Thank you for seeking my opinion on various gaming issues in Illinois. I wish to use this as an opportunity to present my views on gaming and the positions I would take as governor.
As a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, I voted against the legislation that created casino gaming in Illinois. Throughout this campaign, I have expressed my opposition to expanded forms of gaming. Today, I wish to present my views on an assortment of gaming issues.
Opposition to Keno Gambling
After promising to oppose more gambling in Illinois, Rod Blagojevich proposed bringing Keno gambling to Illinois. I stated at the time that I opposed Keno gambling. I continue to oppose Keno gambling and believe it would take the state in a wrong direction. The governor’s plan would have brought Keno gambling to every neighborhood in this state. I will oppose any future effort to introduce Keno gambling in Illinois.
Opposition to Video Poker
I have opposed video poker and will oppose efforts to legalize video poker or other similar games. I do not believe it is good public policy to legalize video poker games in every bar and restaurant in Illinois.
Opposition to Legalizing New Forms of Gambling
Illinois law provides for ten casino licenses. Let me be clear with you on this point. I support the operation of a 10th license. As noted above, though, I oppose legalization of Keno gambling, video poker and I oppose the introduction of any other new forms of gambling in Illinois.
I realize there are other forms of gambling in other states that could be proposed for Illinois. I believe Illinois has enough forms of gambling: lottery, horse racing, and casinos, not to mention bingo. I oppose adding new forms -- including Keno gambling and video poker -- that have been considered for Illinois and I would oppose other ideas for new forms of gambling.
Opposition to Sale of the Lottery
I believe the governor’s proposal to sell the lottery is a mistake. It is wrong for the state to turn over this operation for a long-term period to a private for-profit company. The state would lose control over the number and type of lottery games, prize awards, dispute resolutions and retail sales incentives. I am particularly concerned about allowing a for-profit entity to make all marketing decisions and thus permit the new “owners” to reap profits by targeting society’s most vulnerable populations. The public, through its elected leaders, should have the ability to influence the moral direction of the lottery and how profits are derived.
The Blagojevich plan is untested, and every expert familiar with this issue has challenged his assumptions. Virtually every Editorial Board in the state has given the Governor’s Plan a thumbs down. It will not provide a secure, long-term revenue source for education. Indeed, one of the worst elements of the Governor’s plan is that after four years, the Illinois schools’ budget will plummet by one billion dollars. Later, another $650 million would disappear. The cruel truth about the Blagojevich plan is that it actually undermines education funding stability.
Indian Gaming
I oppose Indian gaming in Illinois. Let me present two reasons. First, I believe Illinois has enough gaming venues, and the state has enough forms of gambling. Second, Indian gaming presents a threat to the sovereign authority of the state. All gaming in Illinois today falls under the authority of state government, its laws and its rules. I could not support efforts to permit any form of gambling to fall outside the state’s authority.
Independent Gaming Board
I believe the governor made a serious mistake undermining the independence of the Gaming Board. The Board was originally established as a free-standing, independent agency. Governor Blagojevich eliminated the Board’s free-standing status by merging it with the Department of Revenue. The result was a reduction in agency independence and an increase in political activity.
With the merger with the Department of Revenue, all hiring decisions came under the political control of Governor Blagojevich’s patronage office. In one example of political crassness, the Gaming Board was forced by Governor Blagojevich to hire a top staff member because the person was recommended by a casino lobbyist who raised massive amounts of campaign cash for Blagojevich.
One of the most important principles I would follow is that the Gaming Board must be staffed with professionals and be free of political influence. As Governor, I will restore the Gaming Board’s independence. All hiring at the Board should be politics-free and people should be hired and promoted based on merit.
Gaming Board Appointments
The purpose of independent boards and commissions is to provide an atmosphere where decisions can be made based on the best professional judgment. To succeed, independent agencies, such as the Gaming Board, must be filled with respected, independent-minded individuals. They should be highly qualified and free of political or ethical conflicts. I will not appoint people who are close to gaming interests or who are recommended by gaming interest lobbyists. My appointments to the Gaming Board will meet the highest ethical standards and will be free of political influence.
The current Governor dispatched his top fundraiser – a non-government employee – to negotiate a massive gambling expansion deal. It was improper to use a politically-connected fundraiser to work in secrecy and undermine the authority and role of the Gaming Board. I will respect the role of the Board and never ask the Board to be subservient to outside interests.
Thank you again for this opportunity to present my views.
Sincerely,
Judy Baar Topinka
Candidate for Governor