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Dear Gaming Boardmembers:
As a voting, tax payer I am urging you (The Gaming Control Board)
not to rush into giving Barden and Neil Bluhm control on the
Pittsburgh Casino. Mr. Barton casino license should be pulled.
Mr. Barden had no right to sell something that he doesn,t own. He
should have talked to the board before moving forward with Mr.
Bluhm. I feel that a investigation should be done to ensure the
voter of Pa. that honesty and integrity of the parties involved
will be for the voter of pa. and not for a couple of party members.
Also I feel that the bidder back in 2006 that bid for the casino
license should be contacted to see if they want to continue with
Mr. Barden Casino or start all over and use the building that Mr.
Barden started into a new hotel, that could be used for the sport
center and casino guest.

Thank You
Pa. Voter

Dear Gaming Boardmembers
What would be involved to have Slot Machine Repair taught to
adults at our Technical School. Can you let me know if this is
possible? Thank you.

William Krzemien
Continuing Education Supervisor
North Montco Technical Career Center

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

I am writing today to express my strong opinion against building
casinos in Fishtown. I Grew up in Fishtown, and own a business
here. I love my area and wouldn't ever consider leaving it until
now. I feel my opinions and other residents voices are not being
heard. Most people in our City/area are against the building of
these toxic casinos.


Philadelphia is so rich in history, and is a place people take
pride in their neighborhoods. I think the building of New huge
casino's, will destroy what makes Philadelphia a great family
oriented, historical valued, laid back, working class, City of
Pride.

Take away all the effort and residents opinions, and you will
turn my area into a crime ridden, gambling addicted, traffic
congested, named "party town"... just like the Atlantic City,
and Las Vegas. Why must we accept this as the only option?
Atlantic city is 1.5 - 2hr drive from Philadelphia, why must we
have this negativity in our own back yard? Are you ready to turn
Philadelphia into a classless place, you will be moving the
loyal, family oriented, pride filled people from their homes, to
find a less toxic place to live. Consider my opinions, as well
as my neighbors who are against the building of these Casinos in
Fishtown. Find another location that is appropriate to that type
of negativity, not where families, churches, schools have been
located for a century. Thank you for your time.

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

I implore you to vote out HB 1477 that is sponsored by house
representative, Babette Josephs, to keep any gambling casinos, at
least 1500 feet from residences, schools, churches,playgrounds
and community centers,along Delaware avenue and Columbus Boulevard.

I feel the welfare of children,families,small businesses and
restaurants would suffer greatly with the presence of gambling
casinos in this area. Besides traffic nightmare, along Columbus
Boulevard and Delaware Avenue, there would be increased crime.
prostitution and drug trafficking. The revenue of small
businesses and restaurnants would decrease sharply and last but
not least the value of our homes would drop dramatically. This
would negate the hard work and sacrifice of many people to create
a safe and secure environment for thousands of citizens in this area.

I beleive that placing casinos in these areas would eventually
have a serious destructive social and economic effect, not unlike
a tsunami, that would start along the waterfront and advance
westward to Broad Street, and to the rest of the city! And this
in the birthplace of this country, in close proximity of
Independendence Hall, the Constitution Center, the Liberty
Bell,etc--all important and vital symbols of America.

Please take the appropriate action to see that this never
occurs! Thank you!

I would like to formally declare via this letter my strong
opposition to the decision to remove the referendum from the May
15 primary ballot and express my disbelief at the unfair and
undemocratic manner in which this whole process has been handled.
I am deeply ashamed that this state's officials would exclude
considering the opinions of the people who will be directly
affected by the proposed casino sites.

I moved to South Philadelphia five years ago. While most of my
friends who were starting families abandoned the City to move to
the suburbs, my husband and I decided to remain committed to
urban growth and revitalization in Philadelphia and invested in
this City by purchasing a small home on Snyder Avenue. My seven
year old daughter now attends a small parochial school that is
located on the corner of Moyamensing and Reed streets, a mere
FIVE blocks from the proposed site for the Foxwoods casino. I am
not only concerned for her safety, but for her quality of life as
she grows up in this neighborhood.

