City-wide or Ward? Who will vote on a casino in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Before there can be a casino in Western Massachusetts, the town or city must approve one.  

There are two options:

1. A city wide referendum where everyone in the city has a vote. 
2. Or a ward-only referendum.  That means only people in the ward where the casino could eventually be built will have a say.

If nothing is done the city will have a ward only vote. 

The city council has the power to make it a city-wide referendum.

Springfield Communications Director, Tom Walsh, told 22News Mayor Domenic Sarno supports a city wide vote.  That was also the consensus from the people we talked to.

William Alston of Springfield said, “I think it should be the whole city to have a say, it's more fair that way.”

Christie Langlois also agreed, “I would think the entire city, it's a casino its going to affect everybody.”

The earliest that vote could take place is the spring of 2013.