Earlier this month, the Wolves Social Club in Sanford, Maine applied for a license to have video poker machines for their organization. The group would use the money they made from the machines to give to the various organizations they help throughout the year. They donate to the Red Cross, United Way, Maine Children’s Cancer Program and the Sanford Mainers and many others. On December 4th the town council voted 3-4 against the club’s application.
This past week the Wolves Social Club and other members of fraternal organizations went before the town council to question why their application had been denied. The president of the club, Norman Hutchins, stated that the Knights of Columbus had been approved in October and questioned why they had not. He also stated that the other clubs were in attendance because they wondering why they also would not receive a license. The council said since the October decision there had been changes to the council.
Hutchins told the council of the good that would come from the earnings of the video poker machines. Council member Maura Herlihy wanted to see proof that the earnings go to the charitable organizations. Hutchins stated that the state police monitor the games and evidence of misuse of funds is prosecuted immediately.
During the meeting a motion was set to reconsider the application for the club but was shot down again 4-3. For the application to be considered again at a meeting all members must be in agreement to add the item to their list of issues. So the application would not be added or considered.
Herlihy stated that she and other council members had voted against the machines any time they are submitted for licenses. She suggested that the club resubmit an application for a license and it could possibly be approved at a later meeting.


- 2007-12-26