NEWS: Election

I voted today! So should you..

I don't have much else to say, besides the fact that I voted no on Issue 6 (I was surprised with myself, but I don't trust the guy that proposed it, who also has gone bankrupt and charged with fraud).

I'll be up all night watching the votes come in. Check out www.nytimes.com, they have a great link (Pop-up dashboard, center right of the page) to follow the states as they decide.

POLITICS: List of Ohio issues on the ballot-KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE!

Check out this site: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/States

It's a non-partisan site that describes each issue that will be on the ballot, no matter what state you're from. Each description includes pro/con arguments, supporters and external links for more background information.

I'll go ahead and list the issue on Ohio's ballot for 2008:
(from http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Ohio_2008_ballot_measures)
Issue 1-To change the deadline for submitting signatures on initiatives from 90 days to 125 days
Issue 2-Borrow $400 million for environment conservation, preservation and revitalization
Issue 3-Creates constitutional property rights along with the passage of the Great Lakes Water Compact*
Issue 6-Would allow one $600,000 resort/casino in Ohio
*The compact will take effect regardless of the vote, the question is of property rights and water

I encourage everyone to visit this site and review the links, read articles and figure out your position. Vote smart in '08!

NEWS: Ohio Casinos

OHIO

Developers in Ohio are planning to construct a $600 million casino. Currently, Ohio law does not permit gambling despite many recent ballot attempts to overturn current legislation. 

The twist. Indiana's three casinos have attracted many Ohio gamblers for that past years. Argosy Casino specifically has taken an extreme stance against the potential Ohio vote to legalize gambling.

Argosy Casino's owner Penn National in Pennsylvania, has stated that they will be launching a $35 million ad campaign against the upcoming vote.

MyOhioNow.org is urging voters not to believe the misleading campaign that the legislation would only allow the one casino in Wilmington. The problem at hand is that Penn National can outspend MyOhioNow on their campaign. Ah, the power of money. 

Argosy reports that 50% of their profits come from Ohio, and that passing legislation would severely damage their casino. 

If Ohio is losing tax dollars now to its neighbor states because of 'immoral' gambling, then it makes no sense why no to allow gambling in Ohio. If the Ohio residents are going to gamble anyway, the state might as well benefit from its people. In a time where Ohio desperately is attempting to maintain a budget, and is struggling to do so, then it makes plenty of sense to allow gambling as an extra source of revenue. Not to mention the casino will employ more than 5,000 people and create a revenue to all 88 Ohio counties.