Letter: 'We Can Make the Voice of Opposition Loud and Clear'

Editor's Note: the following letter was distributed Friday by Steven Trettel and John Seaver, co-chairmen of Casino-Free Milford.

Milford has a long rich history steeped in pride and tradition. Many families, including ours, have roots in Milford, dating back several generations. We have proudly watched our families and extended families grow, all making the decision to live in Milford. Instilled in us as children, that sense of love and pride in community is what inspired us to give back to Milford, each becoming involved in the Church and town affairs.  

Through the years, we have seen Milford change, grow and develop, becoming a thriving community.  We now have access to major highways and continue to welcome many new citizens, businesses and housing developments to the area. Juxtaposed with the older, more traditional areas of Milford, this growth and expansion was not done lightly. Town officials ALWAYS gave careful consideration to the preservation of our community and our way of life.

Very soon, the Milford Selectmen will consider no less than a transformation of our community with the introduction of a destination resort casino. Like you, we believe that a mega-sized gambling complex has no place in a residential area and would forever alter the character of Milford and the quality of life for our children. After minimal research into communities that have accepted casinos, we are convinced that the negative effects are even worse than we had imagined.

So as residents of Milford, we are now at a “Crossroads.” We can remain silent and risk allowing our silence to be misinterpreted by town officials, permitting them to vote in favor of pursuing this project or we can make the voice of opposition loud and clear. Our Selectmen can end further negotiations with the casino developer NOW! Write to them.Call them. Email them. We can send this developer packing just as the Foxboro residents did. 

Please join us as we voice that opposition at the Selectmen’s Meeting this coming Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. Stand with us! Wear RED in opposition! Let them hear you! Let’s preserve our community!

Sincerely,

John Seaver

Steven Trettel

Co-Chairs, Casino-Free Milford