FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – A new group called Save Fort Wayne is entering the debate over a proposed casino in Fort Wayne or Allen County.
Two bills are currently under consideration in Indiana that address the potential for a new casino. Senate Bill 70 would allow the Rising Star Casino to move from Ohio County to Allen County. House Bill 1038 would add another casino license instead of relocating an existing license.
BACKGROUND: Indiana bill that would allow casino to move to Allen County passes out of committee
21Alive News sent an email to the address listed on the Save Fort Wayne website to request an interview with the group’s organizers. In response, the group wrote, “We are comprised of local professionals in the finance and business sectors. Given the political nature of this project and our obligations to current employers, we have chosen to remain anonymous to protect our professional careers.”
The group says it wants to “ensure the public discussion focuses on the math rather than the personalities involved.” It says its main goal is to advocate for a voter referendum. “Polling data indicates that as the public becomes more informed about the downsides of increased gambling availability, opposition not only grows, it becomes overwhelming,” they wrote. “We believe a referendum is essential to ensure groups like Save Fort Wayne and the Coalition for a Better Allen County, along with individual residents, have an opportunity to share concerns publicly.”
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker and all three members of the Allen County Board of Commissioners wrote a letter to state lawmakers expressing support for bringing a casino to Allen County. “The Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners support the location of a casino in Fort Wayne/Allen County,” the letter addressed to House Speaker Todd Huston and State Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray says. “Fort Wayne and Allen County have a reputation for being able to work together and the location of a casino is another example of that.”
WATCH: Fort Wayne Mayor, Allen County Commissioners show support for potential new casino | Story continues below
The letter says 60% of the tax revenue from a new casino would be distributed to communities in Allen County based on population, and 40% would be placed in a fund for nonprofits to “help improve mental health and combat homelessness, addiction and other challenges.” The letter also says a board would be appointed to oversee how the funds are distributed. “This will be a new stream of revenue to help meet the needs of our communities and remain one of the fastest-growing areas in the Great Lakes Region,” the officials write.
21Alive News reached out to Mayor Tucker about the Save Fort Wayne website and its claims. When asked about a potential referendum, the mayor’s office said, “The Mayor has stated previously that she is never in opposition of allowing the public to speak but is concerned about slowing the process with a referendum.”
“Mayor Tucker and her leadership team value and appreciate receiving feedback from the public. We recognize that the casino topic has strong viewpoints in favor and in opposition.
Mayor Tucker is an advocate for a casino to enhance revenue opportunities for the city to grow and succeed but to also help in addressing social challenges through programming and assistance as part of a humanitarian fund.
Ultimately, the Indiana General Assembly will determine if a casino comes to our community.”
Greater Fort Wayne Inc., the chamber of commerce for Fort Wayne and Allen County, published its own website in November called “Fort Wayne First.”
“A casino in Allen County would mean more than just gaming to our community; it would mean new jobs and small business partnerships. Significant tax revenue for neighborhood improvements, safety and parks. And a boost in tourism and hospitality,” the website says. “Should the casino go to another area, those benefits would go with it. Multiple communities will be competing for this opportunity, but Fort Wayne is uniquely positioned to ensure that the economic growth, community investments and new jobs stay here. Together, we can turn this vision into a reality.”
READ MORE: Local nonprofit launches ad campaign supporting proposed casino in Fort Wayne
Save Fort Wayne published an “Economic Impact Analysis” on its website, calling the report “an independent, local counter-analysis prepared for Allen County residents.” The group argues “the proposed casino expansion creates a net loss for our city, introducing risks of addiction and increased crime.”
21Alive News reached out to the author of Senate Bill 70, State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne), who sent us the following statement:
“I have no comment in response to this new website that is anonymously owned and funded.”
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