Gambling supporters make case in Kalona

KALONA - Emphasizing the creation of jobs and entertainment, proponents for gambling in Washington County Tuesday stressed that a favorable vote Aug. 31 will serve as a "catalyst" for economic development in the county. Wes Ehrecke of the Iowa Gaming Association, a group representing gaming interests, said that if Catfish Bend Casino is built in Riverside "it will bring people to the area" who will take advantage of other attractions in the area, including tourist attractions. He spoke in Kalona at the fifth of eight scheduled meetings, sponsored by Washington County Citizens for Good Jobs, backers of the gambling referendum. Like Dan Kehl and Joe Massa, both of Catfish Bend Casinos, he stressed that the proposed $80 million facility would bring some 600 "good" jobs to the area. However, as in past meetings, many of the approximate 70 people in attendance, questioned the definition of good, referring to the $6.45 per hour minimum that Massa has called an "entry-level pay." In fact, Massa outlined several jobs, including pay ranges of $27,000 to $35,000 annually, stressing that the casino would have a $16.2 to $16.5 million annual payroll, as well as pay property tax. A number of others questioned the desirability of a business based on gambling, citing problems with addiction to it, and others raised some moral issues about gambling. At one point, exchanges became slightly heated, especially when Jeanine Redlinger of Riverside said that the entire issue has "divided us," and already upped crime by having signs urging a no vote being stolen. The signs were later found in the Kalona City Park and officials have put it down to a kid's prank. Redlinger said that regardless of how the vote went, the casino has brought a problem to Washington County.