Is casino gambling in Ohio’s future?

COLUMBUS — Ted Strickland, casino booster?

Not hardly, but the governor last week, in a potential sign of things to come, wasn’t as adamantly opposed to the idea of expanding gambling in the state as he was during last year’s ballot issue.

Strickland was in the midst of answering the usual questions from Statehouse reporters about the economy last week, and he was mostly giving the usual answers.

Any new or increased taxes? Not at this time, not a good idea in a recession (though increased fees aren’t outside the realm of possibility).

Think Ohio will get sufficient stimulus dollars? Oh yes, hearing promising murmurs from the Feds (though it won’t be enough to cover a projected $7 billion deficit).

Can we expect more state facilities to be shut down? Not that I’m aware of at this time.

But then came the gambling question — specifically, was the governor reevaluating his opposition to expanding gambling in Ohio.

Here’s his answer:

“I wanted to tell you, my brother, I am aware of the severity of what we are facing, and I believe that compels me to allow myself to hear all arguments and to weigh all consequences. I think gambling is not good for Ohio, and it certainly would not be any preferred course of action on my part. But I am unwilling to close my mind to any argument that is brought to me regarding how we may be able to get through these very difficult times.

Open to ideas

“I don’t want to close my mind to any possibility of how we can most appropriately deal with the circumstances that we face, and I say that not to indicate that my position has changed but simply to reflect my personal philosophy as a person, as a psychologist and now as a governor, that it is unreasonable for any individual to shut out arguments or points of view which may not be consistent with those that I currently hold. I want ideas from as many people who are willing to bring them to me as possible.”

He added, “What I’m trying to do is responsibly manage the circumstances as they unfold, and that does not mean we’re not going to be proactive in our continuing efforts to move Ohio forward. You’ll have to stay tuned to the [state of the state address later this month] to find out what I [have to say] specifically about that.”

Here’s how Strickland answered a similar question back in September, when Ohioans were considering a casino ballot issue:

“I have said often times that I think casino gambling is not the way that we should proceed in Ohio to try to encourage economic development. I think there are other things that we can do to encourage job growth, economic development and opportunity for people. I think there are negatives associated with casino gambling that outweigh [an potential benefits].”

And, while acknowledging the potential economic benefits of casinos, he added, “In most states, there have also been negatives associated with crime, with other types of activities that are not particularly socially desirable. Addictions have increased ... so there are a number of negatives associated with casino gambling. In my judgment, the negatives outweigh the positives.”

X Marc Kovac is The vindicator’s correspondent in Columbus. E-mail him at mkovac@dixcom.com.