Libertyville seems unlikely to lift video gambling ban
An official vote hasn't been taken, but Libertyville leaders appear cool to the idea of lifting the village ban on video gambling.
Village trustees seemed to agree with the majority of speakers during nearly two hours of public comment Tuesday, saying the effect on the community as a whole likely would outweigh the benefit for some businesses. "We are the ones everybody wants to emulate," said Trustee Scott Adams, who was recently appointed to fill a board vacancy but has decades of involvement in many community issues, including the rebirth of the downtown. "Does video gambling fit into that picture? It probably doesn't."
Trustees agreed they support local businesses but voiced variations of Adams' opinion.
"Do I also want to maintain and enhance the wonderful wholesomeness we have here? Yes," Trustee Donna Johnson said.
Johnson said she was wary of "unintended consequences," such as a greater demand for liquor licenses and the effect on the community.
Trustee Rich Moras said he thinks "less government is better" but was concerned about cafe chains with video gambling that have been making inroads in the suburbs, and the threat of potential lawsuits.
"What really concerns me is what happens down the road," Moras said. "Once it's there, I don't know we'd have the ability to remove it."
Trustee Jay Justice, who chairs the license and permits committee that recommended the full village board consider the question, said he opposed video gambling when the village board decided not to allow it in 2009 and still does.
And though he doesn't vote except to break a tie, Mayor Terry Weppler said the village would have no control over the state-issued video gambling licenses. Concerns were raised that the number of machines permitted at one establishment could increase from the current five.
"I don't think the state has done a good job regulating a lot of things," he said.
About 100 people attended and about three dozen spoke at the Tuesday session called by Weppler in advance of a board vote in December.
"We were asked by our businesses to consider the question," he said. "This was an important enough issue we decided we wanted to hold a town-hall meeting and get input from our residents."
Twenty-two of 47 municipalities in Lake County, as well as the unincorporated area, allow video gambling, according to the Illinois Gaming Board website.
Ed Downing, owner of Downing's Tavern, raised the issue last summer, saying customers were being drawn to nearby towns that allowed it and that he was seeking a "level playing field." He said the village was known as a gambling town for its horse racing track at the turn of the last century and has weathered bingo, the lottery, off-track betting and riverboat casinos none the worse for wear.
"Video gaming is nothing more than the electronic version of an instant lottery ticket. It's just technology moving on," Downing told the board. "Let's remember our motto: 'The Spirit of Independence.'"
But Downing had limited support.
Fourteen area pastors signed a letter of opposition, saying video gambling had the potential to diminish the "quality and character" of Libertyville.
Most speakers agreed.
"I don't think it's in line with our community values and family values. I do not see any benefits of bringing it into our community," said Angie Lindsey, a 10-year resident.
The Rev. Stephen Williams of the United Methodist Church of Libertyville described gambling as a "menace" that feeds crime and poverty and referred to the contrasting versions of the small town in the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life."
"This place is like Bedford Falls," he said. "I pray you don't let it get like Pottersville."