Clergy, political leaders oppose Issue 3

YOUNGSTOWN — Pastors from the Mahoning Valley and the chairmen of the Mahoning County Democratic and Republican parties are calling on voters to not support an issue on Tuesday’s ballot to amend the state constitution to legalize casino gambling.

The issue “is a bad deal for the Valley and for the good people of this great state,” said Senior Pastor Jonathan Moore of Highway Tabernacle Church in Austintown at a Thursday press conference at the Youngstown Club to voice opposition to Issue 3.

If approved, the proposal would change the Ohio Constitution to permit four Las Vegas-style gambling casinos to be built — one each in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

“We feel strongly that state Issue 3 is of such magnitude and potentially so damaging to our area that it requires nothing less than a joint effort that reaches across party, cultural and religious lines for the welfare of our Valley and the future of the state of Ohio,” Moore said.

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