I plead with both the City Council, the Governor, the Mayor and
the Gaming Commission to reconsider the Foxwoods site--at least
for the sake of my daughter and the other children who live and
attend school in South Philadelphia.

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

I am a resident of the Fishtown neighborhood in Philadelphia.
These days this neighborhood is often associated with the
future location of the Sugarhouse casino, but I want you to
know about the great things that have been happening here in
the past several years, that are now threatened by this new
casino.

In a city that has lost a quarter of its population since its
peak, Fishtown is a neighborhood that has been growing with an
influx of new artists, student and working professionals.
Houses are being rehabbed, new restaurants are opening, new
businesses are revitalizing the Girard Ave corridor. Now all of
this is being threatened by the prospect of a giant Casino in
our neighborhood.

Why would anyone want to move into a neighborhood where traffic
chokes residential streets. Where drunk people will be
stumbling around at all hours of night. Where prostitutes and
pawn shops become part of the landscape. We were never given a
chance to say if we wanted this at our doorsteps. There was no
statewide referendum like in every other state that legalized
casino gambling. When our city counsil unanimously placed a
referendum on the May 15th ballot, we finally thought we'd get
the chance to have out voices heard. Again, our right to vote
was taken away. I am not against casinos or gambling, but to
put a casino in a residential neighborhood is blatantly
irresponsible. If you believe in true democract and the ideals
upon this country is based, please give us back our right to
vote.

Sincerely,
Roman Strakovsky

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:
I implore you to DO THE RIGHT THING and spend some time on due diligence
concerning the safety and welfare of our citizens and the impending negative
impact of casinos on our community, for which the state seems to have no regard or
respect.

Take a few moments and check out these websites and the negative impact that
gambling can have on communities around the country. That is if you care and I
assume you do!

All of this makes me very sad because I really care about and love this city.

Gambling and Homelessness
“Alcohol, drug use, loss of work, and poverty are the most recognized causes of
homelessness. But there is an increasing trend of acceptable behavior that is
destroying families and adding to the problem of homelessness … gambling”.

http://www.casinowatch.org/costs/increases.html

http://society.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5005112-106808,00.html

http://www.agrm.org/news/gambling.html

http://www.hereshelpnet.org/gambling%20is%20it%20worth%20it.htm

http://www.lava.net/~manis/gambling.html
Addicted gamblers have the most serious troubles: theft, arrests, loss of jobs,
bankruptcy, marital conflict, and suicide. Some of these troubles are faced by
problem gamblers who are far more numerous than addicted gamblers. The
Harvard study reported that the number of problem gamblers rose from 4.9 million
in 1976 to 11 million in 1997. Altogether, addicted and problem gamblers rose to
over 15 million in 1997.

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:
We are frustrated and cannot imagine what you were thinking.
It was agreed by every objective entity that the Delaware and
Reed Street site would have the worst impact on the community.
The only interest that was served by choosing it were those
belonging to Foxwoods, which was also the only group fined
before they even started doing business here.
Your decision will destry what's now a wonderful neighborhood
since no one in their right mind and any financial means will
move within 5 miles of it.
You do not represent "the people" and though your actions have
shown that you have no willingness to do what is best for
Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. We are devestated that we will
probably be forced to move rather than live surrounded by the
blight that will inevitably occur.
Reconsider this decision and choose a site not at the end of 3
one-way streets. What will your legacy be????

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

You did right by Gettysburg and I thank you for that.

The easy part was denying Crossroads a license because quite
frankly, it should not have been an option to begin with and we
all know it. Your true work now begins and it is my hope that
all of you charged with running this new industry in our state
keeps your eyes and ears open. I pray corruption and greed and
ignorance do not run the show when it comes to gambling in PA.
I pray you all do your jobs and keep it on the up and up. Do
not take advantage of the citizens of this state nor allow
others to do it.

