Neighbor News
Elmhurst Veterans deserve better than video gambling!
Keep the ban on video gambling in Elmhurst!
On November 2nd, the Elmhurst City Council will consider lifting the ban on video gambling in Elmhurst in a effort to support the American Legion. As a veteran and Boy Scout leader, I support the American Legion and what they do for the community. It is very encouraging that the City of Elmhurst wants to support its veterans, but is gambling the best way? There are other options.
What if the City of Elmhurst purchased the building from the American Legion, made the needed repairs, and leased it back to the Legion for $1 per year for 99 years. This would lift the financial burden from the Legion and would preserve this institution in Elmhurst. Or, the City could make an arrangement with the Legion to rent its hall for City, Park District, School District, and Chamber of Commerce functions throughout the year. This would increase revenue to the Legion and provide a stable flow of revenue. Also, the City could help the Legion find a partner, like Elmhurst-Edwards Healthcare or Goodwill, to open a satellite facility at the Legion to provide healthcare and community services for our veterans. The partner would provide revenue that would cover some of the Legion’s operating costs.
The American Legion is good for Elmhurst and our veterans deserve better than gambling as a source of revenue. Video gambling machines are designed to addict the gamblers and to slowly bleed away their money. If the City of Elmhurst is serious about supporting veterans, then we need to ser
