SALEM — Residents will have a chance to express their opinions about slot machines to state leaders next month at a community forum.
Salem is one of 11 municipalities hosting a community discussion on expanded gambling. A summarized report from each discussion will be submitted to the New Hampshire Gaming Study Commission.
Sen. Mike Downing, R-Salem, said he hopes there will be a good turnout.
"I'd certainly encourage all residents and businesspeople to come out and express their opinions about this, whether it's pro or con," he said.
Though the Salem community has long supported bringing slots to Rockingham Park, Jim Rubens, chairman of the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling, said the daylong discussion might change a few minds.
"I'd like to see free flowing discussions, answering the hard questions," Rubens said. "Once these lengthy discussions happen, you'll see people's opinions slowly change."
The New Hampshire Gaming Study Commission is charged with assessing the economic impact of various forms of expanded gambling, including slot machines, and assessing the impact it could have on the state's quality of life.
"The conversations won't be limited to picking one side or another, but rather getting deeper into the issues to find out how people feel about them," said Martha Parker, project director for the discussions.
The commission has been meeting since September and is expected to issue a final report to Gov. John Lynch in May.
But slot machines will likely become a hot topic in Concord much sooner than that. Longtime slots supporter Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester, has proposed legislation to allow slots in the state, though the text for the bill is not yet available. Downing is a co-sponsor of that bill.
The state Senate approved a budget last year that included allowing 12,000 slot machines to be installed at five locations around the state. But slots were removed from the budget by a subcommittee before the House voted on it.
Last year's legislation asked for slot machines to be installed at Rockingham Park, Seabrook Greyhound Track, The Lodge at Belmont, and two other locations in the North Country.
Supporters of slots said they can be part of the solution to state budget woes and bring jobs to the state. Opponents said slots increase crime, take revenue from local businesses, and promote a culture of debt.
The discussions, "What's at Stake? Community Conversations to Weigh the Benefits and Risks of Expanded Legal Gambling in New Hampshire," are scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 13. The discussions are sponsored by the University of New Hampshire.
In addition to Salem, discussions will be held in Berlin, Concord, Conway, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Littleton, Manchester, Portsmouth and Rochester.
The venues for the discussions have not yet been announced. Those who wish to participate must register in advance. To register, visit WhatsAtStake.unh.edu, or call 877-338-5322.
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