At odds over issue Proponents, opponents state their cases
The licenses would be available throughout the state.
COLUMBUS -- The state of Ohio would auction off up to seven licenses to develop casinos around the state for a minimum bid of $50 million apiece, under a plan floated Thursday.
The plan, offered by Ohio House Minority Leader Chris Redfern, D-Catawba Island, came as gambling interests, some state lawmakers and some city officials from throughout Ohio met behind closed doors to discuss potential future attempts to expand legalized gaming in Ohio.
Under Redfern's plan, which he said he would introduce in the GOP-controlled Legislature as a constitutional amendment for this November's general election, the proposed casino licenses would be available throughout the state.
Redfern said the proposal could generate $350 million for the state's budget after ratification by the voters.
Plus, the Democratic lawmaker said under his plan the casinos would be taxed at a still-to-be determined percentage that he said could generate at least $700 million annually for state coffers, according to early estimates.
Shared revenue
There would be some sort of revenue-sharing for local governments under his plan, Redfern said.
"I think I have a plan that can generate support from the voters," said Redfern, who said he didn't discuss it specifically during the closed-door meeting attended by him as well as between 60 and 70 people at The Athletic Club of Columbus, a private club.
Those at the private meeting characterized it as an attempt to see whether the various gambling interests could work together to expand legalized gaming in the state.
State Rep. Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, who organized the meeting, said those in attendance agreed to poll Ohioans on gambling. The poll would cost between $80,000 to $100,000 to be financed by the various gambling interests, Seitz said.
"Everyone agreed to continue to work together," Seitz said.
The poll would "take the temperature of Ohioans, specifically on what types of gaming would be acceptable and how much is too much," said state Sen. Kevin Coughlin, R-Cuyahoga Falls, who also attended the closed-door meeting.
Ballot issue
Seitz said he believes that if the group pursues a plan, it would have to be taken to the statewide ballot either by lawmakers or by citizens.
Three-fifths of both the House and the Senate must agree to place an issue before voters. The state Constitution can also be amended if backers collect signatures equal to at least 10 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election.
Betty Watson, chair of the National Capital One, the casino-development arm of the Eastern Shawnee tribe, attended the closed-door meeting on the tribe's behalf. Watson said she was encouraged after the meeting.
The Eastern Shawnee Indian tribe has sought agreements with local governments in Botkins and Monroe in western and southwestern Ohio, respectively, and Lorain and Lordstown in northeastern Ohio for tribal casino development.
Twice in the 1990s, Ohio voters rejected proposals for casino gambling and opponents renewed their commitment Thursday to fight attempts to expand legalized gaming.
"We ... do not anticipate or expect to be whupped on this issue," Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell said.
"We will fight this as long as we can fight," said State Auditor Betty D. Montgomery.
Both Blackwell and Montgomery are seeking the GOP nomination for governor next year. State Attorney General Jim Petro, a Republican who is also running for governor, is also opposed to the expansion of legalized gambling.