In a sign that talks of expanding casinos in New Jersey isn’t going away, two Republican candidates for governor said they support casinos in the northern part of the state at a recent forum.
However, both acknowledged that voter’s overwhelming rejection of a referendum on the issue in November means a more precise and detailed plan has to be adopted.
Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli appeared at an event run by the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Meadowlands is considered a leading candidate for a casino should expansion be approved.
Ciattearelli said he supports casinos in the north, but ultimately opposed the plan put before voters last year.
“I voted no on the bill because there was too much ambiguity,” Ciattarelli told the audience. “It didn’t say where the casinos would go, or what the tax rate would be. I support casinos in North Jersey. Anyone north of Routes 78 or 80 ain’t going to Atlantic City anyway, so what’s the problem with having North Jersey casinos?”
Ciattarelli also said he supports “a limited number of slot machines at racetracks.”
Also appearing at the event was Steve Rogers, another Republican candidate for governor.
“The problem with the ballot question was that it wasn’t marketed the right way,” said Rogers. “All we heard was how casinos will draw crime and tax our highways and infrastructure. “I support the idea of a world-class casino right here in the Meadowlands. This is the place that would draw not millions, but billions of dollars in revenue.”
Voters defeated the November referendum by a nearly 4 to 1 margin and a new referendum can’t be added to the ballot for at least two years. New Jersey’s gubernatorial race will be decided this November.
