"If boxing terms were to describe Wednesday's casino battle, it could be said Port Huron and Romulus were knocked out. The two U.S. House bills that sought approval for Indian-run gambling casinos in both cities were treated to an old-fashioned beating -- 298 to 121.
When a contender is dispatched that severely, there is little chance for a rematch. Port Huron's hopes for a casino -- an enterprise that could provide badly needed jobs, spark new development and improve the city's dire economic prospects -- were simply crushed.
The winners? Detroit officials and the city's three casinos. Wednesday's vote confirmed the argument they've made throughout Port Huron's casino quest: Michigan has no room for any new casinos.
Make no mistake about that lesson. It is nothing more than self-interest.
When Detroit made its own casino bid, city officials sought Michigan voters' support in a statewide referendum. A majority of Port Huron and St. Clair County residents cast their ballots in favor of the proposal.
No matter. When Port Huron and Romulus sought the same chance to improve their economic prospects, Detroit and its allies in Washington did their best to quash those efforts.
U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit, was a key opposition leader. He disparaged proponents' arguments in favor of Indian rights and warned the bills' approval would set the precedent for more off-reservation Indian gaming sites.
"If you want to start a run on forum shopping for casinos, this is going to be the first bill that does it," he said. Yet, Conyers never complained about Detroit's casino bid."
Get the Story:
Editorial: Detroit just can't bring itself to share
(The Port Huron Times-Herald 6/27)
Other Opinions:
Cliff Schrader: Casino backer got battered; don't count him out just yet (The Port Huron Times-Herald 6/27)
Talkback: Views differ on casino bill's defeat (The Port Huron Times-Herald 6/27)
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