Three reasons to vote ‘yes’ for casino gambling in Linn County
There’s always excitement and energy around the fall season: It’s time for cooler weather, football weekends and kids have settled into the new school year. As a longtime executive for a company focused on learning, and as a mother who raised two children here in Linn County myself, I recognize and know the importance of helping young minds reach their potential. By studying hard to achieve their goals, students set themselves up for future success.
Linn County has the same opportunity to reach its full potential. With the gaming referendum on the countywide ballot Nov. 2, residents will be able to make their voices heard with a vote to bring a casino to our community. This referendum is a necessary, first step so that we can apply for a casino license in the future.
Eight years ago, Linn County voters passed a referendum by an overwhelming majority, but state law requires us to do it again. However, a successful referendum in 2021 would permanently authorize gaming here in the county. So, this vote provides the opportunity to develop a casino within a timeframe that is right for Linn County.
As the president of the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA), I know this is the right time for Linn County to unlock our potential – and here are three reasons why you should vote YES! on Public Measure G.
We are the second-largest city in Iowa and the largest county in Iowa without a casino.
It’s time we develop a casino so we can continue revitalizing our communities. We know from the 2013 vote that Linn County residents want a casino. That vote, which passed with more than 61 percent, was a mandate to invest in Linn County’s future.
Vote yes for millions of dollars in local gaming revenue dedicated to helping our local nonprofits.
It's true that every county in Iowa benefits from gaming – though the counties that are homes to gaming facilities benefit exponentially. In fact, the 15 casino counties distributed over $95 million to their local nonprofits in 2019 – averaging about $6.3 million for each county. In contrast, the 84 counties without casinos – like Linn County – each received approximately $140,000. That stark difference is just too much. This is why the LCGA and longtime partner Peninsula Pacific Entertainment are committed to distribute 8 percent of net revenue once a casino is developed. Think of the possibilities of what we could do for our nonprofits by distributing millions of dollars every year!
Vote yes for new tourism and entertainment options.
In addition to the economic benefits gaming can bring to the area, a casino will be a vibrant, inclusive destination for entertainment, restaurants and concerts. All of these give us more options for things to do right here in Linn County – and give visitors more reasons to visit and support our local businesses.
A strong yes vote on Nov. 2 will set Linn County up for the best chances to bring a local casino to our community. Together, let’s support the gaming referendum to reach our future potential – it’s time for our county to win!
Anne Parmley is the president of the Linn County Gaming Association, the nonprofit that will hold the license for a proposed casino in Linn County.