To the Citizens of Forest Park,
This letter is to inform you the Forest Park Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #24 is endorsing a “NO” vote on the upcoming election (November 2018) question of: “Shall the Village of Forest Park Prohibit Video Gaming?”
The FOP Lodge #24 Officers would like the citizens of Forest Park to know that there has been absolutely no evidence that Video Gaming has brought an increase of crime to Forest Park. Officers have rarely been called for service to any liquor establishment that currently has Video Gaming to handle problems specifically dealing with the gaming machines.
The FOP Lodge #24 Officers would like the citizens of Forest Park to know that they have seen a reduction of foot traffic during night hours before and after Video Gaming was allowed in Forest Park for the past several years. Without Video Gaming, there is concern that currently open liquor establishments will close, causing empty store fronts on Madison Street, along with a reduction of Revenue to Forest Park, which could result in increased crime.
The FOP Lodge #24 Officers are endorsing Video Gaming in Forest Park because it brings in essential revenue to the Village of Forest Park which is used to pay village employee salaries, along with the village’s portion of pension payment requirements. Forest Park Citizens overwhelming voted “YES” to a poll question in relation to using Video Gaming proceeds to support Police/Fire Pensions in the last election.
The FOP Lodge #24 Officers encourage all citizens of Forest Park to vote “NO” in November to retain Video Gaming, in order for the Village to benefit from the revenue gained from the gaming machines.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #24 Members
