Casino backers pushing petitions to expand gambling in the area

Backers of a campaign to open eight more casinos in Michigan intend to start circulating petitions within six weeks to put a proposal on next year's ballot should their petition language win approval today.

[Bonnie Campbell]

I think it is GREAT

[FredUAW]

It seems like a good idea....if there is a detailed plan as to where the tax dollars that are generated are going to be spent. One of the lies that were told to help sell the idea of Detroit casinos was that money would be generated to assist Detroit schools.

Well, the three casinos bring in just about $1 million each, every day of the week. Yet Detroit schools have gotten worse. If there is nearly zero accountablity as to where/how the money will used. As in Detroit. Then its a bad idea....

[Bud Gallant]

For what it's worth, I strongly suspect the money the casino makes will be coming right out of the local community, and very little will be making it back in any meaningful manner.

[FredUAW]

Bud Gallant wrote:

For what it's worth, I strongly suspect the money the casino makes will be coming right out of the local community, and very little will be making it back in any meaningful manner.

Bud, you'd be correct. But those ppl are going to gamble some how some way. So if its going to be done in a certain area, why not have stipulations in place to safe gaurd from all of that money leaving the area forever?

[Bud Gallant]

FredUAW, that's something to consider. What type of stipulations do you think would be effective?

[FredUAW]

Bud Gallant wrote:

FredUAW, that's something to consider. What type of stipulations do you think would be effective?

A locked in percentage......say 5%, and a civilian oversite board with law enforcement ties to ensure that the books aren't cooked. I'd like the same type of oversite and transparency over the school or community which received the tax income as well.