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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2009 > July > 08 > Entry
Is more gambling going to fix this mess?
Yesterday’s post about our embattled Ohio public library system elicited some good comments. This comment from “Scout” got my attention:
“I’m also sympathetic to library funding - BUT I’d rather see library budgets tighten than see gambling in Ohio. I’m not sure about Yellow Springs, but in Centerville there is much money wasted on nonessential items like video games, first run DVDs, too many employees, glossy ads sent to everyone, etc. There are many ways to tighten the budget without hurting patrons.”
I hadn’t thought of any direct linkage between allowing more gambling in Ohio, video slots, etc, and funding our library system. Is that something that Ohioans would support? I searched for news articles about this ongoing budget discussion and I came across a recent editorial in The Cleveland Plain Dealer that really takes Governor Strickland to task.
The title of this editorial indicates that this writer is preparing to lash out. The headline reads Gov. Strickland is doing an appalling job for Ohio.
It goes on to state:
“This library funding fiasco will get worked out. But that a governor actually advocated a reckless policy that would destroy Ohio’s fine system of public libraries shows how completely clueless he is about the state he’s lived in pretty much all his life. The head of the Dayton library system put it best, saying Strickland’s proposal made him “want to puke.”
Sure, Strickland got dealt a bad hand, being governor during the worst meltdown of the world economy in 75 years. Yet at a time when Ohio desperately needs a governor who thinks first and foremost of the state’s future, Strickland acts as if that future begins and ends with his 2010 re-election campaign.
As a result, his administration operates on an inexcusable double standard. Nothing else can explain why a governor would rather punish Ohio’s youngest, oldest, poorest and most challenged citizens rather than raise taxes on snuff, cigarettes, cigars and alcohol products, or other “user” fees. Nothing else can explain a governor whose major contribution to the disastrous budget process wasn’t a thoughtful casino plan that would maximize state revenue. No, this governor’s visionary way of expanding gambling is to put slot machines in Ohio’s decaying and struggling racetracks. How visionary!
To read the entire editorial click HERE
What do you think? Do you want more gambling to be allowed in Ohio?
Vick Mickunas
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: booms and busts
Comments
By Raoul
July 10, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
Legalizing pot makes more sense. Think of the tax revenues.By Blowfly
July 9, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
First, as a former resident of the same state, let me second Downsized’s comments. BUT something occurred to me reading this story and the one about the library cut-backs. In order to speed up the process, and save all the inevitable embarrassment and backsliding that result from the “well-intentioned “controlled gambling approach, why not just put the slot machines right in the libraries. That should solve the funding problem. Better yet just put them right into the schools.By TRS
July 8, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the input down - it reflects Ohio’s experience with the lottery as well. Brief addendum to previous comments, heard on the news that there is a push in California by some to legalize pot to get the tax revenues to help with their budget mess.By downsized
July 8, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
As someone who lives in a gambling state, I wish to share a few observations. Gambling profits originally were targeted to reduce property taxes, help “economic development” by creating a horse breeding industry, fund charitable organizations and (you’ll love this) a 1-800-Bets-Off support organization for “problem gamblers.” The inevitable happened, of course. The counties and state became hooked like junkies on the money, and spent it for every purpose other than what was intended. They had to add slots and table games to support flagging pari-mutual betting on the horses. Property tax relief was forgotten. They even de-funded the gamblers anonymous and cessation programs. They also exempted the casinos from all our non-smoking legislation. Bad for business you know. Gaming dollars are now the meth/crack addiction for politicians of both parties. We currently have over 17 casinos in a state of less than 3 million people with more on the way. My county board of supervisors now are each given a $100K per year gaming slush fund to spend as they choose ( see re-election). They give high schools $5 grand for after prom parties, as an example. We now “enjoy” more legalized forms of gambling than Nevada. Come on in Ohioans, bite the apple. Your elected officials will love it! Afterall, it’s ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT! For their wallets.By TRS
July 8, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
Read something the other day where the three largest revenue producers are gambling, drugs and porn. Each brings with them their own problems. If, as a culture, we believe it moral to maintain services (ie, library) for those folks Vick mentioned, do we want to do so by bringing in those things that can have an adverse moreal risk on the very same people?By wondering?
July 8, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
Correct me if wrong, BUT isn’t it the law that all gambling money HAS to go to education. So, doesn’t that mean that absolutely no proceeds from new gambling can be used for ANYTHING else but edu? Meaning forget spreading it around for anything else.By lmj
July 8, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
I keep waiting for leadership from the Governor (I know, don’t laugh. My husband says I’m so naive.) If the man would offer to cut his own salary by 50%… How about eliminating travel? We do have teleconferencing in this state, don’t we? Or has that been cut, too?By edo
July 8, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this
That’s it, by George, slots in the library… I always thought the Dewey Decimal system was a numbers racket… $500 on 808.222y73… we have a winner “Laugh Crafters” by Jordan Young, about comedy writers of the radio age… double down on a DVD?… what happens in the stacks stays in the stacks…