Again, thank you for your no vote for Gettysburg. You
obviously listened to the people's outrage and it was the right
thing to do.

Happy Holidays to you all.

Danielle Costa

Gaming Boardmembers:

This is the same MS that recently wrote to you. I know why this
decision was made now. An inside man has given me this
information. It had nothing to do with what was best for the
city did it. No, it didn't. It had everything to do with
diversity. I am not a racist by any mans standards. Trust me on
that. but it has come to my attention that the reason that PITG
gaming was awarded the liscense has something to do with the
race of the man who runs it. You had already awarded the
licenses to gaming companies run by white men, because you
thought that they had the most to offer for the area. But if
you awarded it to one more white man you would all seem like
racists. So even though the Isle of Capri did have the most to
offer, you gave it to PITG gaming for the reasons i just
listed. This makes me sick. You and Ed Rendell. Yes i said Ed
Rendell. Had Philadelphia been in need of a new arena, he
would have done everything in his power to get them one. And he
would have. But yet again, Pittsburgh is neglected by the
horrible governor. I wish i could have also have sent this
letter to him because he is a pig who needs to here it from
some one.

Gaming Boardmembers:

As one of the youth living in the Pittsburgh area today, i feel
that you have seriously failed me with the new announcement on
Wednesday Decemeber 26, 2006. Although awarding PTIG gaming
with the license seemed like the best economic idea at the
time, you obviously were not thinking about the long run. THE
PENGUINS SELL OUT ALMOST EVERY GAME. If they do leave, which
the chances of that are looking pretty good right now, a huge
chunk of money will leave with them. The "respective" members
of the Pennsylvania State Gaming board are responsible for
this. Also, as a youth growing up in the Pittsburgh area, i
have been i die hard Penguins fan all of my life. I spend much
of my time going to the games, and watching the games on
television. Not only does this keep me out of trouble, but it
also keeps youth around the city out of trouble too. I am
trying to keep calm but this is almost impossible. I am
outraged by hearing this. The Penguins have been a huge part
of my life...a part that you may have just ruined. Thanks for
that. I doubt that any of you will even read this, because it
seems that you would think that you are way above me, and that
i am not even worthy for your time. Me being just a stupid kid
and all. I really do not even think you care. I hope that
people boycott the casino, and you people see what a mistake
you have made when the Penguins leave Pittsburgh. I only wish
that I can send you the same Christmas joy that you have given
to me...THANKS... yea...Merry Christmas... To prove that you
really do care PLEASE E-mail me back. I think you already have
it, but I will give it to you anyway. It is
Mattman31591@yahoo.com

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen. Concerned about my
city, my neighborhood and the quality of life that my neighbors
and I stand to lose if you choose Foxwoods as a site for one of
the 2 casinos proposed for the city of Philadelphia. We have
one of the oldest neighborhoods in our city, many homes are
100+ years old and some 150+ years old. The proposed Foxwoods
site at Columbus and Reed Sts. is literally 2 blocks from these
homes. I believe that this would destroy what we have in
Pennsport community, not to mention our direct neighbors, Queen
Villiage and Whitman. The increased traffic alone that we will
have to bear will be devastating. One plan to handle the
increased traffic is to widen I-95 to the west. This would be
impossible without houses being leveled to make room for more
highway. Who pays for that - us, the taxpayers? The same
people who will have to relocate when this happens.

We will also be faced with increased crime at all hours of the
day. Casinos bring a list of social ills with them - theft,
drugs, prostitution, drunk driving, etc. All this around the
corner from our homes - I can't wait!

I ask you not to consider the proposed Foxwoods site at
Columbus and Reed Sts. or at the very least postpone the
deadline until all the facts have been made available to the
public and they have had the opportunity to have their voices
heard.

I would also like to invite you to come see for yourself what
traffic issues we are already dealing with. Take a ride down
next Saturday, Dec. 23, late morning, early afternoon. Try to
exit from I-95 South at Columbus Blvd and Washington Ave and
make your way to Reed St and beyond. Or try to drive south on
Front Street from Washington Ave and then make a left toward
Columbus Blvd from Reed St, Tasker St or Mifflin St. Then
think about all the additional cars and buses that Foxwoods
would bring and ask yourself if you could live there.

