Southeastern Massachusetts mayors meet

Fall River, Mass. (WPRI) - Four Southeastern Massachusetts cities are teaming up to bring their communities together and make their economies stronger.

Monday, the mayors of Bristol County held their first quarterly summit.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and Taunton Mayor Tom Hoye met in the office of Fall River Mayor William Flanagan.

Attleboro Mayor Kevin Dumas was unable to attend, but his city is participating in the effort to make Bristol County economically stronger.

During Monday's meeting the mayors touched on several topics, including the possibility of expanding a rail line from Boston to Southeastern Massachusetts.

They say it would cost more than a billion dollars, but the intense boost it would give to the area would be lasting.

Mayor Hoye and Mayor Mitchell agreed on the importance of keeping the technology company Meditech in Fall River.

Another issue discussed was the possibility of a full-fledged casino in Southeastern Massachusetts.

The mayors say they would continue to support each other if their city was knocked out of contention.

"If Fall River were to ever be out of the running, I would definitely throw my support behind New Bedford or Taunton, or whatever city it might be," said Mayor Flanagan.

"What benefits Fall River benefits New Bedford, benefits Attleboro, benefits Taunton," said Mayor Mitchell.

The Mayors hope to hold a summit every quarter, with the next meeting planned in late May in New Bedford.