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Issue 3 passed on November 3rd, awarding Penn National Gaming the ability to install casinos in four Ohio cities including Columbus. Voters in Franklin County opposed the casino proposal 58% to 42%, and so did every other Central Ohio county. A local movement is being started by Jon Myers and Chuck Hootman to remind Central Ohioans that just because Penn National is allowed to build a casino here, it doesn’t mean that they have to.
The duo have started up the “Casino Free Columbus” movement that aims to block the development of the Arena District Casino in favor of allocating resources towards better jobs, local businesses and smarter development. The movement is pushing for educational advocacy that will build a large vocal population that will make it known that the Columbus community will not support the Casino.
More information about Casino Free Columbus can be found in this article in yesterday’s Other Paper, as well as both Facebook and Twitter.
I don’t think that the amendment that passed was near as good as it could have been, and I think it’s mainly the fault of the anti’s that never came to the table and worked towards a compromise that addressed some of their concerns. It was very much an all or nothing ‘gamble’ for the anti-casino voices.
Continuing this in a spirit of frustration seems like a waste of resources. It would seem that it’s time to quit trying to stop it and start addressing the concerns that are associated with it. I’m tired of politics that seem more driven to “build a large vocal population” than on achieving a realistic, targeted goal.
I’d definitely go for a local referendum on the subject. We the voters can say that we prohibit extending sewer lines or water service to any casino and thus they would be unable to go through with the project.
@Roscoe: The amendment was written by the casino companies, who then collected the signatures for it, and got it on the ballot. There wasn’t an opportunity for people of other opinions to work on the language before the vote – it was what it was. Judging by the results of the election, a pretty large majority of people in Central Ohio voted against the amendment. If we don’t want a casino, why can’t we try to stop one? Toledo, Cincinnati and Cleveland would only stand to benefit – I think people there would vote for an amendment to the amendment. The only loser would be Penn National.
Before this gets too far along, I would suggest a better twitter name. Casinofreecolo ??? Colon? Colorado?
But yes, I’m all for a local movement to stop this crap.
@joev: The amendment was written by the casino companies only because no other voice stepped up. The issue has been voted on several times before and the anti-casino lobby should have seen the handwriting on the wall and come to the table. The problem with refusing to compromise is that when you lose, you’re worse off than if you would have worked together.
John I’m all in brother, I mean ready to march with pitchforks in, just let us know how we can assist.
And BTW, it was a pleasure to meet you Wednesday.
@Roscoe – The best possible outcome in that situation would have been two or more gambling issues on the ballot. I don’t think there’s a lot of room to compromise when my position is: No casinos. Fighiting this is the best outcome now that the election is over.
Rally the troops!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wRkzCW5qI
I can see another iPhone app in the works! :)
@Roscoe – You seem to have absolutely no idea how the process of Constitutional amendments in Ohio occurs, particularly this one. The cost of entry for an Amendment to the gambling interests was relatively small compared to the returns expected, so they had every incentive to keep tossing them up until one finally stuck. Penn National et al had no interest in crafting something with a broader appeal under this system and they didn’t. Suggestions like an amendment which created casino licenses for auction were ignored as Penn National et all had no desire to do anything but get their monopolies.
There are parties staunchly opposed to all forms of gambling, but the principals in this particular anti-CMH-casino effort are not those.
A.
I am 100% behind this effort, and will look for any opportunity to help as it develops.
@Roscoe – There is a “realistic, targeted goal”
Stop a casino from being built in Columbus, Ohio.
Roscoe,
So, every time some well-financed interest group decides to ram some self-serving ballot measure or amendment through the voters, we should embrace them with open arms? Even if it’s completely detrimental to our quality of life, culture and vision for our city?
I respectfully disagree. Entering the fight late is still better than never, and we have every right to put down our feet and say enough is enough. Besides, Whether it’s the first time or the one thousandth time a casino operator proposes building a casino in our city, we have the right to say no and stop them each time, every time. Eventually, they’ll get tired of wasting their time and money here, and move on.
Besides, it’s not like there aren’t other cities or towns and places in Ohio that wouldn’t welcome Penn National and Co. with open arms. Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo voted for Issue 3. All the casino-propopnents need to do is look at the election returns map and find another area where the majority voted in their favor.
I’d be thrilled to help out however I can. I don’t have any experience and very little knowledge of local politics as it pertains to zoning, referenda or other means that may prevent casino construction, but I would be happy to help with research and/or marketing/publicity efforts.
The overwhelming positive response and willingness to join in has been incredible. We’re working hard on putting together the basics like the website, which will detail the opposition and the specific means of action that we can take to stop the casino.
I should make it clear that this is a grass-roots effort. There is really no organization we’re trying to form. It’s about you, it’s about me.
Roscoe, let me be clear. This isn’t about politics at all. This issue is about community. I’m more than happy to call out Republicans or Democrats alike on this issue. Especially, politicians who sold us out and took casino money to keep quiet. They’re screwing this community.
It makes you a crook in my book.
In terms of “being at the table” and working towards a compromise. What table are you talking about? I don’t think Bill Bennet and the authors of the amendment or the casino interests he represents gave a damn about public input or compromise.
Lastly, regarding public input to shape the concerns around the casino.
Keep dreaming.
This is a well oiled machine with infinite resources, an army of lawyers, and an organization that has hit the ground running. It’s not like they haven’t dealt with opposition before and they know how to appease the public with this input fantasy.
We plan on learning from the successes of other cities anti-casino movements and replicating those efforts here.
I was very glad to see this here this morning; I am looking forward to seeing what we can do to help.
I wish best of luck. Like said its better late than never.
The problem is that the casino is on such a tight schedule already and another ballot issue in May will even be too late to stop this from happening. A future ballot issue can make the amendment more appealing such as raising the tax rate, etc. which I think would have broader support (myself included).
Keep in mind the amendment itself prevents lawmakers from interferring and fighting this amendment could be a negative impact on all previously passed amendments (smoking is public places could return)
At this point, I think local officials, neighborhood organizations, and other community groups should actually be focusing their efforts to make sure this casino is built right.
Good luck with the effort.
Thanks… The more I dig into this issue, the more I’m completely sickened by our city and state politicians. I’m trying really hard to identify politicians who weren’t on the take with casino interests.
We’ve got a fight on our hands.
Prior to the election I talked to as many people as I could about why they should vote no. After the election I was left feeling like I didn’t do enough. Learned my lesson and I am looking forward to an opportunity to get involved.
Very cool. I don’t see a problem organizing. It will definitely be a diverse bunch: from the anti-gambling people to the pro-gambling but anti-issue 3 people to the not-in-my-backyard folks.