'Greed' Comment Bothers Burr Ridge Official

BURR RIDGE, IL – Former Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub is clear about his position on video gambling: He's against it.

He is so opposed that he attended his first Village Board meeting since he resigned as mayor more than four years ago. He made his views known during public comments.

One of Straub's reasons was personal. He said his father lost the only house he ever owned because of gambling, among other bad decisions.

Straub also said allowing video gambling in Burr Ridge would tarnish the village's positive image.

He then said he only sees two reasons for video gambling: "Greed and laziness."

"I don't think anyone in this room qualifies for either one of those," he said.

He did not say who was greedy and lazy, whether they were businesses, gamblers or both.

Later in the meeting, Trustee Joe Snyder, who wanted the village to revisit its ban on video gambling, said Straub's words were meant for business owners.

Snyder said the owners work hard to make their businesses successful. He said he did not consider them greedy or lazy about wanting video gambling. He said they were seeking the right to offer something that businesses in other towns have.

During his earlier comments, Straub said he liked the board members and would help their campaigns. He noted he does business with two of the trustees, one of whom sells him insurance. Snyder runs an insurance agency.

A majority of village trustees said they opposed video gambling.