There has recently been a call by Oak Bluffs voters for thoughtful discussion around the many issues surrounding the Monster Shark Tournament. During last week’s selectman’s meeting, selectman Michael Santoro suggested that the town should consider asking for a portion of the gambling payouts called Calcuttas as a way of generating town funds to offset the increased security costs associated with sponsoring the shark tournament.</p>
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
There has recently been a call by Oak Bluffs voters for thoughtful discussion around the many issues surrounding the Monster Shark Tournament. During last week’s selectman’s meeting, selectman Michael Santoro suggested that the town should consider asking for a portion of the gambling payouts called Calcuttas as a way of generating town funds to offset the increased security costs associated with sponsoring the shark tournament.
Calcuttas, sometimes known as Captain’s Bets, are wagers placed by the shark fishermen. Winning payouts go to the boat crew that catches the largest shark in the tournament. The winning payout in 2011 was $180,000.
I believe that the citizens of Oak Bluffs would benefit from an open discussion on the specific details of this unregulated and quasi-legal betting operation that transpires each summer on the harbor front during the shark tournament.
The public may be interested in the records of bets placed, the amounts, categories of wagers, tax records of revenues received and disbursed as well as documentation of existing town oversight of this gambling activity.
Since Mr. Santoro has publicly raised the possibility of utilizing a portion of these gambling proceeds for municipal purposes, it seems an appropriate time for you to consider investigating the scope and impact of Calcuttas on the town.
Thank you for your attention to this important shark tournament related issue.
Steve Maxner, West Tisbury
Comments
How fatigued I am that folks
Skip Finley Oak BluffsHow fatigued I am that folks from other towns choose to criticize and denigrate my favorite town and offer nothing but complaints. Our town houses much of the shared infrastructure of the Island--MVRHS, YMCA, The Hospital, the SSA, the ice Arena, the Skatepark. Recreationally Oak Bluffs provides parks, beaches, Fireworks, restaurants, dancing and children's activities. Our history is rich and robust. If we were one Island and not 6 towns, Oak Bluffs, with 8% of the land, accounts for 23.5% of the taxes paid--compared with, for example, West Tisbury with 25% of the land and 15.7% of taxes paid. It seems those from other towns if they were wont to offer criticism--would first find ways to compliment. For example, the trees in West Tisbury are magnificent...
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