PORTLAND (AP) – A group representing Maine’s tourism industry has lined up in opposition to a proposed resort casino in southern Maine, saying the facility would exacerbate the industry’s seasonal labor shortage.
In urging voters to reject the $650 million casino project, the Maine Hospitality and Tourism Alliance also said the casino would have unfair advantages, such as exemptions from certain corporate taxes.
The group also questioned the rationale for giving the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes a monopoly on casino gambling in Maine.
Half of the group’s members – the Maine Innkeepers Association, Maine Merchants Association and Maine Restaurant Association – previously announced their opposition to Question 3 on the Nov. 4 ballot. But Thursday’s announcement made clear that Ski Maine Association, Maine Campground Owners Association and Maine Tourism Association also oppose the project.
The stance by the alliance does not represent the entire hospitality industry. A group calling itself the Tourist Advisory Group, made up of approximately 25 motels, hotels and inns, last week announced its support of the project.
The tribes say the casino and resort would create 4,740 new jobs, making it one of the state’s largest private employers.
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