Anti-gambling Mass. mayor now backs casino plan

HOLYOKE (AP) - A western Massachusetts mayor whose opposition tocasino plans helped him win last year's election at age 22 is now supporting abid to bring a gambling resort to town.

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse is expected to announce Monday that he is backingplans for a casino near Interstate 91 on the side of Mount Tom.

Morse says he changed his mind because a casino would be a big boost to thecity's struggling economy. He acknowledges flip-flopping on the issue and isprepared for a backlash, but he says it's in the best interests of the city.

A 1-year-old law allows up to three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts,but just one in the western part of the state. Three major casino operatorshave proposed gambling resorts in Springfield.

Cox Media Group