Da Silva to Hold Community Meeting in Plymouth, as County Agrees to Seven-Decade Lease for Wood Lot

Democratic Hopeful Decries Casino/Racetrack Proposal, Denounces Lack of Transparency

(PLYMOUTH) – Carlos Da Silva, Democratic candidate for Plymouth County Commissioner, will host a community meeting at the Plymouth Public Library on Monday, August 15th, from 6 to 8 p.m., where he will be joined by guest speaker Steve Bolotin, a Member of the Plymouth Planning Board.

Da Silva has been steadfast in his opposition to the plan by Boston South Real Estate Group, LLC, and the current County Commissioners, to build a horse track or casino on the County Woodlot in Plymouth. He is the only candidate in the race to publicly take a stand against the proposal last Spring, prior to its defeat by an 88% to 12% margin in the Plymouth Town Election in May.

( Da Silva campaigning recently with two supporters in Plymouth; photo credit — The Committee to Elect Carlos Da Silva)

“Here in Plymouth County there is a local conversation that must be had regarding integrity, transparency, and the environment regarding the proposed horse racing track in Plymouth County. Let me be clear: I oppose the development of this racetrack in Plymouth, and I am disappointed, but not shocked, at how the Plymouth County Commissioners have approached this issue,” said Da Silva.

“This racetrack is an ill-conceived plan that the citizens of Plymouth have been shut out of by the County Commissioners, with the potential of being both environmentally and economically harmful,” continued Da Silva.

“I can assure the citizens of Plymouth and Plymouth County that as your Commissioner, I will be transparent, and act in your best interest in these decisions.”

Indeed, the utter lack of transparency of the County Commissioners was thrown into relief by their recent conduct, signing a lease of the County Wood Lot with Boston South Group, LLC, a cutout corporation for the O’Connell clan of Quincy developers, not for the advertised term of just three years, but, effectively, for a whopping 73 years (Boston South is allowed a 70 year renewal period, according to the lease, at its discretion).

Under these circumstances, a County Commission that is not the owned subsidiary of out-of-town corporate developers who want to rake in private profits at the expense of the public good, would be a very welcome change. In recent days, Da Silva was endorsed by both current Plymouth Planning Board Member Francis Mand, and former Plymouth Selectman Patrick Flaherty.

Da Silva, who works as an auditor for the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, resides in Hingham with his wife, Rita, and their two children.

The Democratic Primary is on September 6th.