"Monroe’s fall referendum on an Indian casino may give an early indication about how other ballot issues regarding gambling in Ohio may turn out.

Other anticipated gambling-related ballot issues for the November 2005 election have not materialized, and the Eastern Shawnee tribe — which wants to open casinos in Monroe and other Ohio sites — has not found the state very hospitable so far. Last month, the tribe resorted to filing suit in federal court, claiming ownership rights to land in some Ohio counties (including Butler and Warren) and hoping to coax state officials into a mood to make a deal.

Until then, it will appear that the November 2005 referendum in Monroe — where the Eastern Shawnee tribe wants to build a casino/entertainment complex — could offer one of the few sneak peeks at how Ohioans might vote a year later.

Proponents of the initiative say Monroe residents should repeal the agreement and send a message to the tribe that Monroe does not want to be home to one of several proposed casinos — and any accompanying problems — the Eastern Shawnee has planned."

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Editorial for July 12, 2005 (The Middletown Journal 7/12)
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