NEIGHBORHOODS NOT FOXWOODS!

Sincerely,
Regina Griffin-Kelly

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:
Please do not allow the history of Gettysburg to be tarnished
by placing a casino anywhere near this hallowed ground. Don't
allow potential 'dollars' to push the events of this place
aside to make room for pawn shops, adult entertainment, and the
type of activity that takes place two blocks off the boardwalk
in Atlantic City.

What are the odds that school children, or reinactors visiting
the battlefield could be hit and killed by someone who has
enjoyed the FREE DRINKS offered 'A Whole Mile Away' from the
battlefield?

Do the right thing and put this thing somewhere else. If
residents of Maryland and DC want to gamble that bad, they will
gladly drive a little further.

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:
Putting casinos, slots, and all of the other gaudy
development that goes with it in or near Gettysburg is the same
as selling your family heirlooms for a night on the town.
Would you do that?
What will future generations think of this generation for
selling a national treasure for a few dollars (maybe)?
DO NOT DO IT!!

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

A small community such as Gettysburg should not be required to
bear the burden of the quest for property tax relief for the
entire state.

After hearing the Crossroads presentation on Wednesday of this
week, and the many distortions set forth by all the big money
people from out of town (many from out of state), I am more
convinced than ever that the casino is NOT the best thing for
our Gettysburg community.

For the sake of our democratic process, please do not force
this gambling establishment upon the Gettysburg community.

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

I am writing to vehemently oppose a slots license for
Gettysburg Pa.
This area is hallowed ground and has been since President Lincoln
addressed it as so.
A casino will be an affront to all the brave men and their names
who fought at the battle.
I urge you to vote with your heart and oppose this license for the
sake of our heritage and next generations to come.
A slots license will also cause more vandalism to the battlefield
as we have recently seen this past year.
Please vote no.

Thank You

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:
I traveled to Harrisburg expecting the release of documents
(required by regulation) that would reveal the casino
information to neighborhood groups. I was sadly disappointed
when we were turned away. I was almost brought to tears thinking
about how our so called democracy and elected and appointed
officials treat citizens. Then I became outraged as to the
total disregard for the law that elected and appointed officials
seem to operate under. First, how dare you treat our right to
know in this way and Second, you are not going to get away with
it.
Release the documentation that Casino Free Philadelphia
requested, it is your obligation to do so.
Thank you,
Mary Ellen Weber

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:
When Brad Beecher reported illegal surveillance off the
reservation by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Commission, the State
Police never interviewed him either. Read the whole story about
Pickett and Associates at www.thetisconsulting.com.
(860-388-7882)

Big surprise, the casinos are crime ridden and corrupt and the
State Police, Attorney General and State Government have been
covering it up - That is what Brad has been saying for two years.

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ctrgreen1212.artdec12,0,7906983.column?coll=hc-utility-local

courant.com
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ctrgreen1212.artdec12,0,7906983.column?coll=hc-utility-local


Are Our Casinos Truly That Clean?



Rick Green

December 12 2006

The tipster's story was right out of an episode from television's
"CSI," except this was here in sleepy Connecticut.

A state trooper - a former casino unit investigator - was
gambling with narcotics traffickers at Mohegan Sun. There were
allegations of an Asian prostitution ring, a video tape, drug use
and exclusive high roller parties.

But according to investigators from the New York State Police and
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the bungled inquiry into
these explosive allegations about "Trooper A" went nowhere,
raising questions about Connecticut's state police "casino unit"
and oversight of gambling at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

"This type of investigation was beyond the scope of their
training and capabilities," stated the report, which examined
complaints against the internal affairs unit in the Connecticut
State Police. Disturbing details about the failed casino
investigation were buried near the end of the investigators' reports.

"Considering that undercover narcotics investigations require
specific methods and the coordination of a team who are
experienced in such operations, the casino unit should not have
been involved."

