VOICE-Buffalo Statement On the Casino Issue

9/3/2003

VOICE-Buffalo is an organization of 32 religious congregations working to create justice in Western New York. The Clergy Caucus of VOICE is outraged that political leaders, including Mayor Anthony Masiello, County Executive Joel Giambra and Rep. Jack Quinn, continue to press for a casino. Whether in Cheektowaga or Buffalo, a casino is a terrible idea. First, our elected officials must protect the citizens they represent. Expanding gambling opportunities creates more problem gamblers. Since the Seneca casino opened in Niagara Falls, Jewish Family Services reports a 60 percent increase in demand for gambling addiction counseling. While VOICE congregations work to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, our political leaders work to create an institution that will bring financial ruin and heartache to many families - and require expensive social services paid by local taxpayers.

Second, our elected officials must uphold the New York State Constitution, which wisely prohibits casino gambling. Yet Gov. George Pataki and our local officials subvert its clear intent. The latest News poll shows that 63 percent of Buffalo voters oppose the casino. It's no wonder faith in democracy declines and voters give up voting.

Third, a casino makes no economic sense. Pataki's own 1996 study revealed that a casino will cost more jobs than it creates.

The compact does not guarantee adequate compensation to local governments for their many costs to make improvements and provide services. The millions of dollars the casino will siphon from our neighborhoods will be sent out of town. This will hurt the Chippewa Street entertainment area, our sports teams and our cultural institutions.

Erie County deserves far better political leadership than it is getting. Once again, our elected officials listen to wealthy developers with something to gain, and the rest of us will be the losers.

THE REV. M. BRUCE MCKAY
THE REV. LEWIS PAIGE
VOICE-Buffalo