St. Charles mayor puts video gambling back on city's table
St. Charles business owners and social clubs may see a reversal of fortune when it comes to video gambling thanks, in part, to a reversal in opinion by Mayor Ray Rogina.
Exactly one year ago, representatives from the St. Charles Moose Lodge showed up, unscheduled, at a public meeting to ask aldermen to consider legalizing video gambling for their financially struggling organization. Aldermen called video gambling a "sucker's game" and refused to even put the issue on an agenda for full debate.
At the time, Rogina told aldermen he was disappointed in their unwillingness to discuss the issue.
During his campaign for mayor, Rogina said he would consider video gambling for places like the Moose or a VFW. But he said he would not support video gambling in any of the city's taverns.
In an interview Monday, Rogina said he's changed his position.
"Everything is on the table," he said. "Adults should be able to make their own choices about what they do."
The six-figure revenue numbers in some other suburban communities may be even more of a draw to municipal leaders with the local share of state income tax dollars remaining as a potential casualty of Illinois' deficit.
Rogina said he doesn't know if video gambling would bring a major boost to city coffers, but he's heard enough interest in the new profit stream from local business owners to ask aldermen for a debate.
Gus Donzelli owns A'Salute in St. Charles. He joined Moose Lodge leadership Monday night in backing Rogina's call for full consideration of video gambling.
"I represent a lot of the restaurant owners in the St. Charles area," Donzelli said. "I believe it's a win-win situation for the restaurant owners and the city."
It remains to be seen if aldermen agree. They did, however, agree to a full debate at their Aug. 3 meeting, where they invite citizens to come weigh in.
At that meeting there will be a presentation of the financial needs and potential fiscal impact of video gambling on the city. Legal staffers will present the state's approved video gambling rules and regulations.
Police Chief James Keegan will provide a law enforcement perspective on crime and enforcement involved with video gambling. Then aldermen will take a vote.
At least one official is already planning to vote "no."
"As a documented opponent of video gambling, I would like to recommend and welcome just such a conversation," Aldermen Rita Payleitner said.