Koczera Will Vote “No” On Tribal Casino Compact

Rep. Robert Koczera of New Bedford says he'll be voting against the casino compact agreed to by Gov. Patrick and the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, and he hopes his colleagues will do the same. 

The tribe is hoping to build a resort casino in Taunton, but has yet to convince the federal government to put land in trust for the project. 

Koczera says approving the compact will only create a false sense of hope.  He says the land-in-trust issue could take years to resolve.

Speaking on WBSM's Mid-Day live program, Koczera says the State Gaming Commission should consider license applications from commercial gaming firms, so the region can take advantage of the jobs and revenue opportunities a casino would provide.