Local Dems, GOP unite against statewide gambling proposal

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County Democratic and Republican officials may not agree on a lot of things, but they stand united in opposition to a proposed casino gambling that could be on the November general election ballot.

The proposal by the Ohio Jobs & Growth Plan organization — financially supported by Dan Gilbert, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Penn National Gaming Inc., which operates casinos and horse tracks throughout the country — would place Las Vegas-style gambling casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

“The days of leaving Mahoning County and Youngstown out of state referendums are o-v-e-r,” said David Betras, county Democratic Party chairman. “They can spend money on seeking support here, but I can deal a huge blow to their plan in Mahoning County. They’ve got no shot of getting it passed in Mahoning County and therefore it will fail statewide. They turn their backs on us. I’m turning my back on them.”

The organization contends the casinos would generate close to $2 billion a year in gaming revenues with one-third guaranteed tax on all gross gaming revenues, about $651 million divided based on population.

Mahoning County would receive $3.5 million annually and the same amount would go to Youngstown under the group’s plan.

The four cities getting the casinos, should the initiative get the needed signatures to be on the November ballot and be approved by voters, would also divide an additional $30 million a year.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com