By JON BAKER

LINCOLN  ---  Over the past six-plus months, Town Council member John Flynn has often voiced his opposition to proposed “24/7” gaming operations at Twin River.

Turns out he’s also not too keen on the possibility the casino could remain open all day and night on weekends only.
In response to what he says are several bills currently before the General Assembly pushing for “24/3” gambling hours at Twin River, Flynn recently drafted a resolution requesting the House Finance Committee attend a meeting before residents to discuss such a possibility.
Flynn had hoped that his resolution would be passed at Tuesday night’s council meeting, but  it was tabled.
“It was referred to the ordinance committee because of a legal opinion voiced by our town solicitor (Anthony DeSisto),” Flynn said. “He told the council that, until we changed our council rules about such, all resolutions should be referred to the ordinance committee first. In this instance especially, Tony indicated that would be the right thing to do.
“It didn’t bother me, as (Council President Jeremiah T. O’Grady) has scheduled a special meeting on March 31,” he added. “My goal simply is to get this resolution passed and recognized by the General Assembly before April 1 … I know there are bills before it that propose ‘24/3’ gambling at Twin River; that is, it would remain open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, and also Sunday if Monday proves to be a holiday.
“My hopes are that if members of the House Finance Committee came to a meeting held in Lincoln, and heard opinions from enough people, they would take into consideration the feelings of those most affected by this.”
According to town activist John Barr II, the resolution is in response to the hearing held in Newport about six weeks ago, when the House Finance Committee gathered at the old Newport State House to discuss proposed “24/7” gambling at Newport Grand and Twin River.
“About 95 percent of the video lottery terminal (VLT) revenues come from Lincoln, and I thought it was wonderful to have that meeting down there to address the issue, but I think the people in Lincoln deserve the same consideration,” Barr stated. “About two weeks ago, John and I wrote a letter to Steven Costantino, the committee chairman, requesting that we in Lincoln get the same courtesy. We suggested holding a community meeting, either at CCRI or Davies Tech, or even the new Lincoln Middle School or the high school.
“We haven’t heard word, and I think that’s John initiative behind the resolution — to move it from the back burner to the front burner,” he added. “We’re just looking for a hearing on any bills that deal with the expansion of gambling at Twin River.”
During a special election on Nov. 10, about 20 percent of registered Lincolnites (a record number) turned out to vote on two non-binding referenda, the first being “24/7” gaming. Sixty-five percent voted no as did 59 percent on the second question, related to expanded operations, including (but not limited to) table games.
The most significant turnout, not surprisingly, came from the Lime Rock district: 71 percent rejected expanded hours. Only the Manville district liked the idea, with voters narrowly endorsing 24-7 gaming, 311-307.
After those numbers came out, O’Grady stated that night, “The two things I’m looking at are the aggregate votes, and those votes in my district (Saylesville). The votes that came out at Saylesville Elementary School, those numbers are bigger than the town’s numbers … This is why we wanted a mandate, and I think we have that now -- big turnout, big rejection.”
Of the 628 registered Saylesville voters, 68 percent opposed 24-7 operations.
“I’m sympathetic to people who live in that area (of the casino),” Flynn said Thursday. “There’s a lot of noise, traffic and litter, and I believe those things would only get worse with increased hours. I can feel for those people, and they shouldn’t have to put up with it.
“If we have this meeting with the House Finance Committee, those concerns would come out,” he added. “I don’t think they’ve changed … I’m just following the wishes of the voters, who decided during the Nov. 10 special election that they were dead-set against 24/7 gaming hours.
“The meeting could be held at any time, though ideally, evening would provide the best setting as those who work could get there to voice their opinions.”