Casino news source: WKYT - http://www.wkyt.com
Eastern Kentucky County Takes A Stand Against Casino Gambling
Posted: 6:50 PM Aug 16, 2007
Reporter: Jeff Allen
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Beshear says legalizing casino gambling could create more money for the state, but Governor Fletcher says expanded gambling would only create more problems for people. No matter who wins the election in November, Bell County leaders say they felt they needed to take action now to protect county residents.
Whether to allow casino gambling or not. It's an issue the people of Kentucky have debated for years. Now it's a major issue in the Kentucky governor's race and one Eastern Kentucky county is taking sides. Bell County leaders are making their point known in a resolution.
"It became obvious to me that a casino would be bad for Bell County," said Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock.
That's why Brock led his fiscal court to pass a resolution that not only calls casino gambling a bad idea, but requires a county wide vote to allow it, even if it's legalized statewide. They felt now was the time to act.
"It's obvious if Beshear is elected, this is an issue," Brock said.
The judge feels the people of Bell County would turn expanded gambling down. We found mixed reactions.
"Because you lose money to Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, all these other gaming places. I think it would be good if we had it in this part of the state for revenue," said Virgil Dunn.
"That would just push people towards gambling thinking they could get rich quick. They would just get broke quick," said Jack Howard.
"They're gonna do it either way, why not do it here," said Roy Dean Collins.
"Somebody will have to show me how bringing casinos to Southeast Kentucky with an epidemic drug problem, that would sink us. Be the end of us," Brock said.
We were able to catch up with Governor Fletcher Wednesday to ask him about his position on expanded gambling. Here's what he had to say.
"Folks want to bring some casinos in here. Casinos do not increase tourism. They do not increase business to the local area. What they do is siphon money out of the community," Fletcher said.
We weren't able to catch up with Democratic Challenger Steve Beshear but we did get a response from his campaign headquarters. A spokeswoman pointed out that casino gaming is only one part of his agenda and that no community would have to have a casino if voters turned it down. |
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