STATE LEGISLATORS UNIFY TO PUSH FOR RESITING OF BOTH SLOTS PARLORS; MUCH WORK AHEAD
What's the next best thing to completely eliminating the possibility of slots parlors in Philadelphia? How about opening up a resiting process that is fair, public, and transparent and that includes a cost/benefit analysis? Today, Philadelphians are one step closer to that happening.
Last night, Senator Vincent Fumo and Representative Dwight Evans held a joint press conference announcing their commitment to work together to try and resite both casinos. They pledged to use all resources of the legislature, including passing new laws, if the casinos do not move voluntarily. Also attending the press conference were Representative Mike O'Brien, Bill Keller, Tony Payton, Harold James and Senators Anthony Williams, Tina Tartaglione and Vincent Hughes. Watch the video of the press conference from PlanPhilly.
As to our Governor, Rendell has said he's willing to meet with all parties but he's still throwing cold water on everyone's hopes. Read the Inquirer's article and KYW Radio's article. Since Operation Hidden Costs, you've been helping us put pressure on Rendell to stop being stubborn, to implement a cost/benefit analysis and to start thinking about solutions. While he is beginning to get the picture, we need to maintain - and increase - our powers of persuasion. We have much work ahead of us.
Today, we acknowledge all the hard work of Casino-Free supporters, near and far, and everyone at the Philadelphia Neighborhood Alliance, Neighbors Allied for the Best Riverfront, Fishtown Against SugarHouse Takeover and Mothers Against SugarHouse and many others. All of these folks have been working feverishly over the past 2 or 3 years to push back the casinos.
Get ready, because now we redouble our efforts. We will continue to push for fairness, openness and transparency in any process involving the proposed slots parlors, and for a cost/benefits analysis. Stay tuned, we'll let you know how you can help.
