SPECIAL ELECTION

Just arguments PRO and CON for now. Will add comments later.
Gambling in Ruston. I AM SHOCKED.

Town of Ruston argument PRO, unsigned. Wonder why?

Voting ‘YES’ on Ruston Referendum Measure 1 will end house-banked card rooms (casinos) in Ruston forever. Finally, “We the people of Ruston” will decide the fate of casinos in our community and not have it decided by business people who don’t live in Ruston. Ruston Measure 1 does not eliminate any current gaming activity, thus there is no revenue loss to the Town. We have to plan for the potential of casinos on the ASARCO site. This is a real possibility as neighboring governments eliminate gaming within their jurisdictions. Casinos traditionally add work load to local police forces, reducing their availability to their community. Indeed casino presence usually comes with a cost to a community that includes reputation, image and lower property values. Ruston Measure 1 was unanimously endorsed by the Ruston Town Council and offers us the opportunity to be heard. Please vote ‘YES’ on Ruston Measure No. 1.

REBUTTAL to town of Ruston statement:
Red herrings:

#1 License was approved by Ruston Town council in good faith.
#2 $30 thousand dollars per year lost in tax revenue.
#3 Gambling tax revenue used to enforce gambling act.
#4 Anti business atmosphere in Ruston is leaving empty buildings.
Ludicrous:
#5 "ASARCO site" referring to POINT RUSTON Urban Village consisting of retail shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, a 175 room 4-star waterfront hotel including a restaurant and lounge, pool and conference facilities.
James L. Wingard

CON argument against Town of Ruston Referendum Measure 1

The Point Defiance Cafe and Casino (Casino) was a successful business serving a public need until the Town Council decided to close them down.
The Ordinance increasing taxes with no public input and a nine minute monologue during a study session forced the closing of the main business with the loss of thirty jobs, Ruston losing it's largest taxpayer. Problem was it was done illegally.
This Ordinance 1316 to prohibit Social Card Games is an action by Ruston to close it down permanently.
A more measured approach would allow the Casino to recoup it's investment and rehire employees.
The Casino is located on a main thoroughfare. They attract a mature customer base.
This measure was rushed through to meet a deadline.
Vote NO on Measure No. 1 and support the Town of Ruston.
submitted by:
James L. Wingard


Town of Ruston officials:
Mayor, Bruce Hopkins
Council, Bradley Huson, Jim Hedrick, Deborah Kristovich, Lyle Hardin, Jane Hunt