c7a8aa85_owell_Candidate_Questionnaires___13_Term_Limits
[Candidate Name] Misitano, Rick [#1 Cas-ino] Yes On November 22, 2011, Governor Deval Patrick signed Chapter 194 “An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth,” legislation designed to provide significant benefits to the Commonwealth by advancing job creation and economic development. The intent is to create thousands of jobs for Massachusetts residents in the areas of construction, hospitality and tourism, while also generating $300 - $500 million in new revenue for the Commonwealth. The Gaming Act allows for up to three “destination resort casinos” to be located in three specific geographically diverse regions across the state and one single slots facility free to locate anywhere in the state. Penn National Gaming sought to develop such a facility in the Town of Tewksbury, which stirred much debate throughout the community. Under the current guidelines enacted by the state, the licensing fee for each “resort casino” is a minimum of $85 million and requires a capital investment (which must include a hotel facility) of at least $500 million. The Commonwealth will receive 25% of gross gaming revenues. The slots facility (which will hold up to 1,250 slot machines) has a $25 million license fee, and a minimum capital investment of $125 million and will be taxed at 40% of its gross gaming revenue. I personally feel that such a proposal can do great things for cities and towns across the state (including the City of Lowell) but under a MUCH smaller scale. Under the current law, in order for a gaming developer to be granted a license, they are required to present ‘MGM Grand’ types of plans to the residents of the city or town they wish to develop such a facility. Most communities don't want a huge Taj Mahal in their backyard. That is why I think there has been so much resistance by cities and towns across Massachusetts. The state should revise the law to allow gaming developers and the communities interested in pursuing such developments the ability to propose and approve much smaller scale facilities. One great example of such a facility is the Ocean Gaming Casino located on Ocean Blvd. in Hampton, NH. This is such a charming facility that was very elegantly designed as small scale gaming facility and is embraced by the town’s own amenities that surround it, such as the areas existing restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues. I could absolutely envision such an operation located in the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Lowell! However, since we no longer have a Marriott Hotel in Downtown Lowell, perhaps this could be of interest to the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center? Probably not, but it’s just a thought! The intent of the current gaming law to create thousands of jobs for Massachusetts residents in construction, hospitality and tourism, while also generating $300 - $500 million in new revenue for the Commonwealth is an admirable goal that I feel can work, but only if it is made more realistic for communities to embrace. [#2 Gar-age] Yes [#3 HS] Yes [#4 Sch. Funds] Yes [#5 Free Cash] Yes [#6 Plan E] Yes Yes. However, the only way such a form of government can effectively work would be under total transparency and complete accountability of the representatives elected and establishing clearly defined responsibilities for the city manager who would also be held to the same level of total transparency and complete accountability. For our current form of government to effectively work, elected officials also need to work with various neighborhood groups and seek out the opinions and ideas of the citizens of the City of Lowell and include them as part of the decision making process by holding quarterly or semi-annual public forums or hearings to allow citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns on major issues that would impact the city, including holding special elections on any major important issue that could substantially affect the community at large. [#7 CM Cont.] No No. I believe that ALL hired city positions should be “AT-WILL” positions. [#8 Retain Lynch] Yes I would absolutely be willing to consider retaining the current City Manager as an “At-Will” employee. However, if needed, consider negotiating a new limited term contract vs. seeking to replace the current City Manager, BUT only after thorough deliberations with the Council in order to make certain all concerns are heard and all issues raised are clearly addressed to ensure he remains a good fit for the Council and the city at large going forward. [#9 Boards] Yes [#10 Dist. Votes] Yes [#11 IRV] Yes I would not be opposed to exploring some kind of IRV (Instant Runoff Voting) or some other form of voting reform. Upholding the principle of majority rule and accommodating genuine voter choice are paramount for a democracy. Instant Runoff Voting would empower voters to rank candidates in order of choice and would uphold the goal of majority rule, providing more strength and integrity of “one voice, one vote”. [#12 Vote 17] Yes [#14 Full-time Mayor] Yes [#15 Chick-ens] No Personally, I have had a very negative experience with past neighbors keeping roosters in their back yard. Having to deal with the odor and debris that would fly around on windy days was one thing. Dealing with the noise at all hours of the day and night was another. The same issues would also apply to chickens. Honestly, I am not in support of such a blanket ordinance that would affect the city at large. I realize allowing such a thing seems harmless to some, but there are real concerns and issues at hand, such as the public's health and the right of quiet enjoyment for all residents in the City of Lowell. There is a reason why zoning laws exist, and I just don’t think allowing such a variance would be good for the city as a whole. [#16 Bar Hours] Yes I do not support a blanket reduction of late hours for all alcohol serving establishments in the city. Rather, I do support a reduction of late hours for alcohol serving establishments as enforcement for those establishments who violate city ordinances and state law. I have a zero tolerance policy for proprietors who choose to operate their businesses with a disregard to following the law or preserving the rights of quiet enjoyment by the neighborhoods that surround them. [#17 Yard Waste] No [#18 Comm. Taxes] Yes [#19 Max Res. Factor] No [#20 West-view Rd] Yes [#21 Rogers St] Yes [#13 Term Limits] 
No City Councilors already have term limits. They are called elections.
2013 Left in Lowell Candidate Questionnaires
#13 Term Limits