Letter: Gambling about political donations
When will people come to the realization that cannibalization of existing casinos means little, if anything to the Democrats of Springfield and Chicago, when it comes to creating a casino in the city of Chicago?
The Rivers Casino in Des Plaines may or may not be impacted by a Chicago location but start popping up four new venues, one ostensibly in Lake County, just "down the street" from Des Plaines and add slots to Arlington Park and see what happens to the revenue stream of the casino industry as a whole.
Mayor Emanuel and House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton are fixated on the political campaign donations likely to emanate from a city controlled casino that throws off countless millions of dollars in contracts.
A Chicago casino would give new meaning to the term "Chicago Way," lit large in neon no less.
And it must be "casino" season because like tulips sprouting in spring, State Senator Terry Link is once again at the forefront championing the wonders of additional gaming locations, especially the one to be located in his home turf of Waukegan/Park City.
Would Senator Link be so enthused about his support of a Lake County venue if he and his supporters were to be denied any financial gain, be they political contributions or private deals through favored contractors.
I think that roll of the dice would come up snake eyes.
Remember it was Senator Link that wanted to abolish the state's Gaming Commission the last time a gaming bill was being fashioned. The senator also has advocated and is still advocating that Chicago be the owner of the city casino and exercise its own oversight of the operation.
That gives new meaning to "the fox guarding the hen house."
Build the Chicago casino. Give the Gaming Commission complete jurisdiction and oversight. Nix Senator Link's cash cow in Lake County as well as the other sites being proposed.
When all is said and done the revenue stream envisioned by the politicians won't increase tax revenues one dollar. It will however do wonders for some campaign funds.
That's all that really matters … isn't it?
Steve Sarich
Grayslake