Nonbinding casino referendum approved by Sanford selectmen

SANFORD – Voters will have a chance in November to voice their opinions on the possibility of a casino coming to their community.

Several southern Maine communities have already rejected the idea of hosting the Foxwoods-style casino envisioned by the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes.

The tribes have decided to hold off on a proposal that would allow casino gambling in the state until the next legislative session, when Gov. Angus King, a staunch opponent of the project, is out of office.

The tribes have not approached Sanford officials about locating in the area, but selectmen said they want to gauge sentiment on the issue. Selectmen voted Tuesday to place a nonbinding referendum on the ballot.

The wording of the question will be discussed at the selectmen’s next session. Roland Cote, the selectman who proposed the ballot question, said there would be no point in pursing a casino if residents opposed it.

“If people are not interested, as far as I’m concerned there’s no need to pursue it further,” he said.

Cote said the referendum would help selectmen decide whether they should research the project further and explore such issues as the availability of land, the effect on roads, schools and law enforcement and how the town might benefit.

“This area is hurting for job opportunities,” Cote said. “Maybe this is one way, maybe not. Many questions need to be answered.”

Kittery, York and Berwick residents have rejected the idea of a casino in their communities.