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Ballot question rejected

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002 | 11:13 a.m.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine -- Voters in Old Orchard Beach will not be among those weighing in on the casino issue in November.

Councilor Eber Weinstein proposed a ballot question that asked whether voters would support a casino if it resulted in reduced property taxes.

The question was then amended to ask residents whether they support a casino, without any reference to property taxes. Councilors rejected putting the issue on the Nov. 5 ballot by a vote of 4-1 earlier this week.

Weinstein cast the sole vote in favor of the referendum question, saying he had wanted to gauge public opinion on the project envisioned by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Indian Nation.

Other officials said they believed the question would be unnecessary because casino gambling remains illegal in Maine.

"I think the thinking was, 'Why put it before the voters when it may never have any validity?' " said Town Manager Richard Haberman.

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