http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2008/1 ... 077838.txtHere's my opinion: I avoid the IL boats when I really want to go for entertainment in the casino.
I head for Hammond, and E.C. Ameristar. Why? For one, they haven't reportedly layed off 45 plus employees as Harrah's has...secondly, they pay out more. Lastly, you don't have to leave your machine to have a smoke. As some CEO reported from Harrah's in past news reports, gambling, smoking and drinking go hand in hand, although I don't agree with the drinking part.
If you remove a person from focusing (yes, focusing) on their machine and play, and force them to go to another place to smoke, you most likely see them lose the focus and go home.
Lastly, a casino in Calumet City would be a "doom". If you read the Post-Tribune yesterday, the Horseshoe revenues shot up, but short from one year ago. Majestic I and II are selling off assets, and are in a bind. Ameristar reported less revenue as all four combined. The economy changed. People are losing houses and it hasn't hit rock bottom yet.
May I suggest a new revenue to all the Calumet City taxpayers? Demand that the aldermen and alderwomen, the majesty herself to give up that expensive health insurance coverage they created for themselves, the life-insurance Ms. Michelle took out, the pensions that ensure they make more after they well leave office. Demand they pay into an ethical insurance plan, that gives money back into the taxpayers' pockets.
I can't imagine buying even at the Dollar Store in Crook County, while Cal City, Stroger and Blago are in office with the high sales tax on even a dollar.
Why has the question of why Genova has not been required to repay the city for legal expenses been followed up on and being answered?
Back to the casino: even if it's built on solid ground, it'll sink. The economy, the average income, the city's image is a no-no to whether or not one should be placed there.
I would go to a rich community, knowing that rich people play the slots more, and you're more likely to win. The more the machine is played, the more it pays out. Put it in a depressed neighborhood, you're wasting your dough.
Keep on dreaming, Michelle. Your ship sunk long ago, before the thought of a floating, stand-still boat with a moat.
P.S. - Where's Genova's money to pay back those citizens in Cal City, ya know, the taxpayers that forked out his legal fees? I think you owe an answer to the very people who pay your salary before Pam takes over.
Knowing the new mayor Pam, that's the first thing she'll go after. She's for OTHERS, the taxpayers. You've always been about yourself and your chronic, "keep it behind the doors" aldermen.
Don't waste your money running again. I can tell you Pam will WIN.