Letters: Casinos need safeguards
November 23, 2012 11:56PM
Updated: December 26, 2012 6:13AM
With the election over, Illinois Democrats have now gained at least 60 percent of all the seats in our Legislature. This majority allows Democrats to override any veto from Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. One of the most important bills that will hit the floor is the Casino Expansion Bill, Senate Bill 1849, a gaming bill written by state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, and supported by Senate President John Cullerton.
This bill will have a huge impact on our casinos in Joliet and all casinos across our state. Already due to the economic situation, our casinos are going through a tough time
Of course, the loss of revenue has an impact on taxpayers of Joliet and Will County. Lang say he is not looking at January, when the majority will take their seats. He is looking for the November veto session to put the bill through.
The gambling bill would have a large impact on our state economy, as well as jobs. But any bill, in my opinion, must include a provision that existing casinos will not suffer in either job loss or revenue. Quinn wants safeguards written into any bill, like banning campaign contributions. But there have to be more safeguards and guarantees that any losses impacted by the new casinos will be rightly compensated. This bill is not a sure bet to happen. After all, Quinn still has the veto power, until January at least.
Mike Schauer
Joliet
Honoring their sacrifice
A cold evening at Joliet eatery, Golden Corral; lines formed on both sides as early as 4 p.m., on a cold and windy Monday.
Accepting Mother Nature’s weather, it gave me a sense of warmth being in a union with my fellow comrades, sharing war stories and thanking God for our good fortune of being alive. Also, remembering our brothers left behind and missing in action.
We were joyful to be here with the brothers in the back of the line. Some elderly, two up in age which touched our hearts, and we let them through — a noble gesture of kindness. I stood in line shaking hands with, and embracing my comrades, feeling a sense of unity and happiness to share this wonderful encounter, hoping to see them again next year.
Other restaurants joined in, offering free meals to veterans — Louis on Jefferson Street and the First Presbyterian Church on Western Avenue. Earlier, I had called to join them, as I have worked at this church 13 years. I’ve met such wonderful people, elderly and young, in studying the holy Bible. This made me a changed person and made me part of a wonderful family. Through them, I’ve learned respect, humility and love in the house of Jesus.
There is a plaque of the names of fellow comrades: Veterans that came back and some that were left behind. However, we remember them in our daily prayers … a tribute to remember, God willing, until next year.
Felipe “Phil” Garcia
Joliet
