Saugus chamber considers casino questions

SAUGUS – Gambling took center stage at the Saugus Chamber of Commerce?s annual breakfast Tuesday morning, as elected officials and representatives from Suffolk Downs fielded questions about the effects a potential casino could have on Saugus businesses.Around 60 people attended the breakfast at the Hilltop Steak House on Route 1, including state Sen. Tom McGee D-Lynn, State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein D-Revere and Chip Tuttle, the Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs.As a former employee at Wonderland Racetrack, Reinstein said she believes in the opportunity gaming brings to the area.?The opportunity to create jobs and infrastructure and growing the economy, the possibility of developers working with businesses, it?s a very exciting time,” said Reinstein.Reinstein said she couldn?t put a timetable on the project because a gambling commission hasn?t been formed yet.?It?s a very long process,” she said.Tuttle said he sees Suffolk Downs as a “gateway to the North Shore,” and noted that a new casino there would only build on its 77-year-old relationship with surrounding communities, especially local businesses.?I think Suffolk Downs has a legacy as a good neighbor,” said Tuttle. “We?re going to look to businesses to be suppliers, there?s no need for us to source suppliers from North Carolina, the legislation doesn?t allow us to. We?re going to look to have small business partnerships and we think we could have a considerable effect on the Boston area?s already strong tourism economy.”Reinstein said Saugus is in a unique spot between tourist destinations like Boston and Salem, which will help businesses along Route 1 if a casino is built at Suffolk Downs?Community involvement is paramount in this legislation,” said Reinstein. “Saugus is in an incredible position because it?s Route 1 with all of the businesses. There are so many good restaurants and the whole vendor program in the bill says (developers) can?t get their contracts out of state. We?re keeping our tax dollars here and we?re keeping out business here. It?s a great pro-business piece of legislation.”Sean Grant, the director of the Chamber of Commerce, was happy with the turnout Tuesday, and said he hopes to keep the chamber growing over the next year.?If we continue this process, we?ll be able to double this next year,” said Grant. “The response has been great by the business community.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].