Monroe and Lordstown voters approved the gaming agreements reached by their local governments and the Eastern Shawnee Indian tribe. Both Ohio communities defy with their decision state obstacles against gambling in the Ohio. The tribe has filed a federal lawsuit where it claims thousands of acres in Ohio. Attorney General Jim Petro is fighting the suit, while tribe’s attorney said that the state will be forced to negotiate with the tribe regarding casino plans.
Monroe, with 9.500 inhabitants, and located in Southwest Ohio, and Lordstown, with 3.700 inhabitants, and located in the northeast of the state, were asked to allow an agreement about the sharing of revenues and the impact on both communities, if the tribe were allowed to build casinos. The Butler County Board of Elections reported that in Monroe 66 percent of voters were in favor, while 34 percent were against. The Trumbull County Board of Elections, in its turn, reported that 69 percent of Lordstown voters were in favor, while 31 percent were against.
In 1990 and 1996 Ohio voters rejected gambling. There is likely to be another ballot in 2006 regarding gambling issues. Gambling opponents have already started a campaign against casinos to let gambling companies know that they are not welcome in the area. Ten Monroe pastors have signed a letter stating the ethical and social costs of gambling versus the potential benefit. Supporters, on the other hand, said that casinos could bring millions of dollars of benefits to the communities.
