Arlington Heights hosts town hall meeting on gambling
Concerned citizens, state lawmakers and village leaders will gather at Arlington Heights village hall Wednesday to discuss a possible gaming expansion that could soon land more than 1,000 slot machines at Arlington Park.
The town hall meeting, organized by Residents in Favor of Home Rule, begins at 7:30 p.m. at the village hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road.
Among those expected to attend are State Sen. Matt Murphy, a Republican from Palatine, and State Rep. Mark Walker, a Democrat from Arlington Heights.
Organizers say the meeting should give village residents a chance to hear the latest on gambling expansion, voice their opinions and ask lawmakers and village officials what it all means.
“We hope it's an opportunity for people in the community, whatever side of the issue they're on, to hear their legislators provide them with information and to share their concerns,” said Nancy Duel, one of the event's organizers. “Hopefully, we get a little pulse of the community.”
The main topic of the evening is expected to be Senate Bill 737, a measure that, if passed, would allow 1,200 slots at Arlington Park, as well as new casinos in Park City, the south suburbs, Chicago, Rockford and downstate.
The bill passed the Senate Dec. 1, despite Murphy's opposition, and could come up for a vote in the House as early as next week. Gov. Pat Quinn has voiced doubts about the measure, but not indicated whether he would sign it if it moves through the House.
Judith Royal, another organizer of the town hall meeting, said the event came about in part because it seemed so few village residents were aware of the latest legislation.
“It's a little bit like a ‘(crying) wolf' situation,” she said. “Expansion comes up so often that maybe people aren't paying attention any more.
“We hope people come with questions,” Royal added. “I hope they ask what this would mean for their community.”