Jan 26th 2006
My position on expanded gaming has focused on my willingness to allow for the installation of slot machines at the venues that currently accommodate para-mutual betting at existing Kansas dog and horse tracks.
I am not in favor of providing funding or support for additional casinos. The issue brought before the county commissioners of Harvey, Sedgwick, Sumner, and other counties deals with the installation of a destination Casino. Pressure for a county wide referendum vote is being applied by individuals with personal investment goals.
Gambling is an issue that the legislature has debated for several years and it is a very complex one. As you know, casinos in Kansas can only be established in two ways. One is under the provisions of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the other according to our state constitution is to have state owned and operated casinos. Both procedures could pose problems.
It is unlikely that the federal government will OK an "off reservation" casino because several congressional leaders have voiced their concern about the Indians taking advantage of a loop-hole in the regulatory act to do "reservation shopping" to move into lucrative casino markets far from their reservations.
State-owned casinos would present problems as well. First of all, Kansas would be the only state to have state-owned casinos. This is probably because of all the possibilities of political corruption that this would open up. Essentially, what you have is the state owning, operating, and being responsible for the regulations and policing of operations. It has been described as the
"fox watching the hen house" scenario. With the amount of money that the casino investors have to spend, what would prevent someone with influence at the state level, to be persuaded to get a permit for an entity that was willing to pay for it?
As for campaign contributions, it is necessary for me to accept contributions as many others have. While I have accepted campaign contributions from Indian contributors with casino interests, this in no way has affected my position on gambling. As a point of fact no amount of contribution on my behalf will cause me to alter my basic beliefs or change a vote. As I understand, the Indian tribes have sent checks to over 90 legislators that have a history of voting against gambling.
These Indian tribes have other issues that are important to them that include, water rights, voting, social issues, tax on property, cigarette and gasoline tax, education, and economic development to name just a few. I have been told and believe that I am consistent in my voting, honest, and willing to discuss both sides of an issue prior to making any decision. All of these special interest groups and lobbyists appreciate working with individuals they respect.
What if I accepted campaign money only from those I agree with? Could this not be considered influence peddling? I would question the intent of those contributions. I will not agree with all people and certainly not all people will agree with me. All I ask is to question me when you have doubts. Contact me when you want to express your opinion or want a clarification on my stated position.
We have some politicians that have stated gambling could raise as much as $200 million that could possibly be used for education. If the State of Kansas would allow enough casino operations across Kansas to produce this amount of revenue, the people of Kansas and the few visitors that we would bring to the state would have to loose approximately $800 million. I do not see this as a good deal for the people of Kansas.
I intend to work hard on issues that could be fruitful, provide for economic growth, provide for our well being, and be a true benefit to the people of the 75th District.
I appreciate the hard work that all county commissioners face and know their task is not an easy one. The expanded gambling issue is one that the State of Kansas Legislature must take action before any local authorities action will be meaningful. I am confident that any voter who seriously questions my motives on any issue, will contact me personally for an explanation which I will gladly provide. Thank-you.
- Representative Grange.
