City council has given its support to the relocation of Vernon's casino. However, it came down to a 4-3 vote with Mayor Wayne Lippert casting the deciding vote in favour, even though he realizes the problems gambling causes. "But its a fact of life the casino was looking to move and this gives council an opportunity to address those concerns through the funding of the casino." Councillors Beardsell, Cunningham and Baumbrough voted against the relocation. Juliette Cunningham felt it was a perfect opportunity for the city to negotiate a better deal.The city currently gets 10 percent of the casino's profits, and, under a new program, will use 50-thousand dollars of that, to help problem gamblers.
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Starlee Speers, Astral Radio News Casino Moves
There was some heated debate and it was a close vote, but the proposal to relocate and expand Vernon's casino was passed by city council. Mayor Wayne Lippert says he broke a tie and voted in favour of the relocation because he was worried the casino, and the revenue that comes with it, would move to another community. Steve Kumpf with Lake City Casino says, moving the casino to another city was never considered. Kumpf says Lake City Casino has been in Vernon in 20 years and they're looking forward to expanding their business.
Councillor Juliette Cunningham says she's disappointed that Council didn't try to negotiate a better deal for the community. She says Vernon has lost all of it's bargaining power now. Cunningham along with councillors Barry Beardsell and Buffy Baumbrough had hoped to negotiate for more share of the casino revenue. 50 thousand dollars from the revenue the city collects from the casino earnings will be earmarked for gambling-related problems.The new casino on Anderson Way will include a show lounge, double the slot machines and more table games.
1 comment:
Flippert and Jack the Ripper excuses are false and irrelevant-just as they are.Vernon needs some help desparately.
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