Yesterday, Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett pointed out that two important matters concerning the construction of a casino in Cedar Rapids were discussed during the past week and they both did not bode well for the project.
In the first place, Sen. Wally Horn, who had proposed a bill that would have permitted the construction of the first smoke-free casino in the state, decided to pull it from consideration yesterday. The legislation was supposed to be reviewed by the 15-member Senate’s State Government Committee.
Sen. Horn said that he needed only one vote so as to be able to present the bill to the Senate, but no committee members, who have casinos in their communities, voted in favor of his legislation.
Yet, Mayor Corbett stated that he was content with the fact the bill got some support. He also pointed out that it will be revised and proposed again some time next year.
Sen. Horn claimed that the approval of a smoke-free casino would be good for Cedar Rapids’ economy and the health of its residents. What is more, it would by no means have a negative effect on neighboring casinos.
Mayor Corbett promised that he and Sen. Horn will do their best to convince the state Legislature to create a study committee before the next legislative session that would consider changes in the current gambling regulations as well as the approval of the smoke-free casino in Cedar Rapids.
As for the second matter that was discussed during the past week, it was related to the appointment of a new member to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Mayor Corbett stated that he was hoping Gov. Terry Branstad would name a person that would support the launch of a casino in the city.
Back in April 2014, the commission voted against the construction of the gambling venue.
Two of the five commission members are to step down in April, but earlier this week Gov. Branstad proposed their reappointment. Their names are Kristine Kramer of New Hampton and Dolores Mertz of Algona. The latter is known to be the only one who voted in favor of the casino in Cedar Rapids.
Mayor Corbett pointed out that if Kramer had not reappointed and a member from Cedar Rapids had been nominated instead, the casino would have had bigger chances to be built in the years to come.
Back in June 2014, the commission stated that no casino applications will be considered in the next three years.
