At a February meeting of the Tammany Parish, Louisiana city council, residents mostly spoke in favor of a $250 million casino in Slidell proposed by Los Angeles-based Peninsula Pacific. But now opponents are organizing against the project. Foes of the casino turned out at a recent meeting of the Slidell City Council. Council Chairman Kenneth Tamborella told attendees a casino resolution on its agenda was not for or against the casino, but simply allowed citizens to express their opinions.
And express they did. Ray Larry, pastor at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, said, “I’ve been on the other side. I was addicted to gambling. In 1981, I lost a month’s wages. I know what it does to a family. Why bring it to our city?” Another pastor, Emil Gretarsson of Open Arms ministries, wondered why the entire parish could vote on a casino that would only affect Slidell. Others cited gambling ills, including addiction, financial hardship, divorce, domestic violence, suicide and declining property values.
Gene Mills, executive director of the Louisiana Family Forum said, “It’s difficult to get elected officials to look long-term when the short-term looks so glittery. I’ve been watching for two decades, the same battle over and over again.”
Slidell resident Lisa Clayton said, “Pontius Pilate was given the opportunity to make a decision or not, and he decided to punt and wash his hands and say let the people decide. We have an opportunity to speak against something that God does not want in this community.” Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal said that after hearing the speakers, he decided to oppose the casino.
At the end of the meeting, the council voted to hold another public session, in the city auditorium, on April 19. Peninsula Pacific officials will be there to provide more information to Slidell residents.
Anti-casino groups also are making their voices heard. The religious-based lobbyist group Louisiana Family Forum sent out an email blast against the Slidell casino. And Watchdog PAC LLC, a 501(c)4, sent a mailer to parts of St. Tammany Parish picturing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and claiming del Lago, a Peninsula Pacific-owned casino in upstate New York, overpromised how much tax revenue it would generate and then sought a tax break. “Even a bad governor like Andrew Cuomo could see it with his own eyes,” the mailer stated.
When asked if other casinos were funding their effort, Watchdog PAC Chairman Scott Wilfong said the group doesn’t disclose its donors. “We’re taking a position on what we see as a local issue. We’re not done with our efforts,” he said.
Legislators and other elected officials, however, said they’ve heard mostly positive feedback about the casino. Even half of the homeowners in the subdivision closest to the site support the proposed project.
Elected officials note gambling isn’t as controversial as it was in 1996 when 62 percent of voters rejected casinos and video poker, or in 2008 when then-Parish President Kevin Davis proposed a Slidell casino but backed down due to strong opposition from the religious community.
Meanwhile, representatives from Peninsula Pacific have been meeting with civic groups, local leaders and homeowners groups to gain support for the project, while accusing Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos of financing anti-casino efforts. Local spokesperson Jay Connaughton said, “It’s shameful that Mississippi casinos are slinging mud and twisting facts while we are engaging with the community to develop a first-class resort. It should surprise no one that Mississippi casinos will spend whatever it takes to protect the $350 million they earn off of Louisiana residents every year.”
