The Region Shudders Again

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville

This hits especially hard right before the holidays.    Perhaps the recent layoffs of 300 workers at Mohegan Sun Casino shouldn't come as a complete surprise.    Nonetheless, it is a big blow to an already struggling eastern Connecticut economy.       Revenue is down as out of state casinos and a shaky recovery take their toll, but I can't help but wonder whether massive layoffs should always be the first option.   There is no doubt this region has historically depended far too much on a few giant companies like EB and Pfizer.   This leaves us susceptible to the decisions of too few.    New London County is not a remote market; it is halfway between New York and Boston with a great harbor and tourist attractions.     There is no reason why this region can't diversify.     If I ran a major financial or tech company, I'd prefer New London and vicinity over the traffic and costs that choke growth in places downstate like Fairfield County.    How big a wakeup call do we need?      I appreciate what our resort casinos offer; They are two of the finest in the world and I hope they can thrive for workers and the tribal owners.    That doesn't mean we should bet everything on them.