Rev. David Lima on Casinos: All That Glitters Isn’t Gold

In addition to opposition from the fishing industry, a local clergyman is also taking a strong stance against a New Bedford casino.

Reverend David Lima of the Inter Church Council of Greater New Bedford was a panelist at Wednesday night's forum on KG Urban Enterprises' casino proposal. He tells WBSM's Brian Thomas if Connecticut's Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos are any indicator, Greater New Bedford residents could lose much more than a few hundred dollars on the gaming floor. "These places have, within their buildings, lending offices. At one time they actually owned more mortgages in the state of Connecticut than the banks did. They held more paper," said Lima.

Lima says before Connecticut welcomed casino gaming, only two gambling addiction treatment centers existed. Today there are 24.

As for their plans, Lima accuses KG Urban Enterprises' representatives of not being forthcoming with complete details and strategies that would address many of the concerns raised by constituents. "Everything is going to be figured out after the agreement's done, after the vote is taken. So have no real concrete things. We have concrete 'if it happens," says Lima.