Friday was the tale of two messages so far as a third casino is concerned in Connecticut.
On the same day Rep. Chris Perone urged for further study of the prospect of a third casino in Connecticut, the two tribes pushing for that facility started an ad campaign meant to focus on jobs, what they believe is at the crux of the issue.
Perone, a Democrat from Norwalk who chairs the Commerce Committee in the General Assembly says he thinks there should be an independent review that looks at all facets of a third casino that would include economic impact.
"Let’s do the research" Rep. Perone said. "Let’s understand what we’re going to be voting on next year, if it going to happen next year, and do it right.”
The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes released an online ad meant to shine a light on what the stakes are if the state doesn't approve a third facility.
The ad highlights a study commissioned by the tribes that concluded that 9,000 direct and indirect jobs around Connecticut hang in the balance from the threat of casinos opening in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and upstate New York.
The ad shows different workers with numbers next to their names illustrating the importance of each one.
Lawmakers paved the way last year for a third casino process to begin. The two tribes recently dropped East Windsor from consideration.
Perone doesn't dispute the importance of the casino industry. He argues pause is a good thing considering the General Assembly isn't expected to act on approving a casino this session.
“Nothing is happening in the interim."
