Walsh said he dislikes gambling but believes it may be necessary to fund public projects. He does not hold much hope for the success of Weld's proposal, in part because he remembers John Briston Sullivan, who unsuccessfully fought to put a floating casino and hotel on the Charles more than 40 years ago.
"The lottery tickets have certainly worked, and the casino is something we have to look at," Walsh said. "For example, when we have national health care, we may have to have a national lottery. It's the only way to pay for it."
Some Cambridge political groups indicated that while they have not yet discussed the issue, they could take a position on it in the future.
Leslie said the constitution of the Cambridge Civic Association bars the group it from taking a position on the issue until discussions reach the city level.
"My own sense is that it would become appropriate [to take a position] if it came to affect Cambridge," said Leslie. "At this point, it's still a state issue."
David Good, a volunteer for the Cambridge Alliance, said no member had raised the issue yet.
But he said that it was quite possible the group would weigh in on the possibility of using floating casinos to raise money.
R. Philip Dowds, a Cambridge resident who is active in local politics, said he believes the proposal is an effort to distract the public from seeking reforms in the tax code that would ask the rich to pay more and, thus, raise more revenue.
"My own view is that the entire American tax code was made regressive during the 1980s," Dowds said. "I see this shenanigan as a dodge to avoid the reworking of the tax code that is necessary."
But for Dowds as for others, it's also a moral issue.
"I certainly suspect there's money to be made in gambling," he said. "There's also money to be made in drugs and prostitution."
Governor William F. Weld '66 wants a megaplex with a domed stadium that will keep the New England Patriots in the Boston area. But in order to pay for that plan, he wants to raise funds from state-sponsored gambling. If Cambridge gets involved, he could be in for a high stakes political battle.
I certainly suspect there's money to be made in gambling. There's also money to be made in drugs and prostitution. R. Philip Dowds, civic leader