It’s a very small step in the right direction, but it’s (slightly) better than nothing: a letter to the editor, signed by various Everett personalities, was posted to the Everett United Facebook page yesterday, and it included the phrase “Everett United, a Wynn supported group.”
The letter is reprinted in full below:
Everett has always been a tough and resilient city. Like our much lauded football team, we play hard. Multigenerational rivalries, competition and decades old slights and offenses long forgotten add to a complex culture. Politics here is a beloved full contact sport.
Those of us who call Everett home have been both shocked and amazed to see long time rivals, disparate ethnic communities and diverse political factions coming together united in a common vision for Everett’s future.
The Wynn Resorts proposal for a world-class resort complex in Everett has sparked imaginations and ignited Everett pride. It has made us question our ideas about what our community can be and the kind of city we might just be able to leave to future generations. Many preconceived notions about our little city and our inherent inferiority complex are truly being questioned. Just listen to the reactions as neighbors look at the project renderings with the gleaming tower, lush landscaping and waterfront parks. “I can’t believe that could be in Everett!” is heard over and over again.
The financial implications are truly game changing with a one time payment of $30 million, ongoing yearly payments of $25 million, additional tax revenue from hotel and food taxes and much more. This turbo-boost to our City’s beleaguered tax base is a foundation upon which we can build. There will be a vigorous debate about how these funds are allocated and how we agree on shared priorities for the future of our city but this staggering opportunity is within our reach.
People across the city have come together to support this project and this new vision for Everett’s future. Over 1500 signs promoting the Saturday, June 22 vote blanket the city. Everett United, a Wynn supported group made up of Everett residents and business owners, has over 800 members and a large, enthusiastic and dedicated team of volunteer precinct captains, door-to-door canvassers and phone callers spreading the word to fellow neighbors. Their very active Facebook site is closely monitored by thousands of Everett residents supporting and monitoring the project’s progress. 18 current elected officials, the Chamber of Commerce, over 100 local businesses and numerous others have come together to endorse the project. Everett’s leaders have put politics aside to stand together in a way none of us have ever seen before.
Ultimately the decision on which community gets the sole license for our region, the billion-dollar plus investment, and all the jobs and benefits that come with it lies with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. This is a competitive process with Everett, Milford and East Boston all in contention for one available license. Everett is United and standing together as never before. It is crucial that everyone comes out to vote on Saturday, June 22 to make our voices heard and show everyone that no one wants it more, needs it more or deserves it more than the City of Everett. It’s our time.
Mary Boever
Robin Brickley
Paul Dobbins
Tom Fiorentino
Vincent Ragucci
Roger Thistle
This is, of course, verification of what we already knew, essentially. Nevertheless, it’s good to see a public record of it. Obviously, it’s not nearly enough: one letter to the editor, stuffed in amidst a flurry of other Facebook and web site messages that make no reference to the Wynn Resorts/Saint Consulting Group/Everett United nexus, will reach only a small percentage of Everett United’s audience. And even among those who read the letter, the phrase “Wynn supported group” may not click unless it’s repeated prominently over and over.
