Religious leaders speak to oppose casino issue

By KATIE SEMINARA

Issue 6 is misleading and won’t benefit the Valley, they said.

YOUNGSTOWN — Issue 6 won’t create jobs in the Mahoning Valley, some local religious leaders say.

If passed, Issue 6 would amend the Ohio Constitution to authorize the construction of a privately owned $600 million casino complex between Columbus and Cincinnati in Clinton County.

Supporters of Issue 6 say the casino would generate about 5,000 jobs with an average salary of $34,000 — members of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance believe otherwise.

“We don’t believe the jobs they speak of will help Youngstown,” said the Rev. Lewis Macklin of Holy Trinity Baptist Church during a press conference at the Youngstown Club on Thursday.

The Rev. Mr. Macklin joined others against Issue 6 to acknowledge that the casino is not in the best interest of the area.

“Issue 6 is best described as the deceptive casino gambling scheme,” said Leonard Hubert.

“That’s exactly what it is.”

Hubert, president of L. Hubert and Associates, has been traveling statewide urging voters to defeat the casino issue, and members of the IMA invited him to the Valley to relay why Issue 6 won’t benefit the Valley.

It won’t provide jobs for the community, there is no revenue dedicated to schools, health care or community needs, and the issue is trying to change the Ohio Constitution, said Hubert.

“Whether you’re for casino gambling or not, that’s not the issue,” he said.

“Someone is coming in to try and amend our constitution and create a monopoly.” If passed, Issue 6 would guarantee that only one casino could be opened in Ohio, and it would be between Cincinnati and Dayton.

“Don’t be fooled,” said Mr. Macklin, who believes the policy promises false hope.

“When you come to Issue 6 on the ballot, do the right thing,” he said.

“Make it a strong, resounding no.”

For more information, visit NoIssue6.com.