Essex Freeholders Support Casinos In North Jersey, Ballot Set For November Election

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — As support for a ballot question to allow casino gambling in two counties other than Atlantic County reportedly wanes, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders issued a statement in support of a “yes” vote on the issue this November.

Earlier this month, the freeholders issued a statement that touted the possible benefits of casinos in Essex County.

“The New Jersey State Legislature passed a resolution placing a question on the Nov. 8 ballot asking voters whether to allow two casinos in northern New Jersey by amending the New Jersey State Constitution,” freeholders stated. “As noted in the resolution, the entire state would benefit economically from the job creation, tourism and tax revenues generated by destination gaming facilities in northern New Jersey. Additional revenue from northern New Jersey casinos would replenish social programs for the elderly, the disabled or economically challenged that are at risk due to the declining contributions from the gaming market in Atlantic City.”

The freeholders opined that Atlantic City will realize a “substantial benefit” from a dedicated revenue source which could be used for redevelopment, economic incentives for job creation and additional tourism expenditures.

The Sept. 14 resolution was sponsored by Freeholder Leonard Luciano and co-sponsored by Freeholders Timberlake, Richardson, Jones and Sebold.

Politicians are championing bringing at least one casino to North Jersey as a way of fixing the state's Transportation Trust Fund and increasing tourism to the Garden State. Voters must approve the constitutional amendment presented to them in November to end the monopoly Atlantic City has had on casinos and gambling since the 1970s.

The Meadowlands Racetrack, Jersey City, Newark, and the American Dream Meadowlands have all been discussed as possible landing spots for a casino in North Jersey.

• See related article: State Could Pave Way For Building Essex County Casino
• See related article: Lawmakers Trying Hard To Get A Casino Built In Bergen County

WANING SUPPORT FOR CASINOS?

A recent poll from the Rutgers Eagleton Center for Interest Polling claimed that only 35 percent of respondents approve the amendment while 58 percent disapprove, a four-point decrease from the last poll taken.

Half of respondents agreed that gambling should be limited to Atlantic City, a one-point increase.

• See related article: Voter Support For North Jersey Casinos Dwindling, Poll Results Show
• See related article: Anti-Casino Group Says N.J. Politicians Are 'Insane' In New TV Ad (video)

Would you like to see a casino in Essex County? Let us know what you think!

<a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/9536155/">Would you welcome a casino in Essex County?</a>
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