Despite the promise of additional money for Lincoln, Town Councilman Keith E. Macksoud, whose district includes the Twin River gaming complex, had this to say: “I’m disappointed it passed...the General Assembly has gone against the wishes of the people of Lincoln.”

He said he was at least pleased that the bill included their three requests: limiting it to weekends and holidays; more money for Lincoln and a "sunset" provision in 2009.

“But the town has already said no. I think he [the governor] should veto it … He said he would leave it up to the people of Lincoln.”

Town Council Vice President James R. Jahnz said, “The expansion really doesn’t follow the wishes of the citizens of Lincoln. … If the governor sticks to what he said, he’ll veto it. That would go with the wishes of the community and the council."

Asked if the money was enough to assuage his displeasure, Jahnz said, “My real concern is that there is going to be a steady stream of traffic up from Providence after 1 a.m. We’re going to need additional police and fire” and road work.

He said he was somewhat resigned to the change.

“I’m not sure what the alternative is,” Jahnz said. “You can sit there and scream as loud as you want, but it doesn’t look like anyone is listening.”

Newport Mayor Stephen C. Waluk said his community’s position “has been and is opposition to any kind of increase in hours or table games, any kind of expansion of gambling without our approval and there has been no referendum. There has been no ballot question whatsoever on the issue so we remain opposed to it.’’

“We appreciate the governor keeping us in mind as well as the people of Lincoln who have spoken out against it as well,’’ he said.

“From my personal perspective, Newport Grand is a good neighbor. I have no problems with them whatsoever and I don’t even think this is their doing necessarily, but the the reality is this is an end-around the people of Newport having a say (in) what actually goes on in our own community.That’s bad. It’s bad at present, and it doesn’t bode well for the future when other casinos attempts are made to cut us out of the loop.’’

With the threat of 24-hour gambling in the wind, the Newport City Council voted unanimously in September for a resolution opposing 24-hour gambing and noting that “the citizens of Newport have voted consistently against the establishment and expansion of gambling facilities in Newport.’’