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New House Might Be Coming to Ohio.
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2005-08-24
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Ohio may get tribal casinos in its state after a popular vote favored it 5-2. Ward 4 Councilman Michael Stanek and from Ward 3 Councilman Larry Meiners, were the only two votes against this. President Gregory Zilka presented the issue, because he felt that the people needed to decide for their own state.
This is all because an Eastern Shawnee tribe is showing an interest in building a casino on the Black River. Lorain is struggling financially, and this would bring in a good opportunity for change. This is exactly why the citizens should vote on their behalf.
Stanek, one of the opposers of the deal believes that they construction of casinos would do more harm for businesses, not seeing any upside to the issue. He looks to studies to confirm his position. He believes that communities in trouble are judged how they perform in crisis. At this time, at least, it is not good timing for the building of any casinos in the state.
Stanek believes that this issue comes with a side of blackmail. The Eastern Shawnee could in fact file a suit against the state of Ohio in case they are denied the permission of a casino. Stanek believes that it wouldn�t be so simple, because he believes they would add a new claim to the suit. The claim, according to Stanek, is that they could argue that Ohio violated fishing and hunting rights, since the 19th century if they are denied permission. It is an outlandish statement that the tribe would do so in the wake of things just for a casino. Again if true, they haven�t claimed this before. If the suit has many facets then it would publicly look blackmailish. Stanek is obvious putting the tribe down publicly, because he is adamant of not wanting casinos in the state.
Martin O'Donnell, councilman, said in an article in NEO Municipal Leader magazine, that Ohioans run through around $20 billion gambling every year, 80% of that is out of state. This revenue is going to other states, and that is disappointing. Lorain has some hope, its time some one gibes that to the city. Maybe tribal gambling will be its success.
Meiners, the other opposition member, challenged the financial benefits that Lorain Mayor Craig Foltin claimed. It was projected that the casino would generate $5 million a year in revenue for the city. Stanek argued that the city would have to take $300 million from the city first to make that kind of money.
It is all a tough issue, but members of state seeming want it to go forward. Tribal communities couldn�t� be more proud themselves, they are finally getting what they have been looking for, for sometimes now. There will always be few opposing sides in the way, but in the long haul, what is better for the citizens is ultimately better for the state.
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(By Andrea)
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