House Dist. 59 candidates voice opinions on gambling
Slots, roulette, poker, blackjack. When the dice is rolling and the wheels are spinning, the money is flowing and the state of Illinois would like to get its hands on more of those dollars.
Revenue from gambling is an attractive source of new cash that could fill some holes in the budget, but not all legislators agree on the idea.
Three of the four candidates running for the state House District 59 seat oppose any increase in gambling. Republicans Dan Sugrue and Mohan Manian, of Green Oaks and Democratic state Rep. Carol Sente, of Vernon Hills, reject gambling expansion. Democrat Elliott Hartstein, of Buffalo Grove, said he's open to the idea but there should be limits.
Former Republican candidate Cynthia Hebda did not survive a ballot challenge and has been scratched from the race.
Sugrue, 46, said the negative impact of gambling on people isn't worth the new revenue.
"The social costs of gambling far outweigh the benefit of new money," said Sugrue, an attorney. "You'll find an increased rate of personal bankruptcies and gambling addictions in the towns that have casinos. Video gambling is the worst. It's like the crack cocaine of gambling. It's terrible the legislature authorized it's use."
Manian, 45, said he's opposed to any expansion of gambling. The business owner said he doubts the new revenue will be spent wisely and is concerned for the welfare of the gamblers.
"Money from gambling is not a solution for our problems," Manian said. "The money won't get to where it needs to go. Look at the lottery. That money was supposed to go to schools. Where is it? Gambling puts people in debt and it is easy to get hooked on it. Many people are already."
Hartstein, 61, isn't opposed to gambling as a revenue source, but the Buffalo Grove Village President said expansion must be strategic and limited.
"I would consider supporting specific targeted expansion at existing casinos and race tracks, and likewise consider minimal additional casino licenses in the state depending on locations," he said. "I would not be supportive of additional expansion at bars and restaurants or at off-track betting facilities. The state needs to be conservative in its projections and reliance on gambling as a stable revenue stream."
Sente, 48, said her constituents have spoken up on the issue. The owner of an architectural firm, Sente is decidedly against gambling as a revenue source.
"I do not support gambling expansion, and people in my district have made their position clear that video poker is not a revenue stream they want to support in their community," Sente said.
The primary is Feb. 2. The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican primary in the November general election.
The 59th District includes portions of Buffalo Grove, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Indian Creek, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mettawa, Mundelein, Northbrook, North Chicago, Park City, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, Waukegan and Wheeling.