Somerville Mayor Pushes for Anti-Casino Ballot Question

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone has joined a coalition of state leaders that is proposing a ballot question to repeal the state's 2011 gambling law, according to MassLive.com.

That law allowed casinos in Massachusetts, and one casino proposal, put forth by gambling mogul Steve Wynn, is proposed for Everett, a stone's throw from Somerville.

According to MassLive.com, the coalition plans to collect signatures late this summer and fall in an attempt to get the referendum on the 2014 ballot.

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley will need to determine by Sept. 4 if the ballot question is constitutional, the news website says.

Curtatone has spoken forcefully against the casino proposal in Everett.

MassLive.com said coalition members acknowledged the ballot question would be an uphill battle, but the news website also noted the effort could confound casino developers until the issue is settled.

Read the whole story at MassLive.com.

More coverage of the Everett casino proposal:

• Everett Voters Approve Casino at Somerville's Doorstep
• Curtatone on Everett Casino: 'I Have a Deep and Grave Concern'
• Neighboring Charlestown Scrutinizes Everett Casino Proposal
• Casinos: Majority of Somerville Reps Against Them