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Examples of signs urging yes and no votes on Question 3 set for the Nov. 4 Election Day ballot. Passage of the question would repeal the 2011 casino gambling law.
((CAROLYN ROBBINS / THE REPUBLICAN))
HOLYOKE -- Four of the five city councilors listed on Councilor Anthony Soto's press release urging a no vote on one of the Nov. 4 ballot questions said they didn't authorize use of their names.
Soto said he spoke with councilors Todd A. McGee, Daniel B. Bresnahan, Joseph M. McGiverin, Howard B. Greaney and Jennifer Chateauneuf about participating in a sign-holding stand-out Tuesday (Oct. 28) to urge that voters vote no on Question 3.
Question supporters seek to repeal the 2011 law that legalized casino gambling -- a yes vote would repeal the law. Those like Soto who are opposed to the question said the region needs the jobs and development a casino would bring, such as the $800 million MGM Resorts International plan set for Springfield.
"As a Holyoke city councilor I am proud to join my fellow councilors Daniel Bresnahan,
Jennifer Chateauneuf, Howard Greaney, Todd McGee, and Joe McGiverin in supporting and joining the Coalition to Protect Mass Jobs and The Vote NO on 3 campaign," Soto's press release said.
But McGee, the Ward 6 councilor and councilors at large Bresnahan, McGiverin and Greaney said Soto listed their names in the press release without their consent. Chateauneuf, a councilor at large, couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Holyoke Ward 2 Councilor Anthony Soto
"I did not speak to anyone about this press release but I am in favor of all economic development as well as the wishes of the voters," Bresnahan said. "I will be voting no on Question 3."
McGiverin said he probably would have joined Soto in a vote no on Question 3 stand-out, if his schedule permitted, but he would have wanted to read a press release with his name on it before it was issued.
"I just look at the whole issue as jobs and development. I wouldn't say yes to (Soto) unless I could see the press release first," McGiverin said.
Soto said his having spoken to the councilors and then issuing a press release appeared to be a case of miscommunication.
"Absolutely, miscommunication with these guys. I respect them all," Soto said.
The press release notes the effort to support construction of a casino is in line with the work ethic evident for years at factories like the former Parsons Paper mill on Sargeant Street here.
The press release bearing Soto's phone number and email address concludes:
"Speaking for myself, I don’t do much gambling, but I see the entertainment choices and the complimenting businesses this project can generate.
"We are Holyoke the birthplace of volleyball, the home of wonderful people and a happy neighbor to our sister city of Springfield. We look forward to future and mutual benefits.
VOTE TUESDAY, VOTE NO ON 3 AND FORJOBS WE CAN FILL."