WE Blog

It’s good that, prompted by an Eagle editorial, two more local city officials have gone on record — or at least explained their silence — about the Aug. 7 casino vote.
Mayor Carl Brewer released a statement Friday saying that he will not take a stand publicly because “a decision regarding casinos in Sedgwick County rests with the voters.” Well, the editorial board understands that, too — no one is asking public officials to browbeat or make this decision for voters. But it would be informative for Wichitans to know how their elected leaders approach this momentous community decision and whether, in those leaders’ informed opinion, they think expanded gambling would be good or bad for Wichita and local governments.
City Council member Jeff Longwell also told The Eagle editorial board Friday that he wanted the decision to rest with voters, but that he personally planned to vote “yes” on the slots question. He remains undecided on the casino measure. “I’m still struggling with it,” he said. What he’s sure of, though, is that “I don’t want it in the core area” of Wichita.
Posted by Randy Scholfield