BOSTON -- For more than a year the governor, the speaker of the house and their outspoken supporters have faced off over casino gambling in Massachusetts. The one constituency without a formal voice as yet: the citizens of Massachusetts.

Recent polls suggest a growing majority of Bay Staters favor casinos. To deliver a true measurement of interest, we side with those on Beacon Hill favoring a non-binding referendum this fall, but with the caveat that multiple questions are asked to gain a better sense of public sentiment.

The first question is easy: Do you favor casino gambling as a new source of revenue for Massachusetts?

Who isn't in favor of reduced taxes, fewer potholes and bridges that can be safely traversed? The second question is harder and tests the NIMBY factor--- Not in My Back Yard!

Do you favor a casino gambling resort near your home or place of business?

Obviously the results would be much different and in our view a more accurate measure of desire. Presented this way, perhaps even Speaker DiMasi could support a non-binding vote.

The debate has turned acrimonious and certainly commanded the attention of everyone on Beacon Hill. It is now time to include the citizens of Massachusetts, in a non-binding referendum this fall, giving them an "all in" or "all out" choice on the issue of casino gambling.