AUGUSTA — A coalition including the Pennsylvania-based company that owns Hollywood Slots in Bangor has formed a political action committee to oppose a proposed casino for Oxford, Maine.

The proposal will appear on the ballot in Maine this November during a statewide vote.

The casino plan is being prompted by Black Bear Entertainment, a group of private Maine business people including Oxford residents Suzanne and Rupert Grover and Barber Foods owner Steve Barber.

 Citizens Against the Oxford Casino includes: the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs, the Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association, the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, and the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau, according to a release issued by the group’s spokesman Dan Cashman late Monday afternoon.

“What this boils down to is that Question 1 on this November’s ballot is a bad deal for Maine,” the group’s spokesman Dan Cashman, said in a prepared statement. “Proponents of Question 1 will talk about the promise of jobs and investment, but when you closely look at the proposal, the cons far outweigh the pros. We look forward to having a conversation with Mainers over the next several months to outline our concerns and explain why Question 1 would simply be a bad deal for Maine.”

Registered as an official political action committee with the state on Monday the group’s initial finance report shows it has about $43,000 in debts for a variety of services.

The group’s treasurer is listed as Michael K. Mahoney, a registered lobbyist for Hollywood Slots’ owners Penn National Gaming, Inc.  Another Penn National lobbyist D. Eric Schippers is also listed as a primary fundraiser and decision maker for the new PAC.

Also listed as a decision maker and fundraiser is Passamaquoddy Gov. William Nicholas.

Former Pat McGowan, gubernatorial campaign manager, Brandon Maheu is listed on the report as being the in-state campaign director.

The groups biggest expense to date was $35,000 for polling and survey research provided by a Virginia-based company.