Two more officials speak out, sorta, on casino vote

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

76 Comments

  1. Econ101
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 1:28 am | Permalink

    A previous thread, on this issue, contained an allegation that our Mayor is in the pocket of former Mayor Bob Knight.

    Since Bob Knight seems to be involved in Casino planning OUTSIDE Wichita, the conspiracy theory goes, Brewer would do Knight a “return favor” by refusing to endorse a Wichita Casino.

    I did not come up with this theory.

    However, since the Eagle saw fit to bash anti casino legislators who took campaign contributions from Indian casinos —-

    Shouldnt the possibility of “hypocrisy” be explored, concerning the Bob Knight - Brewer issue?

    Is our Mayor “Pro Bob Knight Casino” and therefore silent on a Wichita Casino?

    I don’t know.

    I am not an “investigative reporter”.

    Does the Eagle employ such people, anymore?

  2. JWink
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 6:43 am | Permalink

    Politicians are elected to give their opinions based on what they hear from their constituents mixed with their own common sense, if any.

    So, I suggest the EAGLE get a short opinion from all politicians in the Wichita area and present in Monday morning’s paper. As EAGLE readers, we would expect nothing less.

  3. kelly
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 7:08 am | Permalink

    Econs rant about the Mayor’s alleged obligation to Bob Knight is absurd. If this connection were accurate, then the Mayor would be advocating for passage. As the opinion polls have indicated, public opinion has done an about-face on this issue. Once, pro-casino people were about 65% of the electorate, but now they are barely 50% - if the Mayor was doing Knight’s bidding on this issue, he would be properly worried that the referendum will fail - and would be doing something to try to reverse the trend. Staying neutral - which is what the Mayor has been criticized for doing - would not be supporting Knight. Moreover, there is no “Wichita casino” on the ballot, only a Sedgwick County casino.

  4. Kev
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 7:35 am | Permalink

    Mayor Brewer needs to show some GUTS and take a stand- one way or the other.

  5. Posted August 4, 2007 at 7:37 am | Permalink

    I suppose we shall find out eventually won’t we kelly?

    Follow the money…

  6. Posted August 4, 2007 at 7:39 am | Permalink

    Read today’s kansas.com article kev.

    I believe if I remember correctly, -wasn’t quite awake when I read it - that Brewer personally stated he is voting “No - Yes.”

    However, he emphasized his neutrality on the issue which is always a politically safe thing to do.

  7. Troll Control
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 7:50 am | Permalink

    Attention all trolls! Attention all trolls!Please report to Troll Central for morning dispatch.Attention all trolls!

    Troll # 1264.1C you can leave this blog and provide backup to Troll # 2542213.2B at whiskeyfire.typepad.com/. Local postings only here.

    Troll Control

  8. sotheysaid
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 8:52 am | Permalink

    Wichita has the most spineless city council ever. What kind of leadership is: “I’m going to wait for the voters to decide.”

    Give me a break Brewer and Longwell. This is all about politic and absolutely nothing about policy. They should all be removed from office at the next election.

    Brewer is doing the bidding of his handlers and Longwell seems to forget who it was that got him elected. Perhaps he has not really looked at what his district wants. He will support slots but does not know on the casino? Doesn’t he know that the city will not get any money from the slots at the track? Doesn’t he know that the city will not get any money from the casino unless it is in Wichita?

    You guys need to do your homework and take a stand. We need strong leaders that are not afraid to state their opinions and ideas. It is obvious these guys stand for nothing!

  9. A. N. Keny
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 9:07 am | Permalink

    Make them non-smoking establishments in the casino and I might go once or twice a year. But I will not go inhale the smoke like they have in the KC MO casino’s. It’s horrible!

    As it is, I plan on voting NO.

    I appreciate councilmen who consider the vote of the people.

  10. You Have No Spine
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 9:15 am | Permalink

    Jeff Longwell I am so disappointed in you. As my city council member you have been so disappointing. I am sorry that I ever supported you.

    At least with Bob Martz I knew where he stood. I did not agree with Bob Martz on many issues but I respected the fact that he took a stance on the issues. You Jeff Longwell on the other hand have been so very weak. What are you afraid of?

    If you don’t know the issue on casinos well enough to make up your mind then at least say so. The previous poster pointed out that the city will not get any money from the slots but you support the slots? Why is that? You don’t know on the casino? Have you not studied the issue? Do you think that by splitting your vote you will appeal to both sides?

