Issue 2 simply changes the address of a Columbus casino

Last fall, Ohio voters passed a ballot initiative to amend Ohio’s constitution to allow casinos to be built in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo. That ballot initiative’s language was quite specific, going so far as to identify the plots of land on which each casino will be built.

Issue 2 will move the Columbus casino from downtown to the site of an abandoned General Motors/Delphi Automotive plant on the west side of the city. The community surrounding the plant has been devastated by the economic downturn and has demonstrated support for the casino.

The Dayton Daily News’ recent comment that there is no organized opposition to Issue 2 speaks volumes. Issue 2 is supported by business (the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, for example) and labor (the Ohio AFL-CIO). It is supported by both the state Democratic and Republican parties; by both candidates for governor; by most major newspapers; and most important, by the Columbus community.

Regardless of how you voted on last year’s casino gaming issue, it makes no sense to oppose Issue 2 on philosophical grounds. There’s no philosophy involved here — just a change of address for a casino that is going to be built somewhere in Columbus anyway.

Issue 2 is not about gambling, but about allowing Columbus to make its own decision on where it wants a casino. I encourage you to vote yes on Issue 2 on May 4.

Thomas White

Kenwood