Proposal sparks debate

Village officials are scheduled to vote on the issue April 18.
LORDSTOWN -- A proposed Las Vegas-style gambling casino is already drawing crowds here, but not everyone wants to play.
More than a hundred people were packed inside city council's hearing room Wednesday to voice opinions on the proposed gambling resort. Several residents seemed excited about the possibility of an entertainment complex coming to the area. Others felt the casino could cause more harm in an already economically depressed area.
"This could increase the level of bankruptcy in the area," said Kevin Dixson of Lordstown. "It needs to be really looked at and examined. The carrot looks good, but we have to make sure."
Council was scheduled to give first reading to the intergovernmental agreement during Wednesday's meeting. A final vote on the matter is set for April 18.
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is proposing a $125 million to $250 million gambling resort that could be built on 137 acres in Lordstown and North Jackson.
"This is positive news," said Lori Onderko of Lordstown. "This will help our schools and community. I want it here."
Jobs touted
Terry Casey, a consultant who represents the tribe, told council members the resort will bring between 2,500 and 3,500 jobs. The jobs are expected to pay around $30,000 annually.
"This will be a Class 3 type gambling resort," Casey said. "We have machines and table games. The resort will also offer entertainment, hotels and restaurants."
He noted that the intergovernmental agreement for local revenue sharing means about $4 million a year for both the village and the county. This money would be generated by 2 percent of the casino's revenue and used for schools, charities and infrastructure.
Class 3 gambling is illegal in Ohio. Casey said he will be talking to state officials about the matter next week.
Taft opposed
Gov. Bob Taft has reiterated his opposition to the expansion of gambling in Ohio from the current state lottery, horse racing and bingo.
It's possible the tribe, faced with the governor's opposition, could go directly to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and apply for sites in Ohio to be designated as ancestral land, Casey has said. The Shawnees could then establish Category 2 gambling with slot machines and bingo, but they would not be required to pay taxes or give the state a cut of the revenue.
The Rev. Walter C. Meckley of Lordstown said he believes council should allow the people of Lordstown to vote on the issue.
"I know you shouldn't dictate morality, but we shouldn't dictate immorality," the Rev. Mr. Meckley said. "This issue has already caused a great division in the area."
Loretta Prokop, also of Lordstown, agreed with Mr. Meckley, saying she believes gambling is a sin.
"It's ironic that the devil's work is being done in Lordstown," Prokop said.
But, others said they believe the casino is needed in an area where jobs are hard to find.
"My sister lives in an area where one of these casinos was built," said Mary Rose Catlin. "The area was really terrible, a garbage pit. Now, it's beautifully landscaped and the population has greatly benefited. Where else are we going to find this many jobs? This really will benefit us."
While resident Georgio Theofilos agrees the area needs "a shot in the arm," he cautioned council to move slowly.
"Do as much investigation as you need to make sure there are no loop holes," Theofilos said.