    I will not support you in the next election because you have no backbone for the job you said you wanted. What happens when the next major issue comes up? Where will you be? Sitting on the sideline? That is not what we need in our city councilman.

  11. Posted August 4, 2007 at 9:32 am | Permalink

    One way and ONLY one way to be sure it is not downtown: NO-YES. (or NO-NO for none at all).

    If you desire is to allow gaming in Sedgwick County but you want to assure it is not downtown that is the only option. Otherwise you are leaving siting up to “who knows”

    An interesting point I noticed is that in other counties when they voted they had a specific plan on the table. Here we do not.

  12. Jerry Weaver
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 9:50 am | Permalink

    Personally I think each of can make up his/her own mind, and we don’t need our “leaders” speaking out as the Eagle is pushing them to do.

  13. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 9:50 am | Permalink

    I though Brewer to come out on the Casino issue. Although it isn’t to say yes or no for himself personally, but he did make a statement that, if a casino is approved they would not allow Century II to be sold or it will not be in WaterWalk or close to Century II.

  14. tony
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:00 am | Permalink

    joe,

    u r correct, brewer came out and said no casino at or near waterwalk, c2 and hyatt.

    I can only really see 3 places in downtown to put a casino…

    delano, south of arena, and north side of downtown (central and market maybe but also the least likely).

  15. Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:03 am | Permalink

    Joe! Does that have the force of law? NO. And THAT is the problem.

    At least one casino supporter we know has said that the positions of City officials against these locations can easily be reversed.

  16. Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:05 am | Permalink

    Tony - south of the Arena would be the best of your three - right off Kellogg for easy access. It is also the only one that might have any sot of synergy with the Arena.

    Then there is the Ruffin Building on Douglas. That still sort of intrigues me.

  17. tony
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:11 am | Permalink

    ben,

    I would change my no vote for a casino if I could be voting for a specific plan…

    I like the idea of a casino at ruffins building at broadway and douglas.

  18. Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:15 am | Permalink

    Tony - I think a lot of people would. And I think that will be the margin of defeat of Prop 1. Prop 2, on the other hand, has a location and will likely pass.

    Did you see the “New Frontier” piece in the Business Journal?

  19. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:23 am | Permalink

    Hey Ben! The Casino might be much larger then we expect. State of Kansas mandates a minimum of $225 million. The Nova (Canadian Group) was going to pour around $300 million, same for Ruffin, but when Knight announce his was going to be around $413 million, I think that will up the Ruffin and Nova to go beyond that.

    I think this Casino, if passed in Sedgwick, will start a healthy competition for the proposals. People say that a Casino in the $225 million range won’t be a ‘destination’ attraction, but what about $500 million. It may even go beyond that.

    Now we are talking about real money.

  20. Republican
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:27 am | Permalink

    I’m wondering if Senator Feinstein’s husband will get in on the construction phase of the new casino where ever it ends up at.

    He’s CEO of the U.S. largest builder of casinos afterall.

  21. Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:29 am | Permalink

    That is true Joe! Where is the CONCRETE proposal? I have been reading those things too. However, I have seen nothing I can count on.

    $500 million? Where would that be built? Now the idea of a casino/convention center/spa/golf course/etc/etc WOULD be quite interesting. HOWEVER - that is NOT on the ballot.

  22. tony
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:30 am | Permalink

    joe,

    I am willing to bet you won’t see a 500 million casino downtown. you will see a bear minimum casino and hotel in downtown.

    I think you will see a more expensive self contained casino, hotel, spa, golf course, etc… outside the city, down in sumner county.

    bob knights group now owns land in both counties.

  23. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:33 am | Permalink

    My bet is the group with the largest casino complex (most expensive) will win.

  24. tony
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:39 am | Permalink

    joe,

    yea right.. this city is so political and with as political as this entire thing has become, only the most politically connected person will win…

    bob knight is well connected locally but ruffin is very connected in topeka… I would bet that which ever proposal is chosen, it is one of bob’s or ruffins.

  25. Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:43 am | Permalink

    I think what we are seeing is a lot of sugarplums being dangled in front of us. What we will get, however, will be MUCH smaller regardless of the vote. I just don’t see a market demand to support it.

