Gillen on lack of casino financing AND a pitch about April 8th casino hearings

Last night at Philly For Change, Jethro Heiko from Casino Free Philadelphia and I made a pitch to Philly progressives about the importance of weighing in on the casino debate. It's not a sideline issue anymore.

(also published at Young Philly Politics)

"Casino fatigue" may have set in for some local officials but for the rest of us Philadelphians this issue is hotter than ever. With the Mayor reversing a campaign promise, table game legislation live on the House floor, a proposal for video slot machines on every corner, threats about stripping Philly of revenues, and the prospect of a temporary tent on Sugarhouse's waterfront location that looks like the one below, the casino debate in Philly is far from over.

Recently, Terry Gillen weighed in, in her usual way, on the casinos, telling the Daily Pennsylvanian (my alma mater where I was once an editor) that casinos in Philly are on holdwhile operators work out their financing issues.

The Mayor' office called a day later and had her quote removed, but here it is from this print version of the story that ran:

Given the current state of the economy, there is a "lack of financing for the casinos," she said. "Both casinos are on hold because of internal financial decisions."

Still, she said, Nutter believes that gambling is "not a great economic strategy," but since the City is faced with a legal requirement for two casinos, "we are doing whatever we can to put them in the best place possible."

The casinos aren't talking. Foxwoods, in fact, recently announced to PlanPhilly.com that it has issued a gag order on communications about the project. So much for community involvement in this process.

On April 8th in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is holding hearings on the status of the Philadelphia casinos. This is a moment for the public to join in and say that Philadelphia can’t afford casinos, and casinos can’t afford to be in Philadelphia. This is no time to be partnering with a predatory industry that profits and feeds off of addiction and loss, and leaves us with poverty, bankruptcy, and messed up lives for the most vulnerable of our populations.

If we can't get leadership from our elected officials on this issue, then Philadelphians, who brought reform to City Hall and the White House, who saved our libraries, and are championing a humane and sensible city budget, can take on that mantle of leadership ourselves. For more information, contact Asian Americans United or Casino Free Philadelphia to arrange transportation and friends along the way.

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