New Casino Amendment Proposed For Columbus

Tuesday,  November 24, 2009 6:54 PM

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The work to clear the land where a casino would sit in the arena district has started, but one Columbus lawmaker wants another vote before any cards are cut.

"The results were clear to me that Franklin County doesn't want this," said State Senator David Goodman (R-3rd District). "And so I'm trying to do what I can to allow my constituents desire and will to be heard."

Goodman has proposed yet another constitutional amendment. It's a first step in undoing Issue 3.

"To have a community that's not Columbus or Franklin County zone a casino in an area that has had incredible amounts of investment and interest from people in this community, doesn't seem to be appropriate," said Goodman.

Issue 3 was strongly opposed by business, political and religious interests in Columbus. But with the votes counted, Governor Ted Strickland warned casino developer Penn National will play hardball.

Penn National said they're confident lawmakers will produce the required legislation to allow a casino in Columbus to be built.

"We're confident the General Assembly will work through this process and produce legislation required now by the constitution that will allow casinos to be built as voters decided. And provide for regulations that will make sure gaming in Ohio is conducted fairly and honestly," said Penn National spokesman Bob Tenenbaum.

Goodman responded, "There's very large monied interests in Penn National, who would be opposed to this and whether we could garner the support and financial wherewithal to withstand that on a statewide ballot, I don't know."

Lawmakers must have rules in place for casinos before May. Goodman doesn't know whether a May vote on his proposed amendment is realistic.

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