    Something about a ‘pig in a poke’ here.

  26. Econ101
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:27 am | Permalink

    OkI did not know that Bob Knight’s group had land in “both” counties.

    I only brought up the conspiracy theory, on Brewer, to test that theory on this Blog.

    Personally, I think a Wichita casino might have more pull at old town, given the nightlife is already there.

    Problem would be where, exactly? And again: Parking!

    I am still not sure how I am voting.

  27. Robert Phillips
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:29 am | Permalink

    So, Mr. Longwell says he doesn’t want a casino in the “Core Area”. Well, then what is the point of having a casino if it’s not in the same area that has the waterwalk, the shops in the Delano district, the museums, the arena, the hotels, Century II, not to mention the stores and bars and restaurants in old town. I bet if we asked the business owners there if they would like the extra traffic a casino would bring, they would say yes. These people need to be the ones to speak up before it’s too late. I would really like to hear their opinions about this instead of all the doom and gloom hot air coming out of the, so called, and I use the term loosely, leaders of the community. I also believe that if any of these so called, leaders of the community had a stake in the casino their tune would surely be different. I am voting Yes, Yes because I think a casino would be the one thing to tie the whole area together.

  28. Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:35 am | Permalink

    Robert - I agree. If I saw a concrete proposal, for example in or adjacent to Old Town, and I saw all the Old Town businesses supporting it I could vote for it. Instead what I have seen are vague suppositions as to where it might go and what it might look like.

    Having made it a point to visit several casinos across the country and in Montreal I have noted that they tend to be self-contained. That is, the casino itself has the bars, etc. So, I question whether there would be the spill-over you mention. But it sure would be nice to know what they are asking me to vote Yea on.

  29. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:41 am | Permalink

    Actually! I do know a great spot near Old Town that would be very good.

    And that is St. Francis street. Between 3rd and 2nd. You know! Where the old Coleman headquarters use to be, which is just falling apart. But that whole side of the block can be really transformed. It can create a good shopping district where the Coleman Outlet store side is on and really get that area developed up. Basically brining Old Town west of the railroad tracks.

    And the benefit for Ben would be that particular location, right next to the rail tracks is a brownfield, ripe for being encourage to be cleaned up and developed.

  30. Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:47 am | Permalink

    Joe! A long time ago I suggested a similar site just north of Old Town. I went after a larget footprint but was generally looking between Old Town and the Hospital. Also after access from I-135.

    Don’t have a map handy but I seem to recall it being in the area 3rd-9th or so.

    It’s too bad nobody thought to do this months ago; research sites and come up with a concrete proposal. Like they did in the other counties that voted.

  31. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:55 am | Permalink

    I don’t specifically remembering any of the other counties having concrete proposals. Sumner nor Harvey had anything concrete, yet they voted for approval. Neither did Wyandotte or Ford County. Even Cherokee and Crawford Counties don’t even know.

    Ford County hasn’t even had a proposal yet. They are asking for the Lottery to give them an extension to submit proposals, because they haven’t got any yet and their due date is fast approaching.

    Bob Knight’s group is hedging their bets on this vote. Park City and their Sumner County site, which is just across the border on the Mulvane exit, which is 8 miles from Wichita, 5 from Haysville and 4 miles from Derby.

  32. Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:55 am | Permalink

    The casino-siting discussion sounds like fantasy baseball.

    But here’s a question:

    How many of these downtown sites you’re all suggesting would require eminent domain to be used?

    Which begs the question:

    Are we going to use eminent domain in Wichita to make Phil Ruffin and/or Bob Knight and/or whomever even wealthier?

    I think I’ll be voting no/yes. I don’t trust the siting process.

  33. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:57 am | Permalink

    It’s written in the Kansas law that eminent domain cannot be used for the Casino. So you don’t have to worry about that.

  34. American Way
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:58 am | Permalink

    Are we going to use eminent domain in Wichita to make Phil Ruffin and/or Bob Knight and/or whomever even wealthier?Posted by: Tom | August 04, 2007 at 11:55 AM

    Tom, effective July 2007 , don’t they have to get the State Legislature to approve eminent domain for this type of development?

    If true, that could get rather messy.

  35. Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:59 am | Permalink

    You are difinitely correct that Knight is hedging. Ruffin is also hedging. Check the New Frontier renditions on the front page of the Journal.

