4. STATEMENT BY
AREA LEGISLATORS
OPPOSING THE CASINO

Governor John G. Rowland Room 202, State Capitol Hartford, CT 06106

February 25, 2002

Dear Governor Rowland:

As you are already aware, the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation is considering a proposal to build a casino on 500 acres of land near the former Union Carbide headquarters located on the Danbury-Ridgefield border. This proposal is of great concern to the members of our legislative delegation. After many regional meetings and research, we are strongly opposed to any action which would result in a casino operating in this location.

The establishment of a major Indian gaming facility in this region would have a serious adverse effect on the local governments and communities surrounding Danbury through loss of tax base, inconsistent land use patterns, traffic congestion, adverse environmental impacts, negative economic and social consequences associated with gambling, and a decline in the overall quality of life.

We appreciate your unique role as governor in casino negotiations, but respectfully urge you to join us in opposing the creation of any more casinos in Connecticut, particularly any proposals to construct a casino in Danbury. We thank you for your efforts on behalf of the residents of the towns we represent and look forward to working with you toward this end.

Sincerely,


Senator David J. Cappiello, 24th District, Bethel, Danbury and New Fairfield
Senator Judith G. Freedman, 26th District, Redding and Ridgefield
Senator John McKinney, 28th District, Newtown
Senator Andrew W. Roraback, 30th District, New Milford and Sherman

Representative Clark J. Chapin, 67th District, New Milford
Representative Julia B. Wasserman, 106th District, Bethel and Newtown 
Representative David A. Scribner, 107th District, Bethel and Brookfield
Representative Mary Ann Carson, 108th District, New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman

Representative Bob Godfrey, 110th District, Danbury
Representative John H. Frey, 111th District, Ridgefield
Representative Pat T. Shea, 112th District, Newtown
Representative John E. Stripp, 135th District, Newtown and Redding
Representative Grace Scire, 138th District, Danbury

cc: Municipal chief elected officials of HVCEO