Questions About Committee Pushing to Expand Slots

By Susan Gravellese

The group pushing for a slot parlor in Revere is calling itself the “Revere Jobs and Education Committee.” As the vice-chair of the School Committee, it was strange for me to hear of a group calling themselves the “Revere Jobs and Education Committee” without a single elected leader in the City publicly stating their support, and without any information about what they will do to support education in Revere.

Additionally, it’s bizarre and unusual that nobody seems to know much of anything about Mr. Eugene McCain or his track record in business. Can Mr. McCain point to a single business or gaming facility in the region as an example of his group’s ability to create jobs or support education?

There is a reason why the entire School Committee, including the Mayor, as well as Superintendent Dianne Kelly have come out unanimously in opposition to Question 1 that seeks to increase the number of slots licenses.

Revere has spent years chasing the golden goose of gambling as a solution for our economy and our budget. But unlike in the past, there appears to be not a proven group behind this slots proposal with a track record of delivering results. .

In my opinion they’re proposing something that could damage our city’s reputation and cause more problems than it’s worth.

I do not see this plan saving Suffolk Downs or pumping money into our school system. It could get in the way of higher quality projects that could bring lasting, positive change to our community.

 In my opinion, the apparent lack of transparency surrounding this group should be alarming to all Revere voters, regardless of how they feel about gaming. In the interest of transparency, I would like to personally invite the Revere Jobs and Education committee to our next school committee meeting on Tuesday October 18 at 6:00 pm. We meet in the Ferrante School Committee room located inside of the Revere High School.

 When you appear before the School Committee, we’d like to know the answer to some of these questions: Who are you? Who is funding you? What is your plan to actually deliver results for Revere’s residents? And why should we put our trust in a group that hasn’t given Revere voters any information or details about who they are or what they’re proposing? Revere’s residents deserve answers to these questions. We’ll be waiting to hear from you.

Susan Gravellese is the Revere School Committee-Vice Chair.