Jackpot or bust?

Sunday, 02 April 2006

Local officials hedge bets on possibility of legal gambling; most seem to say we might as well get ready.

By BRIAN HORN
brianhorn@sanduskyregister.com

While gambling supporters are gathering signatures for a constitutional amendment on the November ballot to allow slot machines at Ohio's seven horse tracks, local officials are weighing in on the positives and negatives of legalized gambling in this area.

Though it is not in the cards right now, gambling could have a big effect on this area if it were allowed in Erie County.

Those in favor of it point to the money that leaves Ohio when gamblers visit nearby states to spend their money. But others worry about the increased traffic gambling would bring to this area, and the negative effect the temptation could have on families.

According to Erie County Commissioner Nancy McKeen, Erie County has a prime location and gambling would fit in very well.

"Let's face it. We're on the lake, we've got Cedar Point, we got a lot going for us," McKeen said. "I'm not a proponent of gambling at all, but if it's going to be all around us, I'd rather keep the money in Ohio and in Erie County preferably."

Perkins Township trustee Bill Dwelle said he understands how gambling would fit in this area, but worries about the family and financial problems it could create.

"Personally, I'd rather see us work at creating an industrial and business environment and creating the jobs through that, as opposed to... all of a sudden having gambling all over the place," Dwelle said.

After allowing slot machines, the proposal would also allow local voters in counties with slot machines to vote on creating casinos after four years, according to media reports. The amendment also calls for separate locations in Cleveland and Cincinnati. A chunk of the proceeds would be used to fund higher education, the media reports said.

State Rep. Chris Redfern said the current proposal is too narrowly defined to allow the growth of casino gambling to communities including Sandusky or Erie County.

The proposal also is a referendum to change the state's constitution, which is a difficult task to accomplish, he said.

"I'm going to work hard to not necessarily push for lobbying here in Erie County, but at least to make it -- so in the future if that's an option Erie Countians want to pursue -- they have the ability to at least investigate it and pursue it," said the Catawba Island Twp. Democrat.

Perkins Township trustee Tom Pascoe said he, personally, is not a big fan of gambling, but, as a trustee, allowing gambling in the state is a no-brainer.

Pascoe said the busloads of gamblers heading to Canada and Detroit willing to spend money could spend that money here. Perkins Township could specifically benefit from the tourism it could bring not only in the summer, but other seasons.

"I've got a lot of empty motel rooms, I've got a lot of restaurants and I'd like to see them all full, all year long," Pascoe said.

Matt Miller, Put-in-Bay trustee, said the issue has not been researched enough, but there are a lot of implications that would have to be worked out.

"I think some of the bad publicity that goes along with it would raise some questions," he said. "I'm not one to say never, but there are a lot of things to fall into place."

Perkins Trustee Tim Coleman and Sandusky City Commissioner Dannie Edmon said they would have to weigh the benefits against the costs before making a decision.

"I'd want to do the research to make sure it doesn't cause more harm than it does good," Edmon said.

If gambling is allowed in Erie County, McKeen said, she would like to see Cedar Point be the destination for it.

Bryan Edwards, spokesman for Cedar Point, said the company has never taken a side in the issue, but does want to be included in any discussions regarding the topic.

"As of right now, we don't have a for or against stance."

McKeen said she is aware legalizing gambling is not a cure-all for all the state's financial problems, and there are trade-offs that will happen.

"There's drawbacks no matter where you put it," she said. "You have to watch the elements, you're going to have more wear and tear on your infrastructure, and you're going to have, probably, undesirables, which is true in any case."

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