforded the ability to protect its interests," Cestari said. "The board has limited power at the state, but the collection of voters throughout Hopkinton and neighboring towns has the power of numbers. I urge all voters to let their feelings on this issue be known."

Selectmen of Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton and Natick met last week to discuss the proposed bill that could place a casino in Milford and the impact it would have on surrounding towns.

"It's clear that such a drastic policy change, combined with a project of this magnitude, has substantial implications beyong the borders of the host community," Cestari said. "I believe it's the obligation of our state lawmakers to provide the community with not only a voice, but direct influence on any such project and the mitigation efforts to be required."