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September 28, 2006. As feared, the state senate voted unanimously to pass SB 862. The bill includes an amendment by Sen. Fumo which strips the City of Philadelphia of its power to regulate casinos. Despite over 300 letters urging him to do so, Senator Fumo did not use his influence to remove his amendment. He did post this press release, however. In the press release Fumo blames the House of Representatives for taking away the City's zoning power and portrays himself as having restored some power to the City by virtue of having included a few dimensionsal restrictions from the City zoning code for casinos. The bottom line remains unchanged, however: due to Sen. Fumo's amendment, the City loses all power to regulate casino development within its borders.
September 26, 2006. As early as tomorrow, September 27, 2006 the state senate may vote to take away from the City of Philadelphia its power to regulate the two casinos mandated for Philadelphia. State Senator Vincent J. Fumo of Philadelphia has made it a priority to take away the City's right to set and enforce zoning and safety rules on casinos. Fumo's amendment to the Gaming Act would also strip residents of their right to be heard on the design and operation of the casinos at a zoning hearing.
Why is Sen. Fumo so keen to take away the rights of Philadelphians and the City government which represents them? As elected representative for many Philadelphians, Sen. Fumo is supposed to be working to make Philadelphians' lives better. How would taking away our City's power to enforce zoning and safety rules on casinos lead to a better, safer Philadelphia? How would residents be better off if they didn't have the option to address the City zoning board about their casino concerns?
These aren't just idle questions. What Sen. Fumo thinks and wants matters a great deal to anyone who lives in Philadelphia. In addition to being the second most powerful elected official in Harrisburg, Sen. Fumo is leading the negotiations with republicans over reforms to the Gaming Act. He will have a great say in which of the proposed changes to the Gaming Act actually become law. If Sen. Fumo could be persuaded that Philadelphia's power to regulate casinos is a good thing and should be left alone, he could probably remove his amendment tomorrow.
Ed Goppelt, Faxbank Manager
webmaster@hallwatch.org