    I think the other counties had specific sites but not contracts. It is the site I am referring to.

    I think the casino crowd made some very bad mistakes and that will cost them the election Tuesday. That is why Ruffin is hedging with his new ads for the dog track. He sees the handwriting on the wall.

  36. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:07 pm | Permalink

    There’s two loopholes in the eminent domain law big enough for any developer to drive their biggest construction cranes through.

    Loophole 1: Since the casino is state owned, that qualifies as “public use,” satisfying one part of the new law.

    Loophole 2: All Wichita needs to do is declare an area “blighted.” “(e) by any municipality for the purpose of acquiring property which is unsafe for occupation by humans under the building codes of the jurisdiction where the structure is situated”

    I can hear the pile-drivers and backhoes already.

  37. Econ101
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:09 pm | Permalink

    BenPerhaps the vague nature of all of this has to do with the fact that the “yes” side has divisions of its own.Therefore, they said, “OK lets get casinos approved FIRST, then fight among ourselves about where to put it, etc.”

    Problem with that, is, well, kind of obvious in a close vote. It also gives fuel to the ridiculous charge that we will “lose” Century II.

  38. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:17 pm | Permalink

    Ben! He is going to go ahead with the Dog Track regardless if the Casino gets approved. He had that in the works.

    His Delano site is still being worked out. He might release some preliminary designs soon, hopefully before the election.

    But we might as well get real here. We can say that we already know were the sites are going to be in Sedgwick County. That is either Bob Knight’s in Park City or Ruffin’s Delano site.

    The Nova group site on Century II is scrapped. That isn’t going to happen.

    We can do all this speculation on sites downtown, but thinking about it, it’s really Knight vs. Ruffin and we know those sites.

    The reason why, is because the Nova group has no experience with Casinos. Bob Knight with Foxwood (which runs the largest Casino in the world in Connecticut) and Ruffin and his experience with Casinos. Nova is most likely out of the running, unless they come up with something extraordinary with huge investment capital in much more than a Casino/Hotel complex to give them an edge over their inexperience, I don’t see them getting a nod.

    So we can say we already know the Sedgwick County sites. Delano or Park City. That’s it. If you say politics in involved in site selection, those are the main players in our local politics. Anybody else from the outside has a fat chance of getting it. I would say we can reasonably be sure that those are the only two options in which a Casino will be in Sedgwick County. No Old Town or anywhere else in downtown.

  39. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:18 pm | Permalink

    Tom, econ - good points. But econ - I would note that the C-II question is less rediculous than you say. The Canadians specifically called for it to be included.

    So, we are left with ‘trust us’.

  40. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:21 pm | Permalink

    Joe! Valid points; however the uncertainty will still be the killer. As for “He might release some preliminary designs soon, hopefully before the election” time is rapidly running out. That is why Ruffin is hedging.

    Either way, in about 80 hours we will know. My prediction has been published.

  41. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:22 pm | Permalink

    I also don’t see an eminent domain issue ever coming up. The Park City site is already an empty pad site. The Delano site is basically already all owned by Ruffin.

    That State doesn’t really “own” the Casino. They will “own” the operation of the Casino. The complex that houses the Casino isn’t owned by the State. The State will not own the building that houses the Casino.

  42. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:25 pm | Permalink

    Joe,

    Technically, you are correct. But do you really think the GOBN won’t find a way around that pesky limitation, and get the casino declared “public use,” given the nature of the law, the vote, etc?

    I don’t.

  43. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:27 pm | Permalink

    Ben is buying breakfast for everyone if he predicts wrong, I’ll supply the tip. :D

    There are some provisional ballots that will have to be counted. Not sure how many, but that might take a day or two.

  44. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:32 pm | Permalink

    Kansas Expanding Gaming Act:

    The power of eminent domain shall not be used to acquire anyinterest in real property for use in a lottery gaming enterprise.

  45. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:33 pm | Permalink

    Joe,

    I didn’t know that was in there. Thanks for the post.

  46. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:35 pm | Permalink

    I doubt that emminent domain would be needed anyway. As Joe notes, the sites are largely under ownership or option already.

  47. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:36 pm | Permalink

    But I’m _still_ voting no/yes, mainly over siting. I _still_ don’t trust our City Council or County Commission.

