McBride, Campbell React to Positive Casino Referendum Response

Selectman Stephen Campbell admits that it was a surprise that such an overwhelming majority of voters submitted ballots in favor of a non-binding casino referendum on Tuesday night.

"I think we all thought that a majority of the people supported it," he said, "but it's hard to imagine 81 percent of the people supporting anything."

The town's new Casino Advisory Committee, which appointed six residents on Monday night, is set to meet for the first time tonight. Campbell is the Board of Selectmen representative to that committee.

"If God forbid (the casino referendum) had lost...I think our meeting tomorrow night would have been a lot less enthusiastic," he said.

Campbell said he has reached out to five of the citizen appointees. There are certainly goals for the committee to start out, the least of which is helping voters understand the figure delivered by state Sen. Chuck Morse (R-Salem) of a $13.5 million annual revenue for Salem.

Campbell noted that other areas of exploration for the committee are finding an understanding of what the casino legislation requires in terms of the value of the casino that has to be built, and the impact on property taxes.

As for the casino referendum vote swaying Salem legislators in the House, Campbell said he will speak to a representative or two in the coming months on the oft chance that they are open to some new argument, but that he understands the lawmakers who have philosophical reasons against gambling.

"There are some people out there that honestly they think that it's not good for society – I can respect it even though I disagree," said Campbell.

Selectman Everett McBride, Jr. figured the referendum vote would be positive.

He said that the 81 percent voter tally gives the state representatives and senators who are in favor of the legislation some "mojo" to go up to Concord and convince some people.

McBride noted that the election turnout was fantastic, and with only 32 blank casino referendum ballots, he expects that is why many came out to vote.

He also guaranteed that the 81 percent approval of casinos is the highest that Salem has ever seen on a casino referendum.

"I hope it will sway Salem," said McBride. "With four (Salem legislators in the House) up in the air, hopefully they will take this to heart and rethink this position."

While the representatives are polarized, all five Salem selectmen have endorsed a casino at Rockingham Park.

Senate Bill 152 will reach the N.H. Senate floor tomorrow. We will have full coverage on Salem Patch.