Judge Moore Waffles on Casino Gambling

Flaig brings gambling into race
By Patrick Crowley • pcrowley@nky.com • June 15, 2009

FLORENCE – The debate in Frankfort over casino gambling has landed in Boone County Judge-executive Republican primary.
Boone County Commissioner Cathy Flaig, who is challenging incumbent Judge-executive Gary Moore in the 2010 GOP primary, has made public her “concerns on the proposed expanded gambling legislation being considered during this special session.”
Legislators are meeting in Frankfort in a special legislative session that began Monday. One of the issues under consideration is legislation that will allow Kentucky’s race tracks, including Turfway Park in Florence, to operate video slot casinos.
Flaig said she has e-mailed the state legislators representing Boone County about her concerns that a $200 million casino facility in Turfway “could negatively impact the commercial property value” adjacent to the track, which is located at Houston and Turfway roads west of Interstate 75.
Flaig also said construction of the casino “may require tax dollars from the county for additional infrastructure (including) police protection and roads” and said she “encouraged state legislators to be looking at true tax reform and not further increase state government’s reliance on gambling as a source of revenue.”
Flaig also injected county politics into the debate by saying that “the public deserves to hear Judge-executive Moore’s position of expanded gambling since he is accepting financial support from a Turfway executive for his re-election.”
Moore said he has not taken a position on the bill because as of Tuesday afternoon, an official version of the legislation had not been filed in Frankfort.
“It is irresponsible to take a position on something before you read it,” Moore said.
Turfway Park President Bob Elliston, who is lobbying for the bill in Frankfort, is a long-time friend and supporter of Moore. Elliston co-hosted a recent campaign fundraiser for Moore, has contributed money to his campaign and has worked on his past campaigns.
“Bob Elliston and I have been friends long before any of this,” Moore said. “He was treasurer on my very first campaign when he worked for U.S. Bank. My connection with Bob Elliston is as a friend.”
Elliston said he has known Moore since 1986, “13 years before I became associated with Turfway Park.”
Elliston also addressed Flaig’s concerns, saying a casino will help the community and economy by protecting 250 jobs at Turfway and creating 750 new jobs.
Elliston said the casino is also projected to generate $1.9 million in tax dollars for the state, Boone County, city of Florence, the Boone County schools and the county library and health districts.
“The infrastructure in and around Turfway has been improved, and we have one of the most accessible (potential casino) sites in the state,” Elliston said. “This is a project that will generate jobs, tax revenue and private investment for the community.”