The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
Cleveland on Fire: Mayor Frank Jackson should consider the future generations of Ohio
Frank Jackson's short time as the Mayor of Cleveland has been characterized by low-key progress, straightforward talk, and down to earth improvements for the citizens of the area. His 'speak softly but carry a loud stick' attitude has been a sharp contrast to his predecessor (Jane Campbell; the queen of ribbon cutting), but this past week, Jackson made a bold endorsement of the Ohio Earn and Learn (OEL) Campaign. In simpler terms, the Mayor has publicly supported a state constitutional amendment to allow for legalized gambling.
If passed, the OEL would allow for slot machines at nine designated locations, mostly in the Cleveland region. If eventually approved to become full-fledged casinos, only the sites in Cuyahoga County would expand.
The proposed amendment will be voted on this November, and although Ohio has repeatedly voted against gambling, this campaign has more than a fighting chance. Due to its timing and marketing, there is a significant public push for a plan that is disguised as an education initiative and economic development. The education push has worked before in this state, as the Ohio Lottery is based off similar albeit looser principles.
There is little to no doubt that a gambling and entertainment complex would catapult the West Bank of the Flats re-development and catalyze the growth there. Although the plans are already extensive and very successful, an entertainment attraction would differentiate this unique space from the rest of new development in the city and help return a portion of the Flats to the destination that is once was in the 1980s and 1990s. That is the only location where the proposed slot machines would spur economic development.
Jackson announced that his support of the proposal stems from economic factors the amendment would have on the city of Cleveland. Supporters believe that 5300 jobs and around $75 million dollars annually for economic development would be created from the gambling sites. For a long time, Ohioans have traveled to other states to visit casinos, and many business leaders that the money should stay here in the community. However, as has been highlighted before, the fact that all of our surrounding states either already have or are developing casinos means that Cleveland will not draw significant outside visitors just for the casino.
If there is limited economic growth for one small part of the state, with an education gimmick attached, and the simple retention of addiction money, why should the state change its constitution? No reason. However, the voters of Ohio have recently been notorious for altering the governing document with little care for future ramifications as evident with Issue 1 passing in 2004. A state constitution, much like the U.S. Constitution should be brief, broad, and allow for open discussion rather than limiting laws.
Although gambling would energize some immediate development and benefit the West Bank of the Flats, the long –term implications of this constitutional amendment for Ohio are shallow.
Jackson has decided where his money lies: with the big business partners in Cuyahoga County. It is apparent that these leaders have great financial incentives to legalize gambling, and the city chooses to look for near‑sighted and limiting solutions to issues that have faced Northeast Ohio for the last 50 years. Progressive thinking and cooperation between our mayor and the rest of the state will benefit Ohioans of future generations far more.