    They don’t have a very good track record.

  48. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:38 pm | Permalink

    That is understandable. But did you read Councilwoman Sharon’s response today?

    “A “yes” vote allows the city and the county to work together in the process of formulating the best location and determining what we can demand from the developers for our city. Following Wyandotte County’s example, we can add requirements of the developers for dollars to be put into things such as museums, parks, libraries, arts and schools. A “no” vote takes this opportunity away.”

  49. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Joe! Unfortunately that puts it back into the “trust us” category. Too little too late IMO.

  50. Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:42 pm | Permalink

    Joe,

    You mean, they did such a great job cooperating on the arena, with that great parking garage, and with all that respect for existing social service charities, that I should trust them now?

    /sarcasm off

    Let Ruffin have his slots. He’s certainly paid off enough politicians for them.

    /I would turn the cynicism off, but there’s no switch for that…

  51. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:54 pm | Permalink

    That’s fine. You can say they deserve to not to be trusted.

    But I will say that I really do not trust the groups that are behind the “No” campaign. Mark Khars, Operation Rescue, Heartland Ministries, Pat Robertson 700 Club, Focus on the Family and etc. These are groups that want to turn our government into a Evangelical Christian Theocracy.

    If it were somebody else running the operation. Like the business leaders who oppose it, I would say they have legitimacy. But they are not running it. The hard core Phil Kline far-right groups are running the “no” campaign.

    Donna Lippoldt, the Director of Operations of the “no” campaign, who tried to sue the city for money, sure knows about Campaigns. She is in charge of all the vans in the USA that shows huge pictures of dead fetuses for anti-abortion campaigns.

  52. Econ101
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:56 pm | Permalink

    Well, one area that does bother me, honestly:

    The NO folks seem a bit more misleading and dishonest than the YES folks, don’t you think?

    After all, if the Casino complex is OWNED by the developer, it will be taxed, at Commercial rates.

    Therefore, USD 259 will get its cut from the property tax, just like the City and the County, if the Casino is in Wichita!

    Also, the Casino will have employees who will pay property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, etc.

    And there will be sales taxes charged for the items sold in the Casino.

    This is, actually, a tough issue. I don’t want to hold either side responsible, in total, for the false claims of some of the activists.

    Can’t we just try to be honest? Otherwise, we will be voting on all of this again, sometime soon. The argument will always be there that the voters were not told the truth, this time around!

  53. Econ101
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 12:58 pm | Permalink

    And yes, I know what the legislative rules were, this time around.

    The legislature meets, again, soon enough!

    Don’t you want this issue behind us? It won’t be, if we are not all honest with each other.

  54. Posted August 4, 2007 at 1:02 pm | Permalink

    Good points both. I think that is why I have ended up at NO-YES.

    Joe! A defeat os the casino does NOT then put Kahrs et.al. in charge of running anything. A YES vote DOES put other people I don’t trust in charge of deciding the ‘blue cloud’ details.

    Catch-22.

  55. Posted August 4, 2007 at 1:04 pm | Permalink

    Econ - I think you and I have been honest in our reasoning and statements. As for some others … ?

    Speaking of the legislature - they clearly cannot ‘undo’ everything if these go through. What they COULD do, however, is allow ‘fine-tuning’ at New Frontier if it is NO-YES.

  56. Posted August 4, 2007 at 2:02 pm | Permalink

    Ben,

    My only reason for voting “no” on the first question is that I don’t trust local governments on the siting issue. No other reason.

    The “yes” vote on the second question is easy: We know exactly where the slot machines are going.

    I think I’ve been pretty honest in my reasoning, going back to when you and I were initially discussing turnout with or without the “Sunday sales” question.

  57. Posted August 4, 2007 at 2:10 pm | Permalink

    I agree Tom … you were not one of the ‘others’ to which I refered. And I think you represent in a way what will be the differential in the election. The ’swing vote’ in the middle.

  58. Mrage
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 3:10 pm | Permalink

    Trust is placed in Sumner County local governments by voting NO.

    Why do they deserve Sedgwick County citizen’s trust?

    None of those people are elected by citizens here.

    Local politicians are accountable.

    Voting NO screws Wichita and Sedgwick County out of a $300 Million project based on “site” uncertainty?

    We can’t trust our politicans as other counties approving the Casino question trusts theirs.

