Official Statement of Bill Walczak on Suffolk Downs Casino Mitigation Agreement:

“The Trojans at first thought the horse was a great deal too. I unequivocally believe a Suffolk Downs casino will do irreparable harm to Boston, its residents, its cultural institutions, and its legacy.”

I consider the mitigation process to be inherently flawed, and if elected mayor, I will automatically reopen this agreement with all available avenues under the law.  For example one major flaw in this process is the largest stakeholder of Suffolk Downs, Vornado Realty Trust, has still not been properly vetted to hold a casino gaming license.

History has shown that agreements with Vornado are not necessarily observed.  This company has already demonstrated an unwillingness to cooperate with the City of Boston in its ownership of the Filene’s building, which was left a cavernous hole during their ownership from 2008 to 2012.    As such, Vornado’s involvement with Suffolk Downs should give all Bostonians great pause.  Unvetted private interests should not be determining the future of our city.”