Local pols rush to snuff snafu on Casino relocation
It's got to be frustrating being a legislator. While regular readers of The Inside Dope realize that I don't exactly place politicians on a pedestal, this story illustrates the headaches that often emerge out of nowhere to threaten to undo a lot of work and thwart their plans.
This particular bugaboo appeared after a downstate Republican, Rep. Don Moffit of Gilson, requested an opinion from an assistant state A.G. as to whether current legislation gives the state gaming board authority to authorize Casino Rock Island's proposed move.
The assistant A.G. responded with an "informal" opinion that argued that the board indeed may not have the required authority.
The informal opinion upholds an opinion issued by then-Attorney General Jim Ryan in 2001, saying the gaming board doesn't have the authority to approve the casino's move. Since then, new legislation has been passed that appeared to allow the move, but the latest opinion rejects that notion.This seemingly minor incident has got local pols pretty excited. They initially wanted an appointment with an assistant state A.G., but now they're clamoring for an appointment with Attorney General Lisa Madigan herself.
Sen. Jacobs argued that legislation passed in 2002 and 2003 allows the move. Denny Jacobs, Sen. Jacobs' father, helped write those bills while he was state senator and will also attend Monday's meeting.
"These two bills passed clearly gives the state authority to move the casino within a confined body of water within a community," Sen. Jacobs said. "After all, in the past, they allowed the Peoria boat to move to East Peoria and allowed Joliet's Harris [sic] boat to move without giving up their licenses."
Sen. Mike Jacobs, with dad Denny riding shotgun, Rep. Pat Verschoore, and Rock Island Mayor Mark Schwiebert will all attend the meeting.
Even though the legislators argue that this opinion is invalid since it was an "informal", "unofficial" opinion given to a minor legislator who is neither a member of either party's leadership or a committee chair, it poses the real danger that it could adversely impact financing for the relocation of Casino Rock Island unless clarified.
Groups and lobbyists favoring the relocation of Casino Rock Island are also chiming in.
They [state legislators] will also be joined by gaming lobbyists. County board chairman Jim Bohnsack sent the Attorney General's Office a letter of support for the casino project. Tri-City Building Trades Council executive director Rory Washburn has also sent a letter of support and urged individual unions to do the same.(Kudos again to both the Dispatch reporter who apparently can hear the word "Harrah's" in conjunction with a casino and think it's "Harris", and the editor for either missing it or not once wondering if maybe it should be "Harrah's".)
posted by The Inside Dope @ 4/22/2005
4 comments
4 Comments:
Boy, is my face red. You are correct. That was a mistake to think Boland's absense was notable. (I'd even forgotten that he was on vacation) That's what happens when I work too early in the morning.
As you note, it wouldn't make any sense for Boland to be involved.
I made the mistake of assuming that since all the other legislators from the area were involved that Boland would be too, but neglected to realize that the issue was outside his district. Sorry about that, and thanks for catching the mistake.
Ah yes. Funny you should mention that. I reported back on March 25th that Boland was indeed telling people he plans a run for the state senate.
Of course, this was met with howls of derision and mockery from the usual gang of nay-sayers here. (not you other fine folks)
As my unimpeachable source reported and confirmed, this was not some barroom B.S., but a discussion with some serious players during a meeting in which Boland laid out his plans in hopes of gaining support.
What a politician says this far out from a race and what he actually does aren't necessarily the same thing, but it is clear that Bolan has and is telling certain people of his plans to run for senate.
As to the timetable for when Boland will finally show his cards, that still remains to be seen. A sentence buried at the end of an article a few weeks ago indicated that Boland would make his plans known around June if I recall. (unfortunately, a long search for the article was unsuccessful.)
There's certainly a huge amount hinging on his decision, and if it indeed turns out that he runs against Mike Jacobs, it will hit the local political scene like a lightening bolt.
But as of now, all we know is that he has stated his desire to run for state senate to certain people. When he'll make his plans known formally is anyone's guess at this point. Until further info comes forward, that's where it stands.
The Vynckes are a prominent name in East Moline, but I can't confirm what posts they hold if any, or where. Perhaps some more knowledgable reader might fill us in.
And you're a witless tool. You must be so proud.
Your comments don't make my blood boil. It's really not a great surprise that there are total assholes such as yourself out there. Always have been, always will be. Disappointed, sure. Angry, no.
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