    Odd Wichita, so many in this State wonder about.

  59. Posted August 4, 2007 at 3:20 pm | Permalink

    Partially true this time Mrage. We are stuck in a sort of catch-22 aren’t we?

    One thing I can be certain of: Sumner County cannot put in a downtown location that would damage Wichita. Unknown bureaucrats here could. As you pointed out, elected ifficials like Feary can be ignored.

  60. Dave
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 4:08 pm | Permalink

    If these people were running for office right now, it would make sense to push them to take a stand. They aren’t. Actually they can’t win. If they take a position, they’re accused of being in the pockets of one side or another; if they refuse to take a public position, they’re waffling. This is just another example of the “yes” people having lost the arguments on their merits, and trying desperately to stir up anything that will distract the people from the real issues.

  61. Posted August 4, 2007 at 4:26 pm | Permalink

    So true Dave. Similar too to Joe!’s efforts to tie any doubt to a person kow-towing to Fox et.al.

    Funny thing is; it was theirs to lose. 70-30 in favor just about a month or so ago. And I don’t think it was the spectacular job of advertising by the NO group that is defeating Vote YeaYeaRahRah. They are defeating themselves.

  62. A. N. Keny
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 4:31 pm | Permalink

    Did I read it correctly that eminent domain for the casino will require state legislature approval? So the members of the entire state will have an indirect say so in whether a casino gets built?

  63. Mrage
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 8:23 pm | Permalink

    I prefer the Casino over the racino!

    Yes-No works! Let Ruffin fight for a better investment with a Casino plan. $300 Million gets spent in Sedgwick County somewhere.

    He can close the dog track for I care.

    People who never have been to the dog track are promoting the racino over a Casino, amazing!

  64. Joe Williams
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 8:36 pm | Permalink

    Both measures are going to pass. So it’s all good.

  65. Mrage
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 9:13 pm | Permalink

    Mayor Brewer made comments about the downtown Casino…$1.4 Million costs for sidewalks and gutters he fears.

    Developer spending $225 Million cares about that?

    Mayor Brewer went to Reno, Nevada, didn’t like look of that city near Casino and depressed area around it.

    Bowling Congress has returned to Reno, 7 times in past years. Very hesitant to come here in 2011.

    I wish someone would clearly point out why downtown is bad for a Casino?

    Especially one that had a riverfront entrance?

    The NOVA group Casino idea can’t be dead, its been taking off the table so that plan wasn’t discussed causing NO votes.

    CEO’s abandoning downtown bravely, Charlie Chandler is begging INTRUST employees to vote NO.

    He has a plan of action leaving downtown, do it with pride and drag the employees away whether they want to move or not.

    Feary wants the Casino, but not downtown. Mayor Brewer and Longwell made prior statements about No Casino downtown.

    Both with conflicts in their head, surely want a $300 Million investment to happen in this County!

    Brewer is bought by Bob Knight, is the reason why he’s not supporting a Casino downtown? I don’t believe that.

    Supposedly County and City are going to try agree on only one Casino plan, offer that to Topeka.

    Sumner County will be offering their own plan regardless, yes or no vote here.

    So why not have the investment here over anywhere else.

    Problem gamblers are a small percentage.

    Why do we have liquor stores and promote Sunday sales.

    Alcohol ruins families badly, but people believe more can control themselves in liquor stores so alcoholism doesn’t ruin their lives.

  66. Posted August 4, 2007 at 10:34 pm | Permalink

    “People who never have been to the dog track are promoting the racino over a Casino, amazing!”

    Amzing to you perhaps; but perfectly logical. Right off I-135; perfect location.

    “The NOVA group Casino idea can’t be dead, its been taking off the table so that plan wasn’t discussed causing NO votes.”

    So you are telling us that they might be lying to us when they say they won’t take C-II. All the more reason to vote NO. In fact, I think you even contradicted Joe!

    Mrage - you just encouraged the NO votes!

  67. Mrage
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:18 pm | Permalink

    I want to see the what happens, Charlie Chandler yelling BUGOUT, like the war is lost, abandon headquarters.

    No going down with the ship at all. No standing their ground against overwhelming forces.

    Casino downtown is so scary sounding!

    Maybe there was a cultural misunderstanding or Billionaire’s bluff, Century II is a building that could be bought.

