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Should Valley support gambling plan? 
Posted on: May 10, 2009
The new chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, David Betras, intends to make his bones as a political leader in this region by launching a campaign against the latest plan for casino gambling in Ohio. Betras has been harshly critical of the proponents of the initiative, led by prominent businessmen in Cleveland, because Youngstown isn't one of the cities that will have a Vegas-style casino.
If the constitutional amendment appears on the ballot in November and is approved, there will be facilities in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. The provisions of the amendment do require revenue sharing with all the counties and cities that meet population requirements, which means Mahoning County could receive $6 million a year.
Betras isn't impressed. But, he is not advocating that the region turn down any money from the revenue-sharing plan. He just wants the voters of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties to send a message to the proponents by voting no.
So, here's a question: Is Betras being hypocritical by pounding his chest about those selfish boobs in Cleveland who don't want Youngstown to have a casino, but is willing to take the money they will offer once the casinos are up and running?
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Comments
The answer to the question is a flat out NO! Youngstown needs all the revenue we can get, what we hope that Attorney Betras will promote to his party and to the elected officials is that Youngstown should get there own casino to increase our city revenues here. IT would be a dream to build up Youngstown with a renovative casino. I'm voting no until the amendment will allow us to put on closer to home, bring jobs here, with a casino, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues all will build up around. I and Attorney Betras share the same common notion that we will not accept that Youngstown's best days are behind us, and I hope he continues to fight for the working people of our valley.
With Las Vegas and Biloxi ready to shut down, maybe we could get a deal on a used Casino and finally get to live this pipe dream.
Thomas - great point!
If casinos really are the answer then why aren't states like West Virginia doing better? If there is high unemployment, where is the money supposed to come from? Ifwith people out of work and families losing their homes, do we really need another way for them to lose their money?
Casinos and gambling are never the answer they are hyped up to be.
No, he should oppose it. Our informal cottage industry in this endeavor does not need the competition.