In the news, on this blog, and around the state, there’s been a lot of talk about the proposed constitutional amendment to allow casinos to be established in seven Arkansas counties. Since many Arkansans are looking for information about this amendment, I thought it appropriate to give a brief breakdown of what you could be voting on in November. Below are three main objections to the proposed casino amendment.
In an interview earlier this week on Today’s THV, Texas businessman Michael J. Wasserman—the sponsor of the recently approved casino ballot proposal—said that bringing his casinos to Arkansas is “necessary because of the economy.” Even as Mr. Wasserman talked about how his casinos would bring 20,000 new jobs to Arkansas, I couldn’t help but think about how much casinos hurt local economies. It’s as if he wants Arkansans to sign his petition and vote for casinos come November because we have no choice—this is the only way to bring our economy up.
“It’s just a different time of life.” That’s what Congressman Vic Snyder told me today.