    Some NO voters fear that. But it was never true. Never did the City offer Century II to be purchased.

    DeBoar doesn’t want a Casino near WaterWalk because he doesn’t understand how a 24 hour Casino nearby affects living residences downtown. The lights and street noise around the Century II area.

    That’s a legitimate concern. Rest of the downtown Casino haters are making cultural decesions, somehow crime will be overwhelming downtown.

    Other communities with Casino’s don’t see “wilding” going on where citizens are under attack from crazed and needy failed gamblers.

    Is money sucked out of this community having the Casino in Sumner County? Yes. Plus we lost the $300 Million investment that should happen inside Sedgwick County.

    Let Casino plans competition occur here. The best Casino site wins, wherever it may be located.

    Don’t trust Sumner County politicians with a NO vote.

    Hold local politicans accountable and demand they help create $300 Million Casino worth having, located here.

  68. Mrage
    Posted August 4, 2007 at 11:45 pm | Permalink

    People who use the excuse, Can’t trust politicians…local politicians…we’re electing distrustful politicians with smiles on our faces?

    Voting NO doesn’t affect Topeka at all.

    Voting Yes, Topeka puts a focus on Sedgwick County, they help make a Casino located here to become a legitimate “destination” facility.

    Sedgwick County is sometimes ridiculed in Topeka and NO votes will be opposite of every other County that has approved this Casino question.

    Topeka will continue to look at Wichita and smirk. Olathe will too. Wyandotte County as well.

    Sumner County will say look us as fools unable to grasp an understanding with Casino’s.

  69. anonymous
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 12:03 am | Permalink

    Joe! I didn’t know you were concerned about private property rights versus eminent domain. I thought only people who loved liberty were concerned with that.

  70. Republican
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 12:13 am | Permalink

    The vast majority of the profits will be heading out of state anyway.

    This is much ado about very empty coffers.

    I’m sure there will be ’some’ ancillary business along the way. The most prominent being credit counseling and attorney services for bankruptcy.

    So a glimmer of hope is on the horizon in the way of those who make their living on those who gamble their money away.

    Maybe that’s why all those easy pay day loans have been popping up. :)

  71. Joe Williams
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 12:22 am | Permalink

    But Republican. It won’t be going away. It’s already coming.

    The Sumner County Casino will only be 8 miles from Wichita, 4 miles from Derby.

    A No vote doesn’t make it go away or diminish or reduce any of the negatives. Just that Sedgwick will receive less and the City will not get a dime.

    Did you read Councilwoman Sharon’s response today?

    “A “yes” vote allows the city and the county to work together in the process of formulating the best location and determining what we can demand from the developers for our city. Following Wyandotte County’s example, we can add requirements of the developers for dollars to be put into things such as museums, parks, libraries, arts and schools. A “no” vote takes this opportunity away.”

  72. Republican
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 12:33 am | Permalink

    I thought it was legislated that schools could not be the recipient of gambling funds, just like the lottery tickets are legislated that schools get no lottery funds.

    That leaves museums, parks, arts and libraries of which libraries are the most deserving.

    This is a circuitous route to gather up funds instead of doing it directly by sales through increased business.

    I remain highly suspect of the end results of the funds.

    Maybe it will become like Vegas where gangs will swing by occasionally with their mini-macs and take out some rivals along with a few innocent by standers.

  73. Joe Williams
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 12:36 am | Permalink

    Republican that happens here already even without Casinos.

  74. Mrage
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 12:53 am | Permalink

    Repub,

    How many semi rifles have been fired in Old Town? The scene didn’t describe a robbery inside a Casino, just shooting and mayhem.

    So that can happen anywhere, anytime between now and opening days of the Casino.

    Tupac shot in street traffic didn’t cause more people to be gunned down in similar fashion on the Los Vegas Strip.

    We have had cross fire shooting between criminals in traffic and people in cars were shot. East Central some years ago.

    Downtown will have more security than it does now. Police and Casino security with camera;s.

    City will probably get funds to place street camera’s around.

  75. Mrage
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 12:56 am | Permalink

    Las Vegas..damn fingers!

  76. Republican
    Posted August 5, 2007 at 4:45 am | Permalink

    Cameras don’t mean increased security when it comes to drive bys, it just means the “shooters” ‘may’ be identified after the shooting as already occurred.