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With Governor Blagojevich's gambling go-to guy under indictment and state lawmakers struggling to figure out if they can trust him with expanded gambling, (and trying to decide how they'll split the pie up among themselves), that other guy in the state's executive branch, Lt Governor Pat Quinn, called for a statewide referendum on gambling yesterday.
In a press conference at the State of Illinois Building Monday, Quinn said "I think this is a perfect example of where the voters are needed to weigh in on their opinion," noting that he and Blagojevich ran in 2002 and '06 on a campaign promise not to expand gambling.
"We must consult with the people who elected us before taking an action that will allow wide-open gambling throughout Illinois and affect our state’s quality of life for decades to come," Quinn said in a press release prior to the event. Rod Blagojevich, however, was dismissive (or at least his spokeswoman was). In response to Quinn's calls for a referendum, she issued a statement that read, in part "in the spirit of compromise, and in the interest of making sure we fund mass transit and repair aging roads, bridges and schools, he's willing to accept a gaming expansion as a better source of revenue than raising taxes on people." Quinn confirmed that he hasn't spoken personally to the governor in about six months.
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When we look to statewide gambling to settle the very basic issues of schools and transportation, I think it is time to clean house.
If this is the best idea they have, if this is their best attempt at creative innovation and governance, then it is without a doubt time for some new people in their seats.
#1: Great points. Wise points. Therefore, our leaders will ignore them.
Is this really what we want to become, and is this really how we want our economy to be? And, do we really want to trust Chicago with a casino?
And is this really better in the long term than, say, increasing the state income rates a bit, or gas taxes, or doing a tax swap?
Too bad there will no chance to debate these issues in depth.
I agree. This is not a solution. Open the doors on gambling and there will be a slot machine in every cafe, gas station, etc. Talk about trashy.
Gambling is being held up as the only option because the incompetance of Blago Daley and Stroger to run goverment within the tax revenue generated. I must admit that I have zero faith that any casino in Crook co. wont be one scandal after the other, but I see little choice considering the hole the elceted leaders of this state city and County have dug through patronage and corruption. I think you should put the video poker and slots at Ohare and Midway and at least many of the saps losing there money will be out of towners.
"Las Chicago."
Oh come on I've always wanted to live in ancient Rome during the decline "Caligula,does this guard look drunk to you!?!"
But honestly do we deserve a better government? We have the one that reflects us best.
Quinn confirmed that he hasn't spoken personally to the governor in about six months.
!!!
Tell me you of all people are nor shocked by that The New Guest Number 2! Heck during the last six years they have never had a one on one meeting and I can say with confidence that Quinn has been allowed direct acress to Blago only a hand full of times including press conferences, that he is no longer invited too. Heck after Blago's deputy governor Brad Tusk went back to the NYC, Quinn has no support up on the 16th floor!