Staff Writer

 Developers of the proposed Biddeford Downs are reassessing their options after the Senate last week rejected a bill that would have allowed racinos in Biddeford and Washington County.

Biddeford Downs Spokesman Crystal Canney said project partners Scarborough Downs and Ocean Properties are disappointed by the 19-15 Senate vote. The Senate initially voted in support of the bill, which will now go to a statewide vote in November.

“The developers and partners are stepping back and reassessing their options,” Canney said. “We feel so strongly this was a bill about jobs for Biddeford and Washington County. It would be hugely beneficial to put people back to work.”

Scarborough Downs Owner Sharon Terry has proposed moving the harness racing facility to Biddeford and partnering with Ocean Properties to build a $120 million hotel and racino. Biddeford voters in November approved the plan in a local referendum.

Canney said if passed, LD 1203 would have created 800 construction jobs and 500 full-time jobs in Biddeford. The state’s general fund would receive more than $50 million over a two-year period, she said.

Supporters of the plan say racinos provide much-needed jobs and support the harness racing and agricultural industries. Opponents say the issue should go to statewide referendum because voters should have the final word on any expansion of gambling in the state.

Gov. Paul LePage indicated last month he would reject the racino bill if it was passed by the Legislature.

Representatives of Mainers Against a Rotten Deal, a group formed in opposition to the racino, predicted voters in November will reject proposed racinos in Biddeford and Washington County and a casino in Lewiston.

“I think those folks hurt themselves with their lavish spending,” said Marc Worrell, president of the group and a Biddeford resident. “Maine voters are hard workers with strong family values and they know that free money with no consequences is just a fairy tale. There’s no free lunch.”

Biddeford Mayor Joanne Twomey, a vocal supporter of the Biddeford racino, called a press conference last Friday to express her disappointment with the vote and vowed continued support of the project. She was joined on the steps of city hall by local business owners.

Twomey said her phone “has been ringing off the hook” since the Senate vote. She said people are “very concerned and disappointed about the vote.”

“I’d like to send the message that the 59 percent and growing of people who voted for jobs are still enthusiastic and committed to this project,” Twomey said. “Biddeford is open for business and we’ll do whatever we can.”

Twomey said she supports the racino because the city desperately needs jobs and revenue. She said she was disappointed the entire Legislative delegation from Biddeford except Sen. Nancy Sullivan voted against the bill.

Sullivan said after the first Senate vote on the bill she initially had concerns about the proposed racino because of the way the Biddeford City Council voted to put the project on the local ballot. The wide margin of support prompted her to spend more time discussing the issue with constituents, she said.

Sullivan said she spent a lot of time talking to “everyday residents” who told her repeatedly the city needs jobs.

“I felt I am the voice of the people It was not my voice only that needed to be heard,” she said of her decision to vote in favor of the racino.

Grady Sexton of Grady’s Satellite and TV in Biddeford said he was “very disappointed” because he expects elected officials to vote with the majority of their constituents.

“In the next election remember who didn’t support you,” he said.

Vincent Keely, owner of the WonderBar in Biddeford, said residents will stand together to fight for the racino. He supports the plan because he said it will bring jobs and revenue to the city.

Ernest Lowell of Saco, a blacksmith who makes a living shoeing horses, has spoken in favor of the racino both locally and at the State House. He encouraged voters to back the plan because it supports the harness racing industry.

“This is all Maine has left for live animal agriculture,” he said.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.