Great, the cops assigned to work where unlimited money and booze
flow at a round-the-clock gambling party aren't capable of
undercover narcotics work. The internal affairs unit, which
handles corruption like this, also never got involved.

Maybe my imagination is fueled by too much TV. How could
Connecticut have the largest casinos in the world and yet we
rarely hear about any major arrests or investigations?

It is possible that Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun really do produce
only the occasional drunk or card counter. The tribal gaming
authorities - who work with and are required to provide "free
access" to the state police - may be running a tight ship,
keeping out what can follow gambling money: mobsters,
prostitution and drug dealing.

But please. Our small towns produce more police news than
Connecticut's two mega-casinos. The latest investigations into
our state police suggest that gambling isn't getting the sort of
scrutiny it deserves.

Every few years an ousted or disgruntled cop turns up charging
that things aren't what they seem. Former state police casino
unit investigator Jack Drumm once said state oversight was
"illusory" at Foxwoods because the state has little access.

Now we have the official reports - with help from a whistleblower
inside the casino unit - telling us investigations into "Trooper
A" were "so poorly managed ... as to render them completely
ineffectual."

When the Statewide Narcotics Task Force attempted an undercover
operation at the casino, it was "almost immediately compromised"
when they were identified by casino security. "Word of the
investigation quickly spread throughout the casino staff, many of
whom were social acquaintances of Trooper A."

The casino resorts are an important and essential part of our
Connecticut economy, employing more than 20,000 and contributing
more than $400 million to the state. As we grow more dependent on
the casinos and enjoy the benefits, we need to at least
acknowledge the costs.

Ignoring problems that come with Las Vegas-style gambling isn't
the answer. In this case, the state police neglected the most
"fundamental investigative step" after receiving the tip about
Trooper A: They never bothered to interview him.

It was probably nothing, anyway. That sort of thing only happens
on TV and certainly not in Connecticut.

Rick Green's column appears on Tuesdays and Fridays. He can be
reached at rgreen@courant.com
Copyright 2006, Hartford Courant

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

I am writing to support the request for 1) the release to the
public of documents and information regarding casino applicants'
applications for licensing, and 2) a delay of casino licensing
for at least one year, to allow for adequate public input and
response to the casino applicants and the various changes in
their proposals since they were initially submitted.

For centuries, corruption has, for the most part, been a side
effect of the gambling "industry." I hope you understand that the
legalization of casino gambling in Pennsylvania has opened great
opportunities and temptations for corruption at many levels.
Since the state has allowed casino gambling, it has taken on the
responsibility to regulate casino activities and protect against
corruption. When government has taken upon itself to regulate the
"gambling industry", IT is also open to the temptation and
opportunities for corruption. Who will monitor the government as
the government monitors the casinos?

When government is open about its dealings in this arena, it will
be less prone to corruption. For dealings will be in the open,
where all can see. When government is open about its dealings,
the people can regain a trust in the officials whom they have
elected and know that they (the people) are involved in process.

I believe that it is in the best interest of the government and
the people that all aspects of the state's licensing and
subsequent regulation of casinos be an open process.

Afterall, is not our government a government "of the people, by
the people, for the people?"

Thank you.

Dear Gaming Boardmembers:

As a voting, tax-paying resident of Philadelphia I am urging
that you postpone for at least one year the granting of any
gaming licenses in Philadelphia. There has not been enough
information provided by the proposed gaming operators regarding
the impact on quality of life in Philadelphia.

These gambling outfits will have a lasting impact on
Philadelphia and the region. The effect on traffic alone will
be horrendous. Adding to the mix is the work that will be
ongoing for the next 7?!? years on I95 right next to the
proposed riverfront sites! Those waterfront sites are also
adjacent to historic, residential areas of Philadelphia. Would
you like to live next to a 24/7 casino?

Please, please delay granting a license and allow time for an
open, democratic dialogue regarding casinos in Philadelphia.
This will be your legacy forever.

Sincerely

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