The “YesQuestion1” last week opened up a campaign headquarters in Tiverton, Rhode Island, part of the more than 0,000 that Twin River Management Group has spent so far to persuade voters in the state and town to support moving its casino from Newport to Tiverton—right on the border with Massachusetts.
The “Citizens to Create Jobs and Protect Revenue Inc” H.Q., where supporters can ask questions, obtain campaign materials such as lawn signs and buttons, is “an ongoing presence in the community,” according to Twin River spokesman Patti Doyle.
The ballot measure, which will be voted on November 8, would authorize moving the existing $75 million casino, add 30 table games and build an 84-room hotel.
As is usual with such contests, the opponents characterize the campaign as a David versus Goliath contest.
Roger Belanger, of “SaveTiverton” a property owner who would be the casino’s next door neighbor, told the Newport Daily News, “It’s amazing the amount of money these people are spending to ruin our town. We don’t have the resources and money to match their campaign. And we won’t get any support from Newport because they don’t want it.”
Residents of Newport have twice defeated measures that would have allowed the casino to add table games.
Local supporters point to the 350 to 400 jobs that will be created by the new casino and the $4 million that would be paid to the town each year.
Although SaveTiverton knows that it will be vastly outspent, its members do plan a “very tightly focused big bang” as November gets nearer.
