As we close in the end of the debate about video gaming, it is very interesting to me how the various groups and stakeholders in Forest Park are coming down on the decision to prohibit.
On the “Vote No” side, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce has urged a No vote because video gaming helps small businesses. The Fraternal Order of Police is endorsing a No vote because they know crime has not gone up because of gaming. Forest Park firefighters are saying vote No because the approximately $300,000 in revenues it has already generated to the Village. Public works employees are calling for a No vote because that revenue supports working families in Forest Park.
On the “Yes” side, the only endorsement is from an Oak Park-based newspaper that sounded more interested in arguing over an old court case and a future mayoral election than on what the impact it will have on taxpayers.
As voters weigh their options on the question of voting on prohibition of gaming, I hope they remember to stand with our small businesses, firefighters, police officers, public works employees and the future of Forest Park by voting NO on Prohibition of gaming.
Frank Rossi
